Shure Award for Excellence in Sound Design (Image Arts)

What you will need

• ✓ A portfolio of successful creative film or sound projects
• ✓ A clear and compelling statement of intent

About this award

You can receive a $5,000 annual award. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a dedicated sound designer in the film program who has excelled in your specialized coursework. No deadline is posted publicly — before you start the application, check with the School of Image Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University to confirm when applications open and close this year. Winners are chosen based on having the highest average grade in the Sound Design for Visual Media 1 and 2 classes, along with a review of your academic record, portfolio, and statement of intent. The award goes to one student each year. Ask the School of Image Arts during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with the School of Image Arts whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be a full-time student in your 3rd or 4th year of Film Studies at the School of Image Arts. Applicants need an outstanding academic record, a portfolio of successful creative film or sound projects and a clear statement of intent. The award goes to the applicant with the highest average grade in the Sound Design for Visual Media 1 and 2 classes.

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 international student
• ✓ Open to undergraduate students
• ✓ Studying Image Arts or Film Studies

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

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

3. 3

   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

• Statement of IntentAvoid writing a generic goal statement. Instead, create a compelling narrative that explains your specific vision for sound design in cinema. Detail one project where your audio work shifted the mood of a scene.
• PortfolioAvoid submitting a long list of every project you have ever touched. Instead, curate a portfolio of your most successful creative film or sound projects. Focus on pieces that show your technical range with both digital and analog technologies.
• StrategyAvoid ignoring your grade performance in specific modules. Instead, prioritize your performance in Sound Design for Visual Media 1 and 2, as these grades are a primary factor for selection.
• RealismAvoid assuming this is a general bursary for all Image Arts students. Instead, recognize that this is a highly specific award for upper-year Film Studies students with top marks in sound design courses.

Questions students ask

Similar awards

• Gouvernement du Québec — Aide financière aux étudesAFE Loans and Bursaries Program (Programme de prêts et bourses)$14,000
• Calgary FoundationShannon Burwash Award for Leadership and Excellence in Equine, Agri-Business and/or Agricultural Studies$5,000
• University of TorontoU of T President’s Scholars of Excellence Program (PSEP)
• Alberta Student AidJason Lang Scholarship$1,000
• Government of SaskatchewanSaskatchewan Student Aid + Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship + Rural-Service Loan Forgiveness
• University of ReginaHelen Janzen Toews Award for Mature Students$4,750
• Government of Manitoba via Manitoba Student AidManitoba Bursary
• University of OttawaFaculty of Engineering Memorial Scholarship$2,000