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Occupational therapists work collaboratively with people to enable them to participate in the occupations that give meaning and purpose to their lives. Occupations are everything that people do to look after themselves, to enjoy life and to contribute to the social and economic fabric of their communities.
Faculty of Health Sciences
Program Contact
A professional course-based program leading to the Master’s degree, which equips graduates with requisite knowledge, skills and professional behaviours to practice as entry-level occupational therapists in a range of institutional and community settings throughout Canada and the international community. It prepares students in their eligibility to be registered practicing occupational therapists and meets professional accreditation and practice standards.
View Program Site View Graduate Calendar
Category:
External
Amount
Varied values
ACUNS established its scholarship program, the Canadian Northern Studies Trust (CNST) in 1982 to advance knowledge and understanding of Canada’s North. The purpose of the CNST is to develop a cadre of scholars and scientists with northern experience and, at the same time, to enhance the educational opportunities available for northern residents.
For a list of scholarships and funding available, as well as eligibility criteria, award values, application details, and deadlines, visit the ACUNS website.
Category:
External
Amount
The bi-national program is an educational exchange, with a mandate to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the United States of America. Available to graduate students, faculty, professionals and independent researchers, successful applicants conduct research, lecture, or enroll in formal academic programs in the United States. Fulbright Canada offers various scholarship awards within this program, with further information on the various award opportunities made available through the Canada-US Fulbright Program website.
For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright website.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
September 27, 2023
Amount
$$$$
Postdoctoral research opportunities funded through CIHR. E-Approval done through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
Fellowships provide support for highly qualified applicants in all areas of health research at the post-PhD degree or post-health professional degree stages to add to their experience by engaging in health research either in Canada or abroad.
Up to $60,000 per annum for up to five years.
At the time of application, the Nominated Principal Applicant must be/have:
Information and instructions for this year’s competition are available on SharePoint.
Applications are prepared and submitted by individuals on ResearchNet by the internal deadline set by McMaster. Please see the ResearchNet website for information on eligibility requirements, guidelines, how to apply, and information regarding the review process and evaluation.
McMaster Internal RESEARCHNET deadline: 12 p.m. EST, Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Please note that applications will be returned to applicants for correction or review and final approval before they are submitted to CIHR. It is the applicant’s responsibility to resubmit their application after the internal deadline and before the McMaster final deadline for submission.
It is important to note that it is the applicant’s sole responsibility to follow up with his/her sponsors to ensure that the assessments are submitted online by their sponsors no later than 12 p.m., Monday, September 25, 2023.
McMaster Internal Final Deadline for Submission: 12 p.m., Wednesday, October 4, 2023
For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, contact:
For ResearchNet technical support contact:
This competition is being managed by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs in the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants are encouraged to contact Catherine Maybrey, coordinator of postdoctoral affairs and research training, at postdoc@mcmaster.ca for questions regarding deadlines and submissions.
Scan and upload the signed signature pages, including the routing slip, as one PDF (unprotected and not exceeding 30 MB), in the Print/Upload Signature Pages task in ResearchNet prior to submitting the application
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 31, 2023
Amount
$$
The purpose of the CSA Group Graduate Scholarship is to support graduate students in the pursuit of knowledge generation related to standards. Graduate students at the Masters level studying at a publicly-funded, accredited Canadian university are eligible to apply.
The thesis can be conducted in any field (e.g. engineering, social sciences, health sciences) and must include standards as a component of the research. The topic does not need to be related to an area in which CSA Group already has standards. The research may investigate aspects of an existing standard or may explore an area for future standards development.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
April 30, 2023
Amount
$$
The Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award of $5,000 for any kind of research into celiac disease and / or gluten sensitivity is available to students and those who have recently completed degrees.
Eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines available on the Canadian Celiac Association website.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Dr. John Thomas Memorial Bursary was established in 1996 in memory of Dr. John Thomas by family, friends and colleagues. The bursary fund will assist graduate students enrolled in the department of philosophy or the Faculty of Health Sciences who demonstrate financial need. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies with preference given to students studying medical or applied ethics.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 3, 2025
Amount
$$$$
Under the terms of a bequest to Hamilton Community Foundation by the late Eugene B. Eastburn, a two-year Fellowship will be awarded for full-time postdoctoral studies in engineering or sciences (Natural or Physical sciences, including Health Sciences).
The fellowship will be awarded for 24 months for a total value of $90,000.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
November 15, 2020
Amount
$ – $$$
Traditional Fulbright Canada Student awards are intended for Canadian citizens who are graduate students, prospective graduate students, or promising young professionals who wish to study and/or conduct research in the United States. Awards may be held at any university, research centre, think tank, or government agency in the United States.
For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright Canada website.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are funded from the proceeds of the Graduate Students Association Development Fund, which receives contributions from graduate students and the University. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants fund is administered through the School of Graduate Studies. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are designed to enable graduate students to travel to undertake research or present at conferences relevant to their field of study.
Application dates:
Category:
External
Amount
$$
The H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarships were established by the income from a bequest in the estate of Hugh G. Hilton, at one time Chief Executive Officer of Stelco and member of the McMaster Board of Governors support a Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is tenable for one year, and is awarded annually to incoming Canadian citizens, permanent residents or, international students from departments which offer full-time Master’s graduate studies. Priority will be given to students intending research in Canadian industry or industrial problems. Other things being equal, preference will be given to deserving children of employees or former employees of Stelco Ltd.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
February 14, 2024
Amount
$$-$$$
The Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Students was established in 2009 in honour of Harvey E. Longboat, and in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to McMaster University and to the broader community. The School of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Indigenous Studies program and the Indigenous Education Council, will award the scholarship annually to a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis student(s) who has demonstrated high academic achievement and exceptional promise.
The scholarship is tenable for one year, although previous award winners may re-apply.
Incoming students are eligible to apply.
Category:
External
Amount
A comprehensive list of funding sources and agencies for postdoctoral fellows in the Faculty of Health Sciences and those doing health-related research can be found on the Health Sciences website.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
All incoming Indigenous graduate students who are studying in a graduate program located within the Faculty of Health Sciences, are eligible to apply for this award.
Applicants who are completing a FIAP application for a facilitated graduate program, will be automatically considered for this award.
For full eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines, visit the Faculty of Health Sciences website. (Link below.)
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in honour of McMaster Faculty of Engineering PhD students Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian, and a former Faculty of Health Science Post-Doctoral Fellow, who lost their lives on the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Associate Deans responsible for graduate studies, to international graduate students from Iran who demonstrate academic excellence.
Category:
External
Amount
$$$
In honour of the achievement of John Charles Polanyi, recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Government of the Province of Ontario has established a fund to provide annually up to five prizes to outstanding researchers in the early stages of their career who are continuing to postdoctoral studies or have recently started a faculty appointment at an Ontario university.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 15, 2021
Amount
$$
The advent of large collection of data and ensuing development in data analysis techniques has made collaboration between data scientists and content experts necessary for cutting-edge research. Furthermore, there is a need for trainees to be exposed to both aspects of such research, namely for data science trainees to learn about real life practical projects and for content expert trainees to gain experience in data analysis and management. The aims of the MacDATA Graduate Fellowship Program are:
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
February 1, 2023
Amount
$$-$$$
The Mackenzie King Scholarships were set up under the will of the Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King (1874-1950), who was Prime Minister of Canada 1921-26, 1926-30, and 1935-48.
Two types of the Mackenzie King Scholarship are available to graduates of Canadian universities: the Open Scholarship and the Travelling Scholarship. Both are to support graduate study.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 31, 2023
Amount
$$
Manulife has introduced the first Life Lessons Scholarship Program in Canada, for students who’ve experienced the death of a parent or guardian with little to no life insurance. The Scholarship Program helps combat the financial burden of paying for post-secondary education during an emotional time and recognizes the perseverance that so many youth show in such adversity.
