Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence

The Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence supports the recruitment of top students to AI-related master’s programs in Ontario. Valued at $17,500 for one year of full-time study at an Ontario university, these merit-based entrance awards recognize exceptional candidates pursuing a master’s program recognized by the Vector Institute or who are following an individualized study path that is demonstrably AI-focused. Students in both core technical programs and complementary fields such as business and health are encouraged to seek nomination. Scholarship recipients will also have priority access to exclusive career exploration and professional development opportunities, and research talks, to support and nurture their excellence in AI.

Each year, hundreds of nominees are evaluated and approximately 100 merit based scholarships are awarded to promising AI master’s candidates.

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)

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.