Financial Assistance
Education has the power to transform lives—but only if it's accessible to all. At the University of Guelph, we’re committed to opening doors for diverse learners by removing financial barriers and expanding access to our world-class teaching and research. The School of Continuing Studies bursary program is a meaningful step toward making that vision a reality.
If you are looking for information on OSAP funding, please visit our Micro-Credentials and OSAP Funding page.
Available Bursaries
Virginia L. Gray Memorial Bursary
Virginia Gray’s career at the University of Guelph spanned 38 years until her retirement in 2007 as the Director of the Office of Open Learning. Under Virginia’s exemplary service and leadership, the department advanced the University of Guelph as a world leader in improving access to post-secondary education, meeting the educational needs of over 25,000 enrolments annually. She was an advocate of eliminating barriers to education and worked tirelessly to transform the University of Guelph into an internationally recognized, award-winning provider of continuing and distance education.
Open Learning Bursary
The Open Learning Bursary was created to financially support our students in taking courses with us. We aim to reduce barriers and support our students in a variety of ways. This bursary is funded by other open learners, like yourself, choosing to pay it forward and support those around them.
Bursary Application Requirements and Deadlines
What do I need to apply?
To apply for a bursary, contact the School of Continuing Studies with a letter of application outlining the following:
- Financial need, with appropriate supporting documentation
- Educational goals and how the bursary will help you to achieve these goals
Supporting Documentation
Supporting documentation must verify your current income. Examples of supporting documentation for the application include:
- T4 from last year
- T4 from this year
- Letter from employer
- Other relevant Revenue Canada documentation that confirms current income (e.g., Notice of Assessment)
- EI, ODSP or other support payments
Deadlines for Bursary Applications
- Winter Bursary Applications must be submitted by November 1.
- Summer Bursary Applications must be submitted by March 1.
- Fall Bursary Applications must be submitted by July 1.
Who is eligible?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents interested in enrolling in a non-degree or Open Learning program course are eligible to apply for a bursary.
Continuing Studies offerings, recognized with awards for excellence, consist of specialized, career-oriented certificates and diplomas that are delivered face-to-face or entirely online.
The Open Learning program provides worldwide and open access to award-winning degree-credit online courses for professional development or personal enrichment.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are awarded a bursary, it will cover tuition costs for one course and the amount varies by course. Applicants can be awarded a School of Continuing Studies bursary (either Virginia L. Gray Memorial Bursary or Open Learning Bursary) only once throughout their studies.
Registered University of Guelph Degree and Diploma Students
If you are a registered University of Guelph degree or diploma student, visit Student Financial Services for detailed information regarding applicable bursaries and scholarships. If you have an active status in a University of Guelph program, you are not eligible to apply for either bursary for credit courses. If you have questions about bursary eligibility, please contact our main office.
Apply Online
Log in to the SCS Student Portal, ensure that your profile is up to date, and then apply using the Bursary Application via the My Applications tab on the left side of the screen.
Apply by Mail
Please contact the learner success advisor for more information about the bursary application process if applying by mail or fax.
Please send bursary applications to:
Bursary Award Committee
School of Continuing Studies
University of Guelph
Johnston Hall, Room 160
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
Canada
Alternatively, you may fax your application to 519-767-1114.
Please do not send your application or financial documents by email for privacy purposes.
Help with a Donation
Staff and friends of the University community have established and continue to contribute annually to the above bursary funds. The School of Continuing Studies invites you to consider making a contribution to these funds. Any amount will be sincerely appreciated and will benefit a student in need. To donate, simply indicate the amount of your donation on your course or program registration form and name the bursary of your choice. A donation receipt will be issued for your contribution.
For more information, please email our main office or phone us at 519-767-5000.
Please note that you will only receive a charitable donation receipt for donations of $20 or more. If you have any concerns or questions, you can email the Alumni Affairs & Development’s Finance Donation team or reach them by phone at 519-824-4120 ext. 56540.