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Ontario First Generation Bursary (OFGB)

If you are the first in your family to be enrolled in post-secondary studies, and demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the Ontario First Generation Bursary!

Being a first-generation student is a very proud accomplishment. At Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), we want to do all that we can to assist you in your academic journey.

This bursary is only available in the fall and winter semesters. This bursary is available on the university's scholarship management platform, AwardSpring (external link) . Please refer to your AwardSpring profile during the specified time to apply.


This bursary is not available in the spring/summer semester.

A first generation student is the first in their family to be attending post-secondary studies, whether that is university, college, or an apprenticeship program. If your parents have not  attended a post-secondary institution in Canada, or anywhere in the world, then you’re a first generation student!

Do you have a sibling currently in post-secondary studies, or has attended post-secondary studies in the past? Not to worry, you still qualify as a first generation student.

Note: Students do not have to apply for OSAP, nor do they have to be studying full-time, to be considered for this bursary.

This bursary is only available in the fall and winter semesters. This bursary is available on the university's scholarship management platform, AwardSpring (external link) . Please refer to your AwardSpring profile during the specified time to apply.


This bursary is not available in the spring/summer semester.

Students must first create a profile on the university's scholarship management platform, AwardSpring (external link, opens in new window) .

To be matched to the OFGB, students must complete all three of the following points:

  • Indicate that they wish to be assessed for awards with financial need on their AwardSpring profile
  • Demonstrate their financial need by completing a budget form on their AwardSpring profile
  • Declare that they are a first-generation student on their AwardSpring profile

Once you are successfully matched to the bursary application, applicants will be prompted to provide a written statement of no more than 500 words on their experience as a first generation student in post-secondary studies (e.g. challenges encountered, resources utilized, and the reason for the bursary request).

In addition to the requirements of being a first-generation student and meeting financial needs, students must also meet additional requirements to be eligible for the bursary. Please visit AwardSpring (external link)  for the most detailed and up-to-date list of requirements.

Eligible Ontario First Generation Bursary recipients will receive their funds by an electronic payment tool, PayMyTuition. For details on how to use this tool, please visit MyServiceHub Support: Student Refunds.

  • The Ontario First Generation Bursary is exempt as study period income. A student’s OSAP entitlement will not be impacted if they are the successful recipient of this bursary.
  • If you are the successful recipient of the Ontario First Generation Bursary, please do not report it on your OSAP application. Our Student Financial Assistance team reports all awards, scholarships, and bursaries administered by TMU onto your OSAP application. 

Accidentally reported your bursary on your OSAP application? Learn more about how to update this information under the Scholarship, Award, and/or Bursary Recipients tab on the Information by Student Group page.