Queen’s Introduces Five New Scholarships for International Doctoral Students

Published on: 2010/11/04 - in Releases

Queen’s will have five new scholarships for international doctoral students annually beginning 2011-12 under a new provincial government program.

“These awards will position the university to recruit competitively for top notch international students at the doctoral level,” says Principal Daniel Woolf. “Building stronger international relationships is key to our strength as a university and our direction for the future. I applaud the government’s initiative in helping to make Ontario universities destinations of choice for highly qualified graduate students from abroad.”

Each Ontario Trillium Scholarship is worth $40,000 annually, renewable for up to four years with two-thirds of the money coming from the government and one-third from the school. The scholarships bring international doctoral student funding in line with provincial funding for domestic doctoral students.

“This is a vey positive move in the right direction. It acknowledges that internationalization requires resources, and that the support of international graduate students is a critical component,” says Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies, Brenda Brouwer.

The program is the first of its kind in Canada and supports the province’s pledge to increase foreign enrolment in postsecondary institutions by 50 per cent in five years.

“This is a real first step in recognizing the value of international graduate students to our research programs in Ontario, particularly at the doctoral level,” says Vice-Principal (Research) Steven Liss.

Eighty per cent of international students remain in Ontario after graduation helping to build one of the most highly skilled and educated workforces in the world and contributing $1 billion in spending annually. Recent changes to the Provincial Nominee Program are making it easier for our advanced degree holders to stay in Ontario.

“Sending students abroad and attracting international students to our campus are key priorities for Queen’s,” says Vice-Provost (International) John Dixon. “These scholarships will help us in the global competition to attract the best and brightest.”

International doctoral student enrolment has increased by 53 per cent over the past six years. The new provincial awards will help sustain that trend.