Osgoode Hall Law School Entrance Scholarships

A great legal education grounded in the real world. Ideas that shape the law and have social impact. A dynamic, welcoming and supportive community. Everything you expect from a leading law school. Renewable Entrance Scholarship and Awards

Access to Justice (A2J) Scholarship

Osgoode’s Access to Justice (A2J) Scholarship Program supports students who want to use the law to create lasting social change. Each year, up to seven incoming JD students with demonstrated financial need will receive a $15,000 entrance scholarship, renewable annually for a total of $45,000 in non‑repayable funding, provided they remain in good academic standing.  A2J Scholarship recipients may also pursue funded, self‑sourced public interest summer internships after 1L and 2L, with up to $12,000 per summer (to a maximum of $24,000) through Osgoode’s Summer Internship Program. Participation is flexible and student-centred, allowing recipients to design pathways aligned with their academic and professional goals. In total, the A2J Program offers up to $69,000 in financial support over three years, while remaining fully compatible with Osgoode’s bursaries and other financial aid—helping students focus on learning, advocacy, and impact from day one.

Davies Fellows Award

In 2022, as part of their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, the Osgoode alumni at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP created this award to provide financial support to facilitate access to legal education by exceptional students from equity-seeking groups. Together with matching funds from Osgoode Hall Law School an endowment was created.

The endowed funds will be used to support one Davies Fellow each academic year for a student entering into the JD program who demonstrates financial need and exceptional promise, as shown by personal or professional accomplishment, including their overcoming of challenging personal or societal circumstances in areas such as income, mental health, racial, cultural and gender inequalities, or physical and learning challenges. The award is renewable for the upper years of the JD program provided the student is in good standing in the program and continues to demonstrate financial need and exceptional promise.

Harley D. Hallett Renewable Entrance Scholarships

The Harley D. Hallett Renewable Entrance Scholarships were established by the estate of Elizabeth A. Hallett (1912-1993) in memory of her late husband, His Honour Judge Harley Donald Hallett (1912-1977), a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, class of 1939, who practised law (1939-1946) and served with distinction as Magistrate and Provincial Court Judge (1946-1977) in St. Catharines, Ontario.

The renewable entrance scholarships supported by the Harley D. Hallett Scholarship Fund are among the most prestigious at Canadian law schools. Hallett Scholars are selected on the basis of academic background and performance taking into account financial need. Preference may be given to candidates who have completed graduate degrees or honours programs. A candidate’s demonstrated interest and background in business studies, criminal law or criminology may also be taken into account.

The number of scholarships to be awarded is determined by the Harley D. Hallett Scholarship Fund Committee. Several entrance scholarships will be awarded annually to the top students who enter the first-year program at Osgoode with at least an A- average. Recipients who maintain a B+ average and continue to demonstrate financial need will receive a further funding in each of the second and third years of their undergraduate law program. The fund supporting the scholarships was partially matched by the Ontario Government and accordingly some awards are available to Ontario residents only as defined by the Ontario Students Opportunity Trust Fund guidelines.

The Honourable William G.C. Howland Award of Excellence Entrance Scholarships

The Honourable William G. C. Howland Award of Excellence Entrance Scholarship was established by the Osgoode Hall Law School Alumni Association and has been funded as a renewable entrance scholarship through a generous bequest from the estate of the late William Goldwin Carrington Howland, O.C., O.Ont., C.St.J. (LLB’39; LLD 1984). He practiced law, lectured on mortgages, served as Chair of the Legal Education Committee of the Law Society of Upper Canada at the time that Osgoode Hall Law School became affiliated with York University, and served with distinction as Treasurer of the Law Society and as Chief Justice of Ontario.

Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students who enter the first year of the JD Program or a Joint Program at Osgoode with an A- average or better. Recipients who maintain a B+ average will receive further funding in each of the second and third years of the undergraduate law program.

Scotiabank Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Scotiabank is committed to the principles of equity, inclusion and diversity.  It has established this award to support a student admitted to the first year of the JD program.  Applicants must write a one-page essay on how they will positively impact the legal profession and the Black or Indigenous community over the next three years by combatting racism and furthering inclusivity.  They must also have demonstrated work or voluntary experience supporting the Black or Indigenous community or other marginalized or disadvantaged groups.  Preference will be given to individuals who self-identify as a member of the Black community or the Indigenous community.  The total value of the award per academic year is $10,000 and may be renewed for each of the second and third year of the degree. In order to maintain eligibility, recipients must be in good standing to advance in the JD Program and submit a reflective statement on their thoughts and experiences during the past year including but not limited to their learnin
gs to date about systemic racism in law to Osgoode Hall Law School’s Office of Student Financial Services. By applying for this award students are consenting to have their reflective statement shared with the donor.

Alison J. Youngman/Stikeman Elliott Entrance Award at Osgoode

Alison Youngman (LLB, 1984) was a partner at Stikeman Elliott LLP when she passed away from cancer in 2009. The partners at the firm established this award to commemorate her life and extraordinary achievements, especially her passion for volunteerism. This award will be granted to a student entering the JD program at Osgoode Hall Law School with a minimum B average, who demonstrates the same passion for volunteerism, is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person and an Ontario resident, who demonstrates financial need. The award will be renewed in second and third year provided the recipient maintains good academic standing and remains in financial need.