Trinity 2020-2021 bursary applications now available
Message from the Registrar’s Office to Trinity’s Arts & Science Students:
The Trinity College 2020-2021 Fall-Winter bursary application form is now available. If you are receiving government loan funding, need to work many more hours than you can or should be, don’t have enough money to cover your expenses, or are struggling financially as a result of COVID-19, you should apply for a Trinity Bursary.
Note that in addition to the donor provided bursary funding previously available, our generous alumni and donors have recently contributed funding for urgent bursary support for students financially impacted by COVID-19, and have also helped establish a BIPOC Bursary Fund to support students who are Black, Indigenous or People of Colour.
Think you should apply but are still hesitating? Here are some of the reasons we often hear from students about why they don’t apply:
“I don’t know what a bursary is.”
Fact: Trinity College bursaries are non-repayable awards designed to assist Trinity students who have explored all other avenues of financial assistance and who still demonstrate financial need.
“I’m not sure I need bursary assistance. I probably won’t get a bursary.”
Fact: Try using the University of Toronto’s Financial Planning Calculator. This tool can help you to create your budget for the year and to see if you need additional financial support. While you are not guaranteed to receive a bursary, the application doesn’t take that long to complete and it doesn’t cost anything to apply.
“I have financial need but there are students with more urgent need and the money could go to someone else who needs it more.”
Fact: Bursaries are not only intended for emergency expenses but to also help with general expenses that OSAP and other resources won’t cover. Also, bursaries aren’t a competition. If you get a bursary it doesn’t mean you took money away from someone else.
“My GPA is too low to apply.”
Fact: Bursaries are not in any way based on your grade point average. They are assessed solely based on your financial situation.
“I’m not that involved at the college.”
Fact: Bursaries are based solely on student financial need.
“I applied last year and so have already received a Trinity Bursary.”
Fact: You can apply for and receive a Trinity Bursary in every academic session in which you are registered.
“I applied last year and didn’t get a bursary, so probably won’t qualify again.”
Fact: Things change and often students who don’t qualify for a bursary one year, do get one later. This is particularly true due to COVID-19.
“I feel bad asking for help.”
Fact: We understand, but try not to feel bad. That’s what bursaries are here for… to help you.
“I don’t want anyone to know I need financial assistance.”
Fact: Bursaries are completely confidential unless you give us permission to share information.
“I don’t want to owe the College money. Don’t I have to pay it back?”
Fact: Bursaries are non-repayable awards. You won’t owe the College any money.
“I’m not on OSAP but I don’t have enough money to cover my expenses.”
Fact: While the majority of bursary recipients are also receiving government loans, we do have bursary funds available to help students not receiving government loans who are struggling financially.
If after reading this you now realize you should apply for a bursary, don’t wait! Go to our website to apply. If you still have questions, contact the Registrar’s Office (registrar@trinity.utoronto.ca).
The deadline to submit your application online is Friday, January 22, 2021.
Once you apply you will be asked to make a virtual appointment to meet with an advisor in the Registrar’s Office by phone or MS Teams to finalize your application. The deadline to make this appointment is Friday, February 5, 2021. However, if your situation is urgent, we can review your application early. If this is the case, please complete the bursary application right away and contact us at registrar@trinity.utoronto.ca to book a virtual appointment.
As always, let the Registrar’s Office know if you have any questions: 416-978-3612 or registrar@trinity.utoronto.ca.