Information for Prospective Students
Scholarship Eligibility & Nomination Process
2023 Information Webinar:
If you missed this year’s information session for prospective students on February 7th, please review the slides below or view our YouTube channel for a video copy of the presentation. Prospective Students Webinar Feb. 7, 2023
Nomination Process:
- Nomination period opens: January 3, 2023
- Prepare documentation and contact the institution to which you have applied: January to early March 2023
- Students cannot directly apply to the Vector Institute for the scholarship. You are encouraged to work with the Ontario university to which you have applied to be nominated.
- Universities will also have specific internal deadlines related to the scholarship which will be earlier than Vector’s final submission deadline.
- Deadline for submission: March 22, 2023 at 4 pm (EST)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Entering a full-time master’s program in an AI-related field at an Ontario university for the 2023-24 academic year (Spring 2023, Fall 2023, or Winter 2024). The program must be Vector-recognized or you must be pursuing an individualized study plan that is demonstrably AI-focused.
- Hold first-class standing (minimum of A- or equivalent) in the last two years of full-time equivalent study from a recognized university (typically 20 half-courses). Students’ transcripts should reflect preparedness for the proposed master’s program.
- Consideration will be given to nominees with upper second class standing (B+) and relevant work experience, only if rationale for consideration is included in the nomination package.
Nomination Package Requirements:
Prospective students must include all the following components in their nomination package to be considered:
- Copies of all up-to-date transcripts (undergraduate and graduate, if applicable);
- Students who submit unofficial transcripts will be required to submit official transcripts, should they be selected as scholarship recipients
- Two references using the Referee Form (available January 2023), at least one of which is academic;
- An up-to-date one to two-page CV;
- A 250-word statement outlining your reason for pursuing a master’s in AI, relevant AI-related experience, and career aspirations (suggested template available January 2023);
- Self-Identification Form (available January 2023);
- If not enrolled in a Vector-recognized program, an approved study plan including a course list and a description of thesis/capstone project (suggested template available January 2023).
- If your GPA in the last two years of study is below A-, rationale for consideration of your nomination (i.e. describing extenuating circumstances)
The required documentation for students to complete and submit to graduate program offices for their nominations can be found here.
Scholarship Conditions:
- The scholarship is non-transferable, as selected recipients are required to register at the Ontario university and program they were nominated to receive the award for.
- The scholarship funds will be provided directly to the university to disburse to recipients.
FAQ for Students
Programs can nominate eligible candidates who will or who 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, CV and solicit two referee reports to be sent directly to the program(s) to which the candidate is applying. Prospective students should alert the program of their interest in being nominated for a Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence.
No, these are entrance scholarships for AI-related master’s students who will register and begin their studies in the 2023-24 academic year; others are not eligible.
No, the scholarships are restricted to AI master’s students studying at an Ontario university.
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 or to a similar program at a different university.
Yes, you can hold a Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence and an OGS or CGS-M simultaneously.
Usually, the Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence must be taken up in accordance with the start date indicated by the program which nominated you. However, in extenuating circumstances (e.g. unanticipated: medical issues, family responsibilities, or visa delays), deferral may be granted with relevant documentation.