Category:
External
Amount
$
A bursary is based solely on financial need. In most cases, information from your OSAP application is used to determine your financial need (some students who don’t receive OSAP can still apply for a bursary).
The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program application opens mid-August in AwardSpring. Funding is paid out in mid-February.
Graduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.
Please note: The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program is not open to international students enrolled in graduate studies, MBA, medicine or physician assistant programs.
Bursary eligibility requirements:
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
July 15, 2020
Amount
$$$$
Prospective postdoctoral fellows are invited to submit a research plan that focuses on interdisciplinary, impact-driven approaches in the study of optimal aging through one or more of the following research areas:
The applicant and principal supervisor are expected to involve at least two other researchers from two different McMaster faculties (outside of the principal supervisor’s faculty) as mentors in the development of an interdisciplinary research plan.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 15, 2020
Amount
$
The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging funds up to 10 graduate student travel awards per year – five in each round – valued at $500 each for students working with MIRA researchers. Graduate students travelling to an academic conference to present an accepted abstract in aging research are eligible for up to $500 in travel funding.
For details about this and other funding opportunities, visit MIRA.
Deadlines for 2020: March 15 and September 15
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
February 14, 2024
Amount
$$$
Two OGS-I scholarships are awarded to Indigenous graduate students at McMaster University who face significant financial hardship, with particular priority given to women with family responsibilities.
This criteria has been established in consultation with the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and is adjudicated by a committee chaired through the Indigenous Studies Program.
Category:
External
Amount
$$$
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and The Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs provide funding to full-time students at the master’s and doctoral levels. They are merit-based scholarships for students with an A- or above average.
Category:
External
Amount
$
To be granted to graduate students enrolled in any program who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ students and demonstrate financial need.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
At least three awards, each in the amount of $4000, will be awarded annually to the women graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the university or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records.
Women registered in master’s or PhD programs within a designated region. Regions and number of awards rotate each year. SWAAC has designated Ontario as the region for this 2023 competition. There are five awards available for this competition. Each university may nominate one person for the award.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Alison (Fisher) Lall Scholarship in Occupational Therapy was established in 2009 by family, friends, and former classmates and professors as a loving tribute to Alison (Fisher) Lall. Alison earned her degree in occupational therapy in 1997. The scholarship is to be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the School of Rehabilitation Science to a student in their final year of the Master of Science Occupational Therapy program who demonstrates both outstanding academic achievement and exceptional talents as a student of occupational therapy.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Barkley’s of Avonmore Scholarship was established in 1977 through the generosity of Fred Barkley to assist a student from a developing country to pursue advanced studies at McMaster University. Each year the Dean of Graduate Studies will identify a worthy graduate student from one of the developing countries to receive the award.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
Established in 2013 to honour the memory of Dr. Colin Webber, McMaster University professor, physicist, radiation safety expert, teacher, mentor, and leader in the field of bone research. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to master’s or doctoral students. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate interest in bone research.
Value: Minimum $1,600
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 2022 by the family of Edna Howard, this bursary honours the support Edna offered graduate students through her work as a cook at The Phoenix Bar and Grill, owned and
operated by the Graduate Students Association. Her food warmed the hearts of the McMaster campus community for many years until her retirement. To be granted by the School of
Graduate Studies to full-time students in any program who demonstrate financial need.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Graduate Students Association Bursary was established in 1999 by the Graduate Students Association at McMaster University under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative. To be granted to a full-time or part-time graduate student in one of the following faculties: Engineering, Health Sciences, and Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, or the PhD program in Business. The bursary will be awarded annually by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Graduate Students Association.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The H.Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary was established in 2010 by Dr. Susan J.Elliott (MA `97 and PhD`92), esteemed former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and senior research fellow at the United Nations Institute on Water (UNU-IWEH), Environment and Health, in memory of her father, H.Vincent Elliott. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation on the program director of ‘Water Without Borders’ to students registered in a Master’s or PhD program will be given to students in financial need.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 1995 with funds from the estate of Helen S. Harvey. James F. Harvey was a member of the first McMaster graduating class in Hamilton in 1935. This travel scholarship will enable students to engage in research requiring travel. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence.
