Each year, Osgoode awards more than $3 million in bursary funding to students with demonstrated financial need. The bursary program continues to grow substantially and we are grateful for the support of alumni and friends of the Law School.
See the full list of Osgoode bursaries
Information on Emergency Funding
Quick Facts About Osgoode Bursaries
- Bursaries are non-repayable financial assistance
- Approximately 60% of students apply to Osgoode’s bursary program annually
- Approximately 90% of those who apply and are eligible receive funding
- Bursary award levels:
- Level 1: $1,500
- Level 2: $3,000
- Level 3: $5,000
- Level 4: $7,500
- Level 5: $11,500
- Level 6: $15,000
- The three main sources of bursary funding are:
- government tuition set aside funding (TSA)
- Osgoode unrestricted funding
- donor designated bursary funds
Applying for an Osgoode Bursary
All students (domestic and international) paying Osgoode tuition, with the exception of National Committee on Accreditation students, may apply for a bursary. To be eligible, you must:
- Apply for student government funding. If you are denied funding, you are still eligible for an Osgoode bursary, provided you submit and explain documentation relating to the denial.
- Apply for a professional student line of credit. You are responsible to put in place, and extend if necessary, a professional student line of credit to maximize your resources. You may apply to any financial institution, but if you’re denied by your first choice, we require a second application to RBC, TD or Scotiabank. These banks offer favourable funding packages to students enrolled in eligible professional programs. If you are denied a line of credit, you are still eligible for a bursary, provided you submit documentation relating to the denial.
- Provide complete documentation to support the information in the online application.
- Submit the online application and supporting documentation by the deadline.
Bursary applications are due on Monday, September 18, 2023; if you do not apply by this deadline you will not be considered for a bursary. You are considered for all available bursaries based on one general online application.
Decisions and Timing
The primary criterion for receipt of a bursary is financial need. Decisions are made based on a variety of considerations, including available resources, expenses, accumulated educational debt and personal factors, including medical and family circumstances. If you are eligible for a bursary, you will receive it by the end of November or beginning of December. It will be mounted to your Student Account and applied against any outstanding tuition. If you have no outstanding balance, you may request a refund cheque from York University.
Please see the current Student Handbook for more detailed information about the Bursary Process.
Students Planning to Study Abroad
Students who are on exchange in the fall or winter semesters and are paying tuition fees to Osgoode are eligible for Osgoode bursaries. Letter of Permission and summer program students who pay tuition to their host institution are not eligible for Osgoode bursaries for that period.
Winter Bursaries
Each year Osgoode awards some additional funding in the winter term, primarily targeted to graduating students with high debt loads. This funding is also available for first- and second-year students with extenuating financial and personal circumstances. Decisions regarding winter special funding are made in March and funding is distributed in April, prior to exams. Decisions are based on the information students provide in their fall bursary applications. There is no separate application process for winter special funding.
If your circumstances change after the fall bursary application program, you are welcome to meet with members of the Office of Student Financial Services to provide an update. The Office will also assist with budgeting and planning to address new or changed circumstances.