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Student Financial Assistance and Awards

Tuition, Fees, Financial Assistance and Awards

Cost of Attending Ryerson

Regardless of the educational institution or course of study, post-secondary education is expensive. Students are advised to prepare a realistic budget (opens in new window)  reflecting their own situation, taking into consideration academic expenses, personal expenses, accommodation and transportation costs.

Please refer to the section Fees/Financial Information for complete details on University fees. Fees are subject to change each year.

Academic Expenses: Books, paper, pens, calculators, drawing equipment, binders, project materials, typing, cameras, dance shoes, etc., are all considered academic expenses. The requirements vary widely depending on the program. New students should speak to senior students and academic advisors, for guidelines before making any purchases. Book lists are available during the first week of classes. Do not make any purchases before seeing each professor or academic advisor unless specifically directed otherwise.

The following represents some expenditures that students will also need to consider.

  • Transportation
  • Pocket Money
  • Entertainment
  • Clothing
  • Living Away From Home (Rent, Food)

Ryerson provides many resources to help students plan for these added expenses, including:

Scholarships and Awards

There are many awards (opens in new window)  available to both new and returning Ryerson University students. Some awards are automatically awarded while others require applications. 

The University is greatly indebted to the federal and provincial governments, foundations, industrial and business firms, technical and professional associations and individuals for their contributions to the bursaries, scholarships and other awards received by students attending Ryerson.

Bursaries solely offer financial assistance to students. They are offered through the University, faculties and academic program departments.

Further details can be found at ryerson.ca/currentstudents/financialaid (opens in new window)  or at https://www.torontomu.ca/registrar/students/scholarships.html (opens in new window) .

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence. With some exceptions, students need not apply for scholarships, as these awards are generally granted to the recipients on the basis of their performance during the previous year.

Awards are presented on the basis of more than one criterion and typically require a nomination or application on behalf of the student.

Full details of all scholarships and awards are published annually on the Scholarships & Awards website: https://www.torontomu.ca/registrar/students/scholarships.html (opens in new window) .

 

Ryerson is pleased to recognize the academic achievements of the first-year class upon admission to the University with more than $2-million designated for scholarship support.

All Ryerson Entrance Scholarships and Renewed Scholarships are deposited directly into students' tuition fees which can be viewed on their RAMSS (my.ryerson.ca (opens in new window) ) account.

For detailed information/eligibility criteria or to print a copy of an application visit https://www.torontomu.ca/registrar/students/scholarships.html/entrance (opens in new window) .

Scholarships that require an application can be submitted before you receive your official Admission Offer.

The Ryerson Gold Medal

The Ryerson University Gold Medal is the University's highest honour, awarded to students with outstanding academic achievement combined with outstanding involvement with the University, their profession, and/or the community.  

All full-time and part-time students graduating in either the fall or spring of an academic year are eligible for nomination.  

The awards are presented to one student from each Faculty during the Spring Convocation ceremonies.  Students are nominated for this award by their academic Program Departments.

Governor General's Academic Silver Medal

The Governor General's Silver Medals are presented to the two graduating students with the highest Academic Standing (Cumulative GPA in the final two years of study) in a Bachelor's degree program. 

Financial Assistance and Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) provides financial aid to students enrolled in postsecondary studies.

OSAP is intended to supplement a student’s (and family’s) financial resources and contributions toward their education. OSAP provides financial aid to eligible Ontario students to help pay for educational-related costs such as:

  • tuition
  • books
  • compulsory fees
  • transportation and
  • associated living costs

It is important to remember that once you have received a federal and/or provincial student loan, it is your responsibility to understand and respect the terms and conditions of your loan agreement.

A full-time student is defined as a student enrolled in a minimum of 3 units per semester (60 percent or more of a full course load each term; minimum of 2 billing units for students with a permanent disability). Refer to the Fees/Financial Information section of this calendar for information on units of study and associated fee charges. This Calendar, under Programs and Academic Departments, details the individual programs and associated courses which represent a full course load. They may vary for individual programs. Students are encouraged to review their units of study each semester and ensure they contact their Department/School to discuss course load issues.

Detailed information on eligibility, application forms and deadlines are available on the Ministry website at osap.gov.on.ca (external link, opens in new window) , Student Financial Assistance Office website (opens in new window)  or at the Student Financial Assistance Office.

OSAP applications for the upcoming academic year are usually available in early Spring. Students are urged to apply early.

In order to qualify for OSAP, students must meet one of the following criteria:

  • You have always resided in Ontario, OR
  • Ontario is the last province you resided in for 12 consecutive months without being a full-time postsecondary student

If you have residency from another province, please visit the Government Assistance Programs in Other Provinces page (opens in new window) .

U.S.A. citizens/permanent residents: Students studying outside the USA are not eligible for US federal student aid grants. Online courses are also not eligible for financial assistance. US citizens and permanent residents interested in applying for federal student aid under the Direct Loan program should visit Student Financial Assistance's Full-Time U.S. Students page (opens in new window) .

The International Student Support webpage (opens in new window)  lists a number of financial assistance and scholarship programs available for international students.