Category:
External
Amount
Established in 2022 by the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student who is currently enrolled in their first year of any program who identifies as a member of the queer, trans community and is Black, racialized, or Indigenous.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Laura Babiski Memorial Academic Grant was established in 2000 in loving tribute to Laura Babiski, clinical lecturer, Occupational Therapy, in the School of Rehabilitation Science from 1991 to 2000. This academic grant is to be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the School of Rehabilitation Science to a student in Year II of the master of Clinical Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy program, who has achieved excellence in mental health practice, demonstrated by passion for this practice area, compassion for individuals with serious mental illness and their families, recognition, advocacy and action for system change and demonstrate financial need.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Mary Tremblay Academic Grant was established in 2009 by family, friends, and colleagues to honor Dr. Mary Tremblay’s significant contribution to the development of the School of Rehabilitation Science and her dedication to teaching and mentoring. To be awarded to a student registered in year two of the MSc Occupational Therapy program who demonstrates financial need and who, in the judgment of the School of Rehabilitation Science, has demonstrated an aptitude and passion for disability issues.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 2005 by the Surgical Associates in memory of Myra Baillie. To be granted to a graduate student in any degree program who attains and “A” average and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a female graduate student.
Award Value: 2 awards of $1,000 each
Category:
External
Amount
$-$$
The SGS Grant is not intended to replace sources of funding already available from the tri-agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other external granting sources, or internal scholarships and bursaries.
The SGS Grant is intended to be a grant-in-aid of research; students should not expect the grants to cover the full cost of travel or field work.
It is not intended to fund the research itself, but the travel to do the research.
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis for projects that have clearly defined objectives and methods, and that meet the criteria established. Departments submitting more than one application must provide a nomination letter with rankings and commentary for all the applicants. The same letter may be submitted with each application from a single department/program.
Awards are for a minimum period of four weeks, and a maximum period of twelve months.
Individual awards will be given with a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $3000 for trips of up to 3 months, $5,000 for trips of up to 6 months, and $7,500 for trips of up to one year. Note that the award is not intended to cover the full cost of travel or field research, and the number of awards given in each competition will vary, and are subject to the discretion of the School of Graduate Studies.
Funding will not be provided for research equipment, computer hardware and most software, office supplies, communication costs, medical, toiletry or other personal items. Because funding is limited, and intended to defray essential research costs rather than fully fund fieldwork, the following items will receive highest priority:
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the application is complete and has been through the appropriate approval channels. Final complete applications will be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies by the student’s department.
All funds are fully accountable. All awardees are required to fill out travel expense forms within 30 days after the student’s return and submit original receipts and boarding passes accounting for the full sum of the award.
Students are required to complete an outcomes assessment (of their own design, proposed in the application) within 30 days after the student’s return.
Arrangements regarding pre-paid expenses may be made separately with the student’s department administrator, at the department’s discretion. In all cases, a proportion of the award will be withheld until the expense forms, receipts for the full amount of the award, and outcomes assessment have been received by the School of Graduate Studies (normally 10% of the total award, with a minimum of $250).
The application will open in Mosaic on January 2, 2023 and close on February 27, 2023. You can access the application by going into your student centre in Mosaic.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 28, 2022
Amount
$$-$$$
The Wilson Leader Scholarship Award for graduate students is different. Valued at $12,000 in direct funding and up to $2,000 for experiential funding, it’s a leadership development and career launcher program that builds on your studies. It involves about 15 hours/month, including time for synchronous group events between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.
Awarded to up to three graduate students annually.
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