If you’re going abroad as part of the McMaster Exchange Program, you can still get financial assistance through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

How it works

Because your exchange is facilitated by McMaster through the Exchange Program, you can apply for OSAP using the normal process. Then, all you need to do is update your status as an exchange student by submitting additional forms to Student Services in the Office of the Registrar. These forms are available on the Registrar’s website.

Travel and exchange scholarships are available through the Registrar’s Office. Applications are open January through March each year.

• Travel awards: Apply if you’re participating in any global opportunity through McMaster, including the McMaster Exchange Program.
• Exchange awards: Apply only if you’re going on an exchange through the McMaster Exchange Program.

How to apply

• Log in to Mosaic Student Center > Financial Aid. Select “Apply for Financial Aid.”
• Select the “Aid by Application” tab.
• Read the award terms and check the “Apply” box if you meet all the requirements.
• Print the required documents list and select “Apply.”

We want you to have as many opportunities as possible to fund your global opportunity, so check out these scholarship programs offered by different organizations and institutions.

BUTEX Scholarship: United Kingdom

Every year, BUTEX awards scholarships to students studying abroad for either a semester or a whole academic year. These scholarships are available for North American students studying in the United Kingdom. The value of each scholarship is £500, which will be paid to the winners once they have arrived and registered at their host university.

Export Development Canada

Export Development Canada hosts an international business scholarship competition, created and designed to develop the next generation of globally-minded business leaders. This program offers up to 30 scholarships of $4,000 each year — 25 for outstanding undergraduate students in international business, and five for students in programs that combine business with environmental or sustainability studies.

DAAD Scholarships: Germany

Get funding for different opportunities in Germany, including academic study, professional training and development and more.

Swedish Women’s Educational Association (SWEA) Toronto: Sweden

For over twenty years, the Toronto chapter of SWEA has offered travel scholarships to full-time students at Ontario universities with official exchange partnerships in Sweden. SWEA offers $3,000 to students who intend to study in Sweden for a full academic year. Students who are on a single-semester exchange can receive $1,500. Contact Jenna Levi (levij@mcmaster.ca), education abroad coordinator, for more information.

GoEuro Scholarship

GoEuro, a European travel company, offers three scholarships for students aiming to complete a study abroad program in Europe.

Ontario Universities International (OUI) offers several funded study abroad opportunities. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to receive funding. If you’re an international student, you aren’t eligible for funding, but you can still participate in the programs.

Ontario/Rhône-Alpes (ORA) France

• Regular Exchange Program: $2,500 for one semester or $3,500 for two semesters
• OBW Summer Research Program: $1,500 (plus a French lab stipend)
• Summer Language Programs: $1,000

Ontario/Baden-Württemberg (OBW) Germany

• Regular Exchange Program: $2,500 for one semester or $3,500 for a full year
• Summer Research Program: $2,600–$3,500, depending on the length of stay
• Summer Language Programs: $1,000

Ontario/Jiangsu (OJS) China

• Regular Exchange Program: $2,500 for one semester or $3,500 for two semesters
• Summer Research Program: $2,500
• Summer Language and Culture Programs: $2,000

The Killam Fellowships Program provides an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students to spend either one semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in the other country. The award covers a significant cost of the exchange, as well as health and travel allowance.

Universitas 21 is an international organization that connects students and staff at universities from 27 universities across the world. By participating in a summer study program through Universitas 21, you are likely eligible for tuition discounts and scholarships. These opportunities could help you save up to 70% on program fees.

With support from the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University (CFHU) and the Ontario Opportunities Trust Fund, you could receive a bursary of up to $12,000 to study at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

To be eligible, you must be one of the following:

• A graduate student who would benefit from study at Hebrew University to complete your thesis or pursue language work
• An undergraduate student who’s interested in a course at Hebrew University that is specifically related to your major or minor subject at McMaster
• An undergraduate student who wants to attend Hebrew University for general interest, elective courses

How to apply

Contact Student Services or McMaster Department of Religious Studies for a copy of the application form and to find out how to submit your application. In addition to your application form, you need to include:

• A 500–1000 word statement that outlines your study plan
• A proposed budget
• A recommendation letter from a professor
• Your current course transcripts

It’s important to make a budget that includes all your expenses, especially when you’re travelling abroad. The last thing you want is to miscalculate your finances and find that you’re out of money in the middle of your exchange or work term abroad.

Here are some general budgeting tips and strategies to keep your costs low while you’re abroad:

• Make rational weekly budgets.
• Expect to spend more money in the first week of your arrival than in the following weeks. Some initial costs include first and last month’s rent, housing supplies and so on.
• When it comes to food and necessities, search for less expensive alternatives and cook for yourself when possible.
• Set aside money for miscellaneous or unexpected costs.
• Set aside extra money for day trips, special occasions, festivals and so on. Remember, being budget-conscious doesn’t mean you can’t have fun!

Want to improve your budgeting skills?

Mac’s Money Centre’s budgeting resources can help. Take the time to understand your spending habits and work to reduce unnecessary costs — your future self will thank you!