Student Services
We support your graduate student journey.
Food Hamper Program Unified Support Centre
The Food Hamper Program is now partnered with the Unified Support Centre.
If you are a registered graduate student and would like a food hamper, you can request one here.
Make sure to create a login through the link provided to access the service!
Awards
GSA Masters Scholarship
GSA Masters Scholarship
10 awards/semester; $1,000 each
Requirements:
- Completed application form.
- Certificate of enrolment (issued within two weeks of submission)
- Transcript
- One academic reference.
- One-page cover letter outlining eligibility and academic excellence.
Adjudication Criteria for Academic Awards
Academic awards shall be adjudicated based on the following criteria:
• Program Standing & Academic Performance (40%): Based on CGPA of most
recent semester and consideration of:
For Master’s students: Completion of coursework and progress toward degree requirements.
Research Strength and Potential (40%)
Evaluated through research proposals, publications, conference presentations, etc.
• Academic Reference (10%): Assesses the applicant’s scholarly ability, work ethic, and
potential.
• Cover Letter Quality (10%): Evaluates clarity, persuasiveness, and demonstrated
alignment with award goals.
The Application Opens on October 10th and closes on December 5th at 4pm EST.
Any questions can be directed to grants@gsacarleton.ca
The deadline has passed.
The GSA PhD Scholarship
The GSA PhD Scholarship
10 awards/semester; $1,000 each
Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Certificate of enrolment (issued within two weeks of submission)
- Transcript
- One academic reference
- One-page cover letter outlining eligibility
The Application Opens on October 10th and closes on December 5th at 4pm EST.
Any questions can be directed to grants@gsacarleton.ca
The deadline has passed.
Teaching Assistance Excellence Award
Teaching Assistance Excellence Award
1 award/year; non-monetary (certificate +plaque)
Requirements:
- Nomination form
- Written statement of support outlining excellence in teaching from students or faculty
- Relevant supporting documents (optional)
The Application Opens on October 10th and closes on December 5th at 4pm EST.
Any questions can be directed to grants@gsacarleton.ca
The deadline has passed.
Accessibility Grant
Since 1992, the GSA Accessibility Fund has provided funds to pay for attendant care for grads with disabilities at GSA functions or at other academic events where such care is not covered by other organizations. It also contributes funds to projects that improve the accessibility of facilities grads use at Carleton.
We understand that accessibility goes beyond attendant services and can be used to ensure accessibility related needs for a current graduate student with disabilities not limited towards accessible technology, adaptive tools or other accessibility related needs with a maximum of up to $1000 dollars.
Applicants requiring attendant services to attend conferences are also encouraged to apply.
10 awards/semester; $1,000 each
Requirements:
Completed application form.
Proof of registration with the Paul Menton Centre, certificate of enrolment (issued within two weeks of submission), one-page cover letter outlining accessibility needs, and supporting documentation if available.
Any questions can be directed to grants@gsacarleton.ca
The Application Opens On October 10th and closes on December 5th at 4pm.
The deadline has passed.
Dental Grant
The Dental Grant is designed to assist graduate students in off-setting the cost of any urgent and necessary dental repairs or other dental services, which are covered at less than 50% by the GSA’s dental insurance plan. The grant was created with the understanding that graduate students often are faced with significant expenses due to unforeseen dental emergencies.
Up to 10 grants/semester; expenses will be reimbursed up to a maximum
of $500 per student, per semester
Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Certificate of enrolment (issued within two weeks of submission)
- Statement outlining the dental need and financial circumstances
- Detailed invoice or receipt from licensed dental provider
- Documentation showing amount covered (or not covered) by the GSA Health and Dental Plan or any
other insurance provider
For any questions email gsa@gsacarleton.ca
The Application Period Opens October 10th and closes on December 5th at 4pm EST
The deadline has passed.
Students Impacted by Conflict, Crisis or War
GSA Grant for Students Impacted from Conflict, Crises and War
In response to global crises, including warfare, conflict and natural disasters, GSA Carleton is initiating a grant for our members of the international community. This grant aims to assist current GSA Carleton members affected by these events. The nature of these crises can range from military occupations to life-threatening situations such as supply shortages, injuries, race-based violence, religious persecution, and family separation or loss. The grant is designed to offer broad eligibility to members facing various forms of hardship. Despite the existing GSA Emergency Grant, the unique circumstances of ongoing global conflicts, crises and wars have led to several students altering their education plans, including dropping courses. This fund seeks to support those students impacted by international crises.
For any questions, email gsa@gsacarleton.ca
GSA_Grants_and_Awards_Policy_Manual
The Application Opens from October 10th and closes on December 5th at 4pm EST.
The deadline has passed.
Emergency Grant
The GSA Emergency Grant of up to $750 is designed to assist graduate students in dire financial need due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, fire, theft, child care or family emergency. The GSA Emergency Grant is not a loan, and thus need not be repaid.
Up to 20 grants/semester; $750 each
Requirements:
- Completed application form
- One-page cover letter outlining emergency and financial need,
- Certificate of enrolment (issued within two weeks of submission)
- Supporting documentation if available.
For any questions email gsa@gsacarleton.ca
Please note that emergency grants are not issued immediately. Approved funds are subject to administrative processing, and timelines may vary depending on volume and processing requirements.
The deadline has passed.
Health Leave Grant
The GSA Health Leave Grant is designed to provide financial support for full-time or part-time Masters and PhD students who require academic leave for mental or physical health reasons. Only those students that were granted academic leave for mental or physical health issues are eligible to apply for the Health Leave Grant. To be considered for the grant, applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Up to 10 grants/semester of $1,000 each
Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Confirmation of academic leave for health reasons from Graduate Studies
- Certificate of enrolment for two terms prior to leave
- Financial need statement
For any questions email grants@gsacarleton.ca
Applications Are Open From October 10th and closes on December 5th at 4pm EST.
The deadline has passed.
Indigenous Student Award
Indigenous Student Grant
10 grant/semester: $750 each
Requirements:
- Completed application form, self-identification as indigenous
- Certificate of enrolment (issued within two weeks of submission)
- Supporting documentation if available.
Applications Are Open From October 10th and closes on December 5th at 4pm EST.
Please direct any questions to grants@gsacarleton.ca
The deadline has passed.
Travel Grant
Travel Grants help graduate students defray the costs of participating in academic conferences or engaging in academic pursuits, including research, outside of the Ottawa area. Students applying for a travel grant must provide documentation proving that they’ve also applied to their supervisor, their department, and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs. It must be understood that the GSA has limited funds available for Travel Grants.
Travel Grants may assist students in a number of ways. They are available to any graduate student who is presenting a paper, chart, poster, or any other form of academic work (including being a scheduled participant on a panel) at a recognized conference. The grant can also assist students who wish to attend conferences directly related to their research topic, compete in academic competitions, or conduct research relating directly to their research topic.
The GSA shall award 50% of the travel costs not covered by other sources. The maxiumum amount is $500. Applicants may apply for more than one grant per fiscal year (01 May to 30 April), where the total of all grants awarded to any one student would not exceed the maximum award per applicant in one fiscal year. Travel Grants shall not be awarded to assist students’ travel for internships or co-ops, paid or otherwise.
Up to 10 grants/semester: eligible expenses will be subsidized up to a maximum of $500 per student
Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Proof of acceptance to present at conference (or similar academic participation),
- Letter of support from supervisor or department
- Certificate of enrolment
- Proof of payment for eligible expenses,
- Proof of funding from other sources (if applicable)
For any questions email gsa@gsacarleton.ca
The Application Period Is Open From October 10th and Closes on December 5th at 4pm EST
The deadline has passed.
Visible Minority Grant
Visible Minority Grant
15 awards/semester; $750 each
Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Self-identification as a visible minority
- Certificate of enrolment (issued within two weeks of submission)
- Supporting documentation if available.
Student Organization Grant
Student Organization Grants
Student Organization Grant are designed to support graduate student–led organizations (depart-
mental societies, program associations, recognized clubs/societies, or ad-hoc graduate
groups) to deliver academic, professional, cultural, or community-building activities that
primarily benefit graduate students.
– Funding limits: $50–$600 per event/program; $800 annual cap per depart-
ment/organization per GSA fiscal year (May–April). The annual cap applies across all semesters combined and is subject to Council-approved budgets.
– Eligibility: Applicant group is in good standing with the GSA and compliant with
University policies and applicable laws; events must primarily benefit graduate students and occur within the relevant semester.
– Eligible expenses (examples): venue rental, speaker honoraria, accessibility sup-
ports, event materials, modest non-alcoholic refreshments, printing/outreach, work-
Eligible expenses include: conference registration fees, travel fare, accommodation during the event,
Presentation materials such as poster printing or handouts.
Shop supplies, and other direct program costs.
– Ineligible expenses: alcohol; gifts beyond token value; donations; prizes of more than nominal value; salaries/wages; capital purchases; retroactive costs incurred be-
fore application; costs already fully funded by other sources.
– Application: Online form including event description and objectives, date/time/location
(with accessibility considerations), itemized budget (income and expenses) with quotes
where practical, and disclosure of other funding (secured or pending). Groups are
encouraged to use a non-personal bank account; where unavailable, payment may be
made to a student member in trust.
– Disbursement & Reporting: Reimbursement or direct vendor payment upon sub-
mission of original, itemized receipts within 14 days of the event; a brief post-event
Report (attendance, outcomes, graduate-student benefit) is required.
– Advertising & GