SGS Emergency Grant

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Award Overview

Purpose

Graduate students are expected to begin their studies with a solid financial plan in place. The SGS Emergency Grant provides short-term financial relief when those plans are disrupted and a student is facing an immediate and unexpected financial crisis during their program. The grant is not intended to cover shortfalls in OSAP, other financial aid, graduate funding, or personal resources.

As a first step, students should contact their Faculty Registrar’s Office or Graduate Unit to discuss their financial situation and explore available options.

Eligibility

Eligible students are expected to have a solid financial plan in place and to have explored funding options through their Graduate Unit or Registrar’s Office. This includes sources such as OSAP or other government assistance programs, personal savings, loans from financial institutions, and student lines of credit.

Eligible applicants:

  • Are registered full-time and in good academic standing, in an OSAP eligible degree program at the School of Graduate Studies;
  • Are experiencing an unanticipated financial emergency that impacts their ability to continue in their program;
  • Have applied for, and are in good standing with Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) or other government student aid program (domestic students); and
  • Demonstrate financial need

Students registered with Accessibility Services should inquire with an Accessibility Advisor about BSWD and other grants to help offset unexpected expenses related to an accommodation.

OISE students should seek assistance through the OISE Bursary Program and consult with the OISE Financial Aid Coordinator at oise.financialaid@utoronto.ca

Students are ineligible if they:

  • Have been deemed by OSAP (or an out of province student loan program) as having sufficient resources (i.e. no unmet need)
  • Are unable to demonstrate financial need through the financial need assessment process
  • Have registered for a session(s) without sufficient financial support
  • Are a part-time, non-degree or  visiting student
  • Are registered in a program that is not eligible for OSAP (see the The University Registrar’s website for more details)
  • Seeking assistance with tuition for the current or previous academic sessions
  • Have completed their degree requirements

Application Process

Students are expected to contact their Faculty Registrar’s Office or Graduate Unit to discuss their financial emergency and explore available resources. In many cases, local grants or bursaries are available. Staff can also contact the SGS on the student’s behalf to inquire about additional support, if needed.

Graduate students and administrators are encouraged to email the SGS Financial Advising Team to discuss available opportunities. An advising appointment may be recommended to collect additional information and complete the financial need assessment process.

Steps may include:

  • Review financial aid programs and eligibility with a member of the SGS Financial Advising Team;
  • Complete a Financial Need Assessment. Students can refer to an  SGS FNA Form Guide for more information;
  • Gather supporting documents to verify resources and expenditures (see requirements below);
  • Access the Emergency Grant Application using the link provided by the SGS Advisor; and
  • Complete and submit the online application, and required documents.

Application Period

Emergency Grant applications are generally not available between August 1st to October 30th in any academic year. It is expected that students register each year with a solid financial plan in place to support their studies.

Students may normally apply for an SGS Emergency Grant once per academic year. In exceptional circumstances, a second application may be considered, where new and compelling information is available.

 

Application Requirements

The following are examples of supporting documents that may be required for the Financial Need Assessment:

  • OSAP Notice of Assessment or Out-of-Province equivalent
  • Annual funding letter and/or income verification documents
  • Personal Financial Statements (for international students this includes statements used for their Study Permit application/renewal)
  • Rental agreement or lease
  • Medical and dental insurance statements
  • Recipients for purchases and expenses

Additional Info

Results and Payment 

An application is deemed complete once all information and required documentation has been collected, Decisions will be communicated via the student’s official U of T email address. Emergency Loans may be approved for students during the application process for eligible students.

Students will normally receive grant payments via direct deposit to their personal Canadian bank account. If banking information is not entered by students’ on their ACORN account, payments will be issued by cheque and sent by Canada Post to the personal mailing address listed on ACORN. Students should ensure that their current mailing address and associated address expiry date is updated on ACORN to avoid delays in payment.

Contacts & Resources

Financial Aid and Advising
sgs.financial.assistance@utoronto.ca
(416) 978-2839