Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence (in Canada), 2026/27

Applications are currently being received for the Vector Scholarship in Canada. The Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence is a merit-based award that recognizes top candidates pursuing AI-related studies in master’s programs recognized by the Vector Institute or who are following an individualized study path that is demonstrably AI-focused in Ontario, Canada.

The scholarships will be awarded to students in both core technical programs and complementary fields such as business and health care. 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.

Programs can nominate eligible candidates who have or who will receive an offer of admission. Candidates cannot apply directly for a Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence. However, to support the nomination, candidates must supply a short statement and CV and solicit two referee reports to be sent directly to the program(s) to which the candidate is applying. Prospective students should alert the program of their interest in being nominated for a Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence.

Program Details

• Host Institution: Universities or institutions in the province of Ontario that are recognized by the Vector Institute; or are in an AI-related discipline that offers individualized study paths that are demonstrably AI-focused.
• Field of Study: AI-related master’s program (Please click here for more details).
• Number of awards: Not specified.
• Duration: One year.
• Target group: Open to all.

Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence Benefits

Selected candidates for this scholarship to study in Ontario, Canada will receive a funding of $17,500 CAD for one full year of study.

This award is your key to joining the Vector Institute’s influential community. Go beyond the classroom and immerse yourself in a collaborative environment with renowned experts and industry leaders tackling real-world challenges. With tailored support from Vector’s career services, networking forums, and Digital Talent Hub, you’ll be positioned not just to graduate but to thrive in a high-impact AI career.

Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence Eligibility

To be considered for this North America scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Entering a full-time master’s program in an AI-related field at an Ontario university in the 2026-2027 academic year (start dates in Spring 2026, Fall 2026, or Winter 2027 are eligible for nomination). The program must be Vector-recognized, or you must be pursuing an individualized study plan that is demonstrably AI-focused.
2. 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). Student transcripts should reflect preparedness for the proposed master’s program.
3. Consideration will be given to nominees with upper second-class standing (B+) and relevant work experience only if the rationale for consideration is included in the nomination package.

Application instructions for the Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence

Students cannot directly apply for the scholarship. Interested students should contact the graduate administrator of the AI-related master’s program to which they have applied to indicate their interest in being considered for nomination and confirm the date by which documents must be received.

Submission deadlines vary by university and by program; candidates should confirm deadlines with the graduate administrator of the program to which they have applied. Scholarship applications must be submitted through the program(s) of the prospective student who has applied.

Nomination package requirements

Students may not directly submit to the scholarship. Prospective students must provide all of the following components to their programs before the Vector nomination deadline of March 18, 2026, at 4 p.m. EST, and before any internal deadlines set by the institution submitting the nomination to be considered.

All required nomination forms are accessible for download from the Templates page. Applicants are advised to thoroughly review the instructions accompanying each document prior to submission. The complete nomination package must include the following:

1. Copies of all current academic transcripts (undergraduate and, where applicable, graduate). Please note that applicants who submit unofficial transcripts will be required to provide official versions if selected for the scholarship.
2. Two references, at least one of which must be academic, submitted using the official Referee Form available on the Templates page. Completed forms must be sent directly by the referee to the nominating program office, not to the student. Applicants should consult their program administrator to confirm the appropriate contact for scholarship-related submissions.
3. An updated curriculum vitae (CV), not exceeding two pages.
4. A 500-word student statement, prepared using the Student Statement Form on the Templates page, outlining the applicant’s motivation for pursuing a master’s degree in artificial intelligence, relevant experience in the field, and future career objectives.
5. For nominations submitted to programs not recognized by Vector, a signed and approved study plan is required, including a list of courses and a description of the master’s thesis or capstone project. This must be completed using the Study Plan Template provided on the Templates page.
6. If the nominee’s GPA over the final two years of study falls below an A– (equivalent to a Canadian university GPA of 3.7), a written rationale must be included as an additional page in the nomination package. This rationale should address any extenuating circumstances and support the nominee’s consideration.
7. A completed Self-Identification Questionnaire, submitted as a separate file. This form is confidential, will not be evaluated, and is not shared with the review committee. It is also available on the Templates page.

Nominations will be received till March 18, 2026 at 4 pm (EST). For more details on the Vector Scholarship in Canada for Artificial Intelligence related studies, do not forget to check the official page.