About the opportunity
The Bridging Divides program at the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Global Migration Institute offers competitive stipends to support full-time graduate students. Recipients become integrated members of the institute, participating in research training, workshops, and professional development. The program is open to students in thesis-based graduate programs whose research aligns with one of the four Bridging Divides research themes. Master’s students may receive up to $35,000 per year for up to two years, while PhD students may receive up to $45,000 per year for up to three years. Renewals are subject to annual progress reviews and funding availability. Students holding external grants may apply for a top-up, which is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Funding and benefits
- Master's stipend: Up to $35,000 per year for a maximum of two years.
- PhD stipend: Up to $45,000 per year for a maximum of three years.
- Integration into the Global Migration Institute research team.
- Access to research training activities and workshops.
- Professional development opportunities.
Who can apply?
- Must be a full-time Master's or PhD student at Toronto Metropolitan University.
- Research must align with at least one of the four Bridging Divides research themes.
- Supervisors or co-supervisors must be TMU faculty members involved in the program.
- Course-based graduate programs are ineligible.
- Open to both domestic and international students.
Required documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Interest or Letter of Intent from the graduate program application
- Bridging Divides motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Writing sample (PhD applicants only, maximum 10 pages)
- Additional documentation for FEAS applicants (supervisor name and written statement from the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies)
When to apply
- Application deadline for all categories: April 1, 2027.
How to apply
- Apply to an eligible thesis-based graduate program at Toronto Metropolitan University.
- Submit the relevant online application form (Entrance Master's, Existing Master's, or PhD) via the official Google Forms provided on the website.
- Ensure all required documents are uploaded as specified in the application form.
- FEAS applicants must coordinate with their supervisor and the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies to meet specific faculty requirements.
Additional information
- Funding is not provided for Master's students exceeding 2 years or PhD students exceeding 4 years.
- Stipends are subject to annual review of student progress and availability of funds.
- A list of eligible affiliated programs is provided on the official website, though other programs may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Students whose research interests directly intersect with migration, social justice, or urban development themes.
- Applicants seeking a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment rather than just financial support.
- Graduate students who already have a confirmed or prospective supervisor within the TMU faculty involved in the Bridging Divides initiative.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program is strictly limited to thesis-based research; students in course-based programs are explicitly excluded.
- Funding is contingent on annual progress reviews, meaning it is not guaranteed for the full duration of a degree.
- Applicants must be enrolled in or applying to specific TMU graduate programs, which requires navigating both the stipend application and the university's general admissions process.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity is ideal for graduate students aiming to secure significant financial support while gaining structured research training and professional networking within a specialized institute. It serves as a strong foundation for those looking to build an academic career or deep research expertise in migration-related fields.
Our take
Prospective and current thesis-based graduate students at TMU with research aligned to the Bridging Divides themes should prioritize this application. It is less suitable for those in course-based programs or those whose research does not clearly connect to the institute's specific thematic areas.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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