Information for Ontario Master’s Program Administrators & Faculty
Scholarship Eligibility & Nomination process
The combined support of the Province of Ontario and a commitment from Ontario’s universities to recruit top talent and increase the number of graduates from AI-related master’s programs are contributing to a robust AI ecosystem. The merit-based Vector Scholarships in Artificial Intelligence assist universities in attracting excellent students from Ontario and around the world and deepening the pool of applicants. In addition, the scholarship supports students in their pursuit of AI-related studies while building community among scholars and students in Vector recognized master’s programs.
Up to 115 Vector Scholarships in Artificial Intelligence will be awarded in 2021-22, each valued at $17,500 for one year (prorated for programs less than 12 months in duration).
If you would like materials to promote the scholarship through your own website or other channels, please contact us at aimasters@vectorinstitute.ai.
Nomination Process & Eligibility Requirements:
Ontario university programs are invited to nominate their top applicants for the Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence. Vector Institute does not accept applications directly from prospective students.
Key Dates:
- Nomination period opens: January 4, 2021
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- All forms and templates will be made available at this time
- Compile nomination packages and set internal deadlines: January to early March 2021
- Deadline for submission: March 24, 2021 at 4 pm (EST)
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- Programs are required to compile and review all nomination packages, rank their nominees, and calculate the GPAs of students in their last 2 years of study (typically 20 half-courses).
Eligibility Criteria for Nominees:
- Has applied for entrance to a master’s program in an AI-related field or plan of study at an Ontario university for the 2021-22 academic year
- Hold first-class standing (minimum of A- or equivalent) in their last two years of study (full-time equivalent, or last 20 half-courses) from a recognized university
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- Consideration will be given to candidates with upper second class standing (B+) and relevant work experience, or where extenuating circumstances apply, only if a rationale is provided in the nomination package
Program administrators should ensure that the following components are included in each nomination package:
- Copies of all up-to-date transcripts with the corresponding grading system (both undergraduate, and if applicable, graduate transcripts)
- Two referee forms, at least one of which is academic (available January 2021)
- An up-to-date one to two-page CV
- A 250-word statement outlining their reason for pursuing a master’s in AI, relevant AI-related experience, and career aspirations (suggested template available January 2021)
- Self-Identification Questionnaire (available January 2021)
- If not enrolled in a recognized program, an approved study plan including a course list and a description of thesis/capstone project (suggested template available January 2021).
- If the nominee’s GPA in the last two years of study is below A-, rationale for consideration of the nomination (i.e. describing extenuating circumstances)
FAQ for Program Administrators & Faculty
The scholarship is intended to attract strong applicants and students to your program; as such, making applicants and prospective applicants aware of these awards is important. Easy to share marketing collateral on the scholarship has been distributed to programs. If your program would like this material, kindly email aimasters@vectorinstitute.ai.
No, programs can nominate eligible candidates who are eligible for admission or have received an offer of admission. Candidates cannot apply directly for a Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence. However, to support the nomination, candidates must supply a short statement, a 1 to 2 page CV, and solicit two referee reports to be sent directly to the program(s) in which the candidate has applied. Prospective students may alert the program of their interest in being nominated for a Vector Scholarship in AI. In addition, the program can solicit top applicants to complete the requisite documentation for the scholarship application.
No, these are entrance scholarship for AI-related master’s students who will register and begin their studies in the 2020-21 academic year; others are not eligible.
Yes, providing they meet all the eligibility requirements and are highly qualified to merit nomination by the intended program of study.
Programs are responsible for nominating incoming AI master’s students. This involves:
- Ensuring that eligible applicants to your program have been instructed to provide their 250-word statement, a 1 to 2 page CV, and seek references from two referees using the referee report form which will be made available January 6, 2020.
- Providing the prospective student with the name and email address of your program contact and the deadline date by which the contact must receive the statement, CV (if not included in your application) and referee reports (as per #1);
- Ensure that the deadline for submission of material is far enough in advance of Vector’s submission deadline of April 3, 2020 to allow for the ranking of nominees and the collation of the nomination package; and
- Complete and submit the appropriate nomination forms (available starting January 6, 2020) along with the nomination package. Full instructions on the nomination package will be made available on January 6, 2020.
No, the scholarship is awarded to the candidate for study in the master’s program that submitted the nomination; it cannot be transferred to another program of study in either the same university or a different university. In such cases, the scholarship reverts to Vector for possible re-allocation.
Yes, a Vector Scholarship recipient may hold an OGS or a CGS-M at the same time.
Usually, the Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence must be taken up in accordance with the start date specified on the nomination form. However, in extenuating circumstances (e.g. unanticipated: medical issues, family responsibilities, or visa delays), deferral may be granted with relevant documentation.
Funds are transferred to the universities and paid out through the Faculty/School of Graduate Studies student awards system in instalments. All funds go directly to and in full to the recipients, providing they maintain full-time enrolment and are in good standing.
We strongly recommend the use of Mac Preview in compiling nomination packages, as there have been errors documented with using Adobe and other platforms for merging PDFs.