Scholarships and Awards

The Global Experience Award (GEA) promotes global engagement opportunities and the development of intercultural competence and personal growth. The award provides funding to help offset the costs associated with international opportunities, such as in-person experiences that take place outside Canada, including opportunities for work and volunteering (i.e., co-ops, internships and field research), as well as service learning and leadership development (i.e., conference participation and job shadowing). The GEA also supports virtual opportunities that are global in scope, such as remote conference participation and virtual internships.

The award has been designed to be broad in its application. It aims to make global learning and international opportunities accessible to all students. The GEA is available to support eligible global experiences that may (or may not) be related to a student’s academic program or area of study.

A key priority of the GEA is to support students to pursue non-traditional, culturally immersive experiences in new geographic environments (either in-person or virtually), in which applicants have not already had significant experience. Canada-based opportunities (both in-person and virtual) are ineligible for GEA funding.

There are four types of GEA applications available on AwardSpring:

1. Global Experience Award for Non-Undergraduate Students
2. Global Experience Award for Undergraduate Students
3. The Global Experience Award for Virtual Opportunities for Non-Undergraduate Students
4. The Global Experience Award for Virtual Opportunities for Undergraduate Students

The types of costs that the GEA is intended to help offset include, for example:

• International flights
• Travel/health insurance
• Vaccination fees
• Immigration requirements (i.e., visas/work authorization)
• Lodging and accommodation abroad
• Program/conference registration fees, etc.

GEA funding across all four application streams is directly tied to the duration of the proposed global experience, as follows:

• Up to $500 for a global experience of less than 30 days
• Up to $1,000 for a global experience lasting between 31 and 120 days
• Up to $2,000 for a global experience lasting 121 days or longer

How to apply

1. Do you meet the GEA qualifications?

You can apply for the GEA through AwardSpring. Access AwardSpring by logging into Mosaic and clicking the new AwardSpring tile on the homepage. You will be prompted to sign in with your MacID and password. For more information on the AwardSpring process, visit the Office of the Registrar’s helpful scholarships and bursaries how-to guide, which includes a video.

In order to determine whether you meet the qualifications to apply for the GEA, you must first answer all qualifying questions in the General Application in AwardSpring. Students who satisfy the qualifications for the GEA will be able to see the applicable GEA applications on their AwardSpring dashboard, including the GEA application for virtual global experiences and/or the GEA application for in-person global experiences, as applicable.

The following constitute the GEA qualifying questions that are part of the General Application in AwardSpring. After meeting these requirements, you should be able to see the applicable GEA application/s on your AwardSpring dashboard.

If you think you meet the above qualifications for the GEA but you do not see either of the two GEA applications manifest on your AwardSpring dashboard, you may need to revisit the General Application and update your answers. Alternatively, you can connect with the Registrar’s Office to enquire further.

2. Do you meet all GEA eligibility criteria?

Note that being able to see a GEA application on your AwardSpring dashboard does not automatically mean that you are eligible to apply for the GEA.  In order to confirm your GEA eligibility, you must open the relevant GEA application in AwardSpring, read the GEA Application Guide (which is embedded within all GEA applications), complete all application questions and satisfy all application requirements.

The GEA Application Guide is your essential resource to understanding GEA eligibility requirements, application information and valuable details with respect to preparing a successful GEA application.

Please note that GEA eligibility (and a positive GEA decision) is only officially confirmed after the Global Experience Team at the Student Success Centre formally reviews, processes and approves each application, ensuring the availability of the requisite financial resources.

When to apply

Please keep in mind that there is a finite budget for GEA funding available each year. For the 2024/2025 academic year, a defined portion of the GEA budget will be allocated per term.

• Fall Term (2024): AwardSpring will open to new GEA applications on Monday, October 7, 2024, with a closing date of December 31, 2024. Keep in mind that AwardSpring will close to new GEA applications prior to December 31, 2024, should the Student Success Centre exhaust its GEA budget for the Fall Term in advance of this date.
  • Each year, the Student Success Centre will determine the specific date on which AwardSpring will re-open to GEA applications for the Fall Term. While this decision often coincides with the passing of the add/drop deadline each September, this is not necessarily the case.
• Winter Term (2025): AwardSpring will open to new GEA applications on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, with a closing date of Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Once again, AwardSpring will close in advance of April 30, 2025, should the GEA budget for the Winter Term be exhausted beforehand.
• Summer Term (2025): The Student Success Centre has not yet confirmed when/if AwardSpring will re-open to GEA applications during the Summer Term (May 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025). If you are interested in pursuing an international experience during the summer of 2025 (for which you would like to apply for the GEA), we encourage you to submit a GEA application as soon as you are able, during the Winter Term.

GEA applications are processed in chronological order, based on date of receipt. Unfortunately, eligible applications could be denied if the Student Success Centre exhausts its available budget prior to processing a GEA application.

Students are encouraged to apply for the GEA as soon as they are positioned to meet all application requirements.

For example, if you can meet all GEA requirements in the Fall Term, for a global experience you will be pursuing in the Winter Term, we encourage you to submit your application during the Fall Term. Should GEA resources be exhausted prior to your Fall Term application being processed (in which case, your application would be denied), you could always submit a new GEA application during the Winter Term, should you still be positioned to meet all application requirements.

Please note that fully complete GEA applications (for in-person global experiences only) must include all required supporting documentation, including fully signed liability documents, and adherence to all application requirements, including requirements with respect to Healix Global. If you travel abroad for your GEA experience without ensuring a fully complete GEA application, including all liability forms and application requirements, and we process your application while you’re outside Canada, your application for the GEA will be denied. There will not be an opportunity for you to update your application after travel has taken place.

All GEA applications must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the start of the applicable global experience. For in-person global opportunities, this means 30 days before the date of departure for the destination country. For virtual global experiences, this means 30 days prior to the start of the virtual global opportunity.

Have questions?

If you have GEA questions or concerns at any time, we’re here to help!

Please feel free to email globalcareers@mcmaster.ca or schedule a GEA appointment with the SSC’s Global Experience Coordinator (see OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Appointments > Global Opportunities).

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.

Get funding for your exchange. Reflect on your experience. Give back to the McMaster Exchange Program. These are just some reasons to apply for an Exchange Ambassador Award.

How it works

Exchange Ambassador Awards provide $1,000 to eligible undergraduate students participating full time in a semester- or year-long exchange. At least 60 awards are given out each year. Preference is given to outbound applicants who reflect the diversity of McMaster’s exchange destinations, academic departments and student community.

As an exchange ambassador, you must agree to participate in the Exchange Buddy Program, the annual Student Exchange Fair and an additional activity of your choice.

• Exchange Buddy Program: As an award recipient, you must participate in the Exchange Buddy Program as a mentor for future exchange participants. This is a great way to reflect on your experiences while supporting your peers and their global goals.
• Student Exchange Fair: To be eligible for an Exchange Ambassador Award,  you must also agree to participate in the annual Student Exchange Fair. You will need to provide support at both the McMaster booth and the booth for your host institution.
• Activity: Lastly, you must participate in one of the following activities:
  • Provide support through exchange peer advising.
  • Host a university information session/webinar.
  • Write about your journey in a Stories From Abroad blog post.

How to apply

You can apply for the Exchange Ambassador Award through Award Spring. Access AwardSpring by logging into Mosaic and clicking the new AwardSpring tile on the homepage. You will be prompted to sign in with your MacID and password. For more information on the AwardSpring process, visit the Office of the Registrar’s helpful scholarships and bursaries how-to guide, which includes a video.

Have questions?

Please contact us at macabroad@mcmaster.ca. We’re happy to help!

If you’re going on a study abroad opportunity, such as through the McMaster Exchange Program, you may have access to specific awards based on your host institution. These university-specific awards change each academic year.

How to apply

To apply for a university-specific award, contact macabroad@mcmaster.ca for more information.

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

• Login to AwardSpring using your McMaster email and password to access hundreds of scholarships.
• If you haven’t already, complete the quick General Application in AwardSpring to automatically match with awards you qualify for.
• Go to the “Dashboard” and select the Travel and Exchange scholarships from the “Follow-ups” section.

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 macabroad@mcmaster.ca for more information.

GoEuro Scholarship

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

Through the McCall MacBain International Fellowship (MMIF) opportunity, you could spend one year immersing yourself in another culture: learning a new language, working and studying abroad. Up to 10 fellowships are available for McMaster students each year, valued at upwards of $30,000.

McCall MacBain International Fellowships include three terms abroad, in the non-English speaking country of your choice, to provide you with a well-rounded and fully-funded global experience. Twelve months are divided into three 4-month terms as follows:

• Language learning and homestay
• Academic study at a university abroad
• Work experience

This is a truly unparalleled opportunity to challenge yourself, grow in new directions, acquire global skills, and cultivate your independence and leadership aptitudes like never before.

If you feel like this opportunity could be for you:

• Consider attending an MMIF information with the McCall MacBain Foundation. These sessions are typically held in October, November and December each year
• Email globalcareers@mcmaster.ca to chat further and learn about the full scope of services and resources available from the SSC’s Global Experience Coordinator to help you before and throughout the application process!

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!