Robert Davis Black Excellence Award

What you will need

• ✓ Apply to the University of Toronto through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC — the central system used to apply to Ontario universities)
• ✓ Complete the U of T Awards Profile after you apply
• ✓ An approved application to OSAP or another provincial student aid program, which is how financial need is shown

About this award

You can receive $20,000 over four years of study: $5,000 when you register in first year, then $5,000 in each of second, third and fourth year if you meet the renewal terms. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you self-identify as Black, are a domestic student with financial need, and are starting full-time undergraduate studies in Rotman Commerce or the Faculty of Arts & Science at the St. George campus. Preference goes to Rotman Commerce students, but students in other Arts & Science programs may also be considered. No deadline is posted publicly — before you start the application, check University of Toronto (Faculty of Arts & Science)'s program page or call their office to confirm when applications open and close this year. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — email, portal, or phone. Selection criteria aren't published — ask University of Toronto (Faculty of Arts & Science) how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. The money is applied to your student account once your full-time registration is confirmed, typically by mid-October. To renew it for second, third and fourth year, you must still show financial need, stay enrolled full-time in Rotman Commerce or an Arts & Science program at St. George, and keep good academic standing. U of T emails you about renewal each summer. If you drop below full-time, you may have to repay some or all of the award.

Who qualifies

You must self-identify as Black and be a domestic student entering full-time first-year studies in Rotman Commerce or the Faculty of Arts & Science, St. George campus. University of Toronto (Faculty of Arts & Science) defines a domestic student as a Canadian citizen, an Indigenous person recognized as First Nations (status or non-status), Métis or Inuit, a permanent resident, a protected person (convention refugee), or someone approved "in-principle" for permanent resident status in Canada. You must also demonstrate financial need, shown through an approved application to OSAP or another provincial student aid program. Preference is given to Rotman Commerce students, but students in other Arts & Science programs may also be considered.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
• ✓ Open to undergraduate students
• ✓ Studying Rotman Commerce

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Check this year's deadline

   We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.

Tips for applying

• Financial NeedAvoid leaving your student aid application until late. Instead, apply for OSAP or your province's student aid program early, since an approved application is how U of T confirms financial need.
• SupportAvoid submitting references that only know you socially. Instead, use teachers or mentors who can speak to your character and academic potential. Ask them to highlight your resilience.
• StrategyAvoid treating this as a standalone form. Instead, ensure your Awards Profile is fully completed first, as this is the gateway to being considered. Double-check that your profile matches your admission application.
• RealismAvoid assuming that admission to Rotman Commerce means you will get the award. Instead, remember that while it is a preference, you still need to meet the financial need criteria. Apply for multiple admission awards to increase your chances.

Questions students ask

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