The Arts & Science Program Achievement Award

Established in 2020 by McMaster University to celebrate the academic achievement of students entering Level 1 of the Arts & Science Program.

Requirements: A variable number of scholarships to be awarded to students on the basis of final admission average.

Typically Available: Variable x $1,000

There may be other Entrance Awards that you are eligible for. Please see the Undergraduate Academic Calendar for more details.

The Arts & Science Scholarships

Established in 2019 by McMaster University.

Requirements: To be awarded to students enrolled in the Arts and Science program on the basis of academic and, in some cases, other forms of earned merit.

Typically Available: 1 x $1,500

The Arts & Science Program Book Award

Established in 1995.

Requirements: To be awarded from time to time to an Arts & Science student who, in the judgment of the Arts & Science Program Awards Committee, has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in both arts and science.

Typically Available: 1 x $75

The Bain-Peart Award

Established in 2018 by the Estate of Helen Jean Bain.

Requirements: To be awarded to students entering Level 2 of an Arts & Science Program who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and who, in the judgement of the Program, have made a significant contribution to the program. The award is tenable for up to 3 years provided the student remains enrolled full-time and achieves a Fall-Winter Average of 9.5.

Typically Available: 1 x $2,000

The Barbara Francis Scholarship

Established in 1985 by Laura Dodson (Class of ‘56) in memory of her sister.

Requirements: To be awarded to the student enrolled in Level 2 or above of an Arts and Science program and who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in both arts and science.

Typically Available: 1 x $400

The Charon Burke McCain Memorial Scholarship

Established in 2004 in memory of Charon Burke McCain by family, friends, colleagues and students.

Requirements: To be awarded to an Honours Arts & Science student who has completed Level III and who, in the judgment of the Arts & Science Program, has demonstrated exceptional qualities of leadership and service at McMaster University or in the community, as well as notable academic achievement.

Typically Available: 1 x $1,000

The Class of 1953 50th Anniversary Scholarship

Established by the Class of 1953 in honour of its 50th reunion.

Requirements: A variable number of scholarships to be awarded to students in Level II and above in a program in Arts & Science who, in the judgment of the Arts & Science Program, have attained high academic standing and demonstrated community involvement.

Typically Available: 3 x $4,500

The Dr. Atif A. Kubursi Scholarship

Established in 2024 by former students and friends in honour of Dr. Atif A. Kubursi, an internationally acknowledged scholar and highly respected professor in Economics at McMaster University.

Requirements: To be awarded to undergraduate students enrolled in either an Arts & Science or Economics program who attain high averages and demonstrate qualities of leadership and altruistic service. The awarding of this scholarship will alternate between even years to Arts & Science students and odd years to Economics students.

Typically available: 1 x $3,000

The Federation of Chinese Canadian Professionals Education Foundation Scholarships

Established in 1988 by the Foundation of Chinese Canadian Professionals (Ontario).

Requirements: Two scholarships to be awarded to students who attained high averages: (a) one to a student in a program in Arts and Science, and (b) one, to a student enrolled in a program in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics.

Typically Available: 2 x $1,000

The George P. Gilmour Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1987 by the Graduating Class of 1962 in honour of Dr. G.P. Gilmour (Class of ‘21), Chancellor of McMaster University from 1941 to 1950 and President and Vice-Chancellor from 1950 to 1961.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student enrolled in Level 3 of an Honours program in the Arts and Science Program and who, in the judgment of the Arts and Science Program Admissions, Awards, and Review Committee, has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and has made notable contribution to the campus or community by participation in extracurricular activities.

Typically Available: 1 x $375

The recipient of this award is eligible to receive the corresponding bursary if financial need is demonstrated.

The Herbert M. Jenkins Prize

Established in 1990 as a tribute to Dr. Herbert M. Jenkins, first Director of the Arts & Science Program, by his many friends, colleagues and students on the occasion of his retirement from McMaster University.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student in an Arts & Science Program whose work, in the judgment of the Arts & Science Program Awards and Review Committee, best reflects scholarship and the spirit of inquiry.

Typically Available: 1 x $150

The Julie Patel Foundation Academic Grant

Established in 2017 by the Julie Patel Foundation.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student in an Arts & Science program who has attained a high Fall-Winter average and demonstrates financial need.

Typically Available: 1 x $1,000

The Arts & Science Essay Prizes

Up to two prizes for outstanding essays written for courses in Arts & Science may be awarded each year: one for essays written in Levels I and II courses and one for essays written in Levels III and IV courses.

Value: $75 each
Deadline: 30 April annually
Applications Requirements: Students do not apply for this award; submissions will be accepted from Arts & Science instructors only.

Instructors in all Arts & Science courses are invited to submit, with the student’s permission, a clean PDF copy of the most outstanding essay in their course.  Please submit to the Awards Committee, c/o Shelley Anderson or Rebecca Bishop, by 30 April annually.

There may be other In-Course Awards, Scholarships and Grants that you are eligible for. Please see the Undergraduate Academic Calendar for more details.

The Gordon and Jane Price Community Contribution Awards

Established in 1997 by their sons in honour of Gordon and Jane Price.

Requirements: To be awarded to students in the Arts and Science Program or in the Faculty of Health Sciences who demonstrate service to the community-at-large, outstanding athletic participation or who display superior leadership and innovative skills.

Typically Available: 4

The Sam Watson Memorial Community Contribution Award

Established in 1996 by his wife Irene M. Watson and friends of Samuel Watson.

Requirements: One or two awards to be granted to students enrolled in a program in Arts and Science who, in the judgment of the selection committee, have made a notable contribution in the community-at-large through participation in extra-curricular activities.

Typically Available: 1

There may be other Community Contribution Awards that you are eligible for. Please see the Undergraduate Academic Calendar for more details.

The John R. McCarthy Scholarship

Established in 1987 by John R. McCarthy, LL.D. (Class of ‘65), former Deputy Minister of University Affairs and Deputy Minister of Education for the Province of Ontario.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student graduating from a program in Arts and Science, Humanities, Science, or Social Sciences who enrols in the Faculty of Education of an Ontario university in the academic year immediately following graduation. The student selected will have made a contribution to the life of the University by displaying leadership in student government or student affairs and leadership and sportsmanship in athletic endeavours.

Typically Available: 5 x $800

The Laura Dodson Prize

Established in 1985 by Laura Dodson (Class of ‘56).

Requirements: To be awarded to the student graduating from the Honours Arts and Science Program who has displayed outstanding achievement in both arts and science.

Typically Available: 1 x $200

There may be other Graduating Student Awards that you are eligible for. Please see the Undergraduate Academic Calendar for more details.

The Class of ’37 Travel Scholarship in Arts and Science

Established in 1989 by the Graduating Class of 1937 in celebration of their 50th anniversary and augmented by friends of the Arts and Science Program.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student who is enrolled in Level 2 or above of an Honours program in the Arts and Science Program. Applicants should have demonstrated a lively interest in developing countries. The purpose of this award is to enable the winner to spend the summer, immediately following its receipt, working and/or studying in a developing country.

Typically Available: 1 x $2,500

Killam Fellowships Program (Presented by Fullbright Canada)

The Killam Fellowships Program provides an opportunity for students from Canadian institutions to spend either one term or a full year studying at a host school in the United States while still paying their home tuition and fees to McMaster. Killam Fellows participate in an Orientation program in Ottawa in the fall and again in a seminar in Washington D.C. in the spring (all costs are covered for both trips).

Value: $6,000 US per semester, plus health insurance allowance

Eligibility:

• Canadian citizenship
• Full-time undergraduate student in good standing
• Requirements for exchange met
• Fluency in English (or French where applicable)
• Please visit the information page for Killam Fellowships here.

McCall MacBain International Fellowships

The McCall MacBain International Fellowships aim to enable globally-minded young Canadians to develop strong intercultural competencies and ties to different regions of the world, and to cultivate creativity, resilience, independence, critical thinking, and the ability to “stretch” outside their comfort zones. Fellows spend a year abroad divided into three terms: language, academic, and work/internship. Questions? Contact McMaster’s office of International Student Services.

Value: $23,500

The Susan Vajoczki Legacy Travel Scholarship

Established in 2013 by the family, friends and colleagues in memory of Susan Vajoczki, Professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and Director of the Centre for Leadership and Learning.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student who has completed at least Level 2 in any program in the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, or the Arts and Science Program and who, in the judgment of the School of Geography & Earth Sciences, has achieved notable academic standing, and is pursuing research in the fields of pedagogy (teaching and learning) or Earth Sciences who could benefit from travel.

Typically Available: 1 x $2,000

The T. Russell Wilkins Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1963 by bequest of Mrs. T. Russell Wilkins (B.A. ‘18 Brandon, M.A. ‘32), daughter of former Chancellor Howard P. Whidden, in memory of her husband, Dr. T. Russell Wilkins (Class of ‘11).

Requirements: Two scholarships to be awarded to students in their penultimate level of an Honours program in Arts and Science, Health Sciences or Science who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. In addition, the students should demonstrate a lively interest in the humanities and in the human and social implications of scientific developments. The purpose of the scholarship is to enable the winners to spend the summer before the final Fall/Winter session in travel and study outside Canada.

Typically Available: 2 x $5,000 each

There may be other Travel & Exchange Scholarships that you are eligible for. Please see the Undergraduate Academic Calendar for more details.

The Arts & Science Bursaries

Established in 2019 by McMaster University.

Requirements: To be granted to students enrolled in the Arts & Science Program who demonstrate financial need.

The Arts & Science Class of ‘97 Bursary

Established in 1997 by The Arts & Science Class of ‘97 under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative.

Requirements: To be granted to a student in the Arts & Science Program who demonstrates financial need.

The Bain-Peart Bursaries

Established in 2018 by the Estate of Helen Jean Bain.

Requirements: To be granted to students enrolled in Level 2 or above in an Arts & Science Program who demonstrate financial need.

The Birgit and Robert Bateman Bursary

Established in 1997 by Birgit and Robert Bateman under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative.

Requirements: To be granted to a student who demonstrates financial need and is enrolled in the Arts and Science program, the Faculty of Social Sciences or the Faculty of Science. Preference to be given to students who are studying Environmental Studies or Environmental Science.

The George P. Gilmour Memorial Bursary

Established in 1997 by the Class of ‘62 in support of McMaster students.

Requirements: To be granted to a student enrolled in the Arts & Science Program who has demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to the student who wins the George P. Gilmour Memorial Scholarship.

The Gordon H. Dean Bursaries

Established in 1996 by Gordon H. Dean of Stoney Creek.

Requirements: To be granted to a student who demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a student enrolled in Level 3 of a program in Arts and Science or Level 3 of a program in the Faculty of Humanities.

The Jennifer Young Memorial Bursary

Established in 2015 by family, peers and community in honour of Jennifer Young, (Class of ‘07 & ‘09). Jennifer was passionate about fitness and wellness, she excelled in math and science and her professional interests were in population modelling and policy planning for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student who is enrolled in an Arts & Science Program and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to female students who demonstrate keen interest in math.

The Johns Family Bursaries

Established by Martin W. Johns and family.

Requirements: A variable number of bursaries to be granted to students enrolled in the Arts & Science Program who demonstrate financial need.

The Kathleen and Dennis McCalla Bursaries

Established in 2003 by Kathleen and Dennis McCalla, former Dean, Faculty of Science and later Vice-President, Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University.

Requirements: To be granted to students who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled in a program in Science, Humanities, or Arts and Science. Preference will be given to students with a minimum admission average of 80% and who are from Grey or Bruce Counties.

Value: Minimum $1,000

The Louila Brayford Memorial Bursary

Established in 1998 by Mrs. Janet Leenaars in memory of her late mother, Mrs. Louila Brayford (nee Bingham, Class of ‘34).

Requirements: To be granted to a student enrolled in the Arts & Science Program who demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a student enrolled in a course in Mathematics.

The Quirt Family Bursary

Established in 2023 through a gift by Dr. Alan Quirt (Class of ‘65).

Requirements: To be granted to undergraduate students enrolled in the Arts & Science program who demonstrate financial need.

The Same and Irene Watson Bursary Fund

Established in 1998 by the estate of Irene Mary Watson.

Requirements: To be granted to students who demonstrate financial need and who have completed their second year with a Grade Point Average of at least 8.0 in the Arts and Science Program or any of the Faculties of Business, Engineering, Humanities, Science and Social Sciences.

Value: $2,000

There may be other Bursaries that you are eligible for. Please see the Undergraduate Academic Calendar for more details.

The Climate Change and Health — Innovation Award

The Climate Change and Health – Innovation Award recognizes students who have achieved excellence in creating an innovative solution that positively impacts climate change and health. The award has been developed to encourage interdisciplinary team work and collaboration, as well as foster the kind of diverse and inclusive leadership that is required to address complex sustainability challenges in our society.

Learn more about the Climate Change and Health – Innovation Award

The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill

The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill are Canada’s first comprehensive, leadership-driven scholarships for master’s and professional degree students.

• Value: Tuition and fees for an eligible master’s or professional program and a living stipend of $2,000 per month during academic terms
• A comprehensive enrichment program including mentorship, interdisciplinary learning and access to a global community.

Learn more about The McCall MacBain Scholarships

The Renaissance Award

Established in 2012 by Drs. Jolie Ringash and Glen Bandiera. The award, with its emphasis on experiential learning, is intended to create transformative opportunities for students from all Faculties and programs, from undergraduate to graduate and professional. The recipient of the award shall be an individual who wishes to engage in a 4-12 month, self-directed, enrichment experience outside his/her chosen program of study, and who wishes to explore a project of personal significance that will amplify the recipient’s University experience while engaging in experiential learning at home or abroad.

Value: $25,000

Learn more about The Renaissance Award

Rhodes Scholarship

Your chance to study at Oxford University in England for 2-3 years!

• Value: At least $50,000/year for tuition, fees, living expenses
• Eleven Rhodes Scholars are chosen from across Canada each year (two in Ontario)
• Apply through AwardSpring to be one of McMaster’s nominees

Learn more about the Rhodes Scholarship

There may be other Bursaries that you are eligible for. Please refer to this website for more details.