Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence (2026 – 27):
Nomination Templates

The nomination period for the Vector Scholarship in AI 2026-2027 cycle is now open. The deadline for programs to submit all nominations to Vector Institute is March 18, 2026 at 4 PM, ET. 

Please note that university program offices may have internal submission deadlines for required documents earlier than March 18. If you are a prospective nominee, we recommend reaching out to the program(s) you have applied to as soon as possible to indicate your interest in nomination.

We recommend that referees review the CRC’s Guidelines for Limiting Unconscious Bias when completing the written component of the Referee Report.

Nomination package requirements checklist:

Criteria for assessment 2026 – 27

Nomination packages must include the following. Please read the instructions on each required template carefully. 

We recommend that completed templates are flattened (or Print-to-PDF) prior to combining PDFs into packages to protect field entries and ensure no data is lost in the submission process. It is the responsibility of the nominee and administrators to ensure that all information is visible.

We kindly ask that nomination packages are compiled in the following order where possible:

• PDF copies of all post-secondary education transcripts, with GPA conversion scales included (all undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate transcripts)
• Two (2) referee forms, at least one of which is academic
  • Fill in the highlighted Candidate Information and Instructions for Referees sections of the form before forwarding to referees, ensuring that the program contact details are accurate and appropriate
  • Completed Referee Forms should be sent by the referee directly to the nominating program contact listed on the form
  • Referee Report Form 2026-27
• Up-to-date CV, 1-2 page limit
• A 500-word statement in paragraph form, clearly outlining:
  • the student’s reason for pursuing a master’s in AI (passion and purpose),
  • relevant AI-related experience (past practice and application), and
  • career aspirations (dreams and goals).
  • Student Statement Template 2026-27
• If the nomination is to any master’s program that is not a Vector-recognized program or specialization, an Approved Study Plan outlining the student’s planned master’s course list and if applicable, a description of the student’s planned master’s thesis or capstone project.
  • Approved Study Plan Template 2026-27
• If the nominee holds less than an A- (3.7/4.0 GPA) average in the last 2 years of full-time equivalent study, a written rationale for consideration to outline extenuating circumstances or demonstrate relevant AI experience, must be included.
  • May be written either by the nominee or by the nominating administration
  • Students with a GPA lower than B+ in their last 2 years of full-time equivalent study will not be included in the competition
  • Must be one page or less and added to the end of the nomination package
• Self-Identification Questionnaire, which is submitted as a separate file. The questionnaire is required from all nominees; responses remain confidential and are not evaluated or visible to the review committee.
  • Self-Identification Questionnaire 2026-27