Dr Asma Jabeen
University of Toronto (U of T) has Initiated new Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program, a doctoral scholarship designed for excellent PhD applicants from Canada and all parts of world. Scholarship is Backed by an unprecedented $100-million investment. Program aims to create a new model of doctoral education focused on interdisciplinary research, real-world problem-solving. The first cohort of Presidents’ Impact Scholars will begin their PhD studies in September 2027.
Program is supported by an anonymous $50-million philanthropic commitment, one of the largest gifts to doctoral education in Canadian history, together with matching funds from the University of Toronto.
Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program Details
- Host University: University of Toronto
- Degree level: PhD
- Scholarship coverage: Fully funded
- Award Country: Canada
- Scholarship value: $80,000 per year for four years
- Total potential funding: $320,000
- Inaugural Start Date: September 2027
Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program will cover scholarship for 12 or more PhD scholars each year around a specific society challenge or research theme..
Potential themes could include area such as
- AI and health,
- Artificial intelligence
- quantum technologies,
- genomics,
- biomedical sciences,
- sustainability,
- public policy
- cybersecurity.
Program focuses to create interdisciplinary cohorts where researchers from different fields can work together to address complex challenges.
For example, a theme based on AI and mental health can bring together researchers working in computer
Scholarship Funding
Presidents’ Impact Scholars will receive $80,000 per year for four years, providing a total potential funding package of $320,000 over the four-year PhD period.
The program will also connect scholars with researchers across the University of Toronto, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty members whose work relates to the annual theme.
Interdisciplinary PhD Research
A central feature of the Presidents’ Impact Scholarship Program is its emphasis on interdisciplinary doctoral education.
Each scholar will work with two faculty supervisors from different disciplines. This structure is designed to help researchers develop expertise across multiple fields.
Who Can Apply
- The programme is intended for exceptional PhD applicants from Canada and around the world.
- Candidates will be assessed not only on academic excellence but also on their demonstrated capacity for innovation, creativity and real-world problem-solving.
- Applicants may come from a wide range of disciplines such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, genomics, biomedical sciences, sustainability, public policy, cybersecurity and other fields connected to major societal challenges.
Application and Important Dates
The inaugural Presidents’ Impact Scholarship cohort will begin studies in September 2027.
The University of Toronto has announced that a formal call for applications will be issued soon. At the time of the programme’s launch, the university had not yet published the application deadline or complete application instructions.
Prospective applicants should therefore monitor the official University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies announcement for the application opening, eligibility details, participating programmes and submission requirements.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR APPLICATION UPDATES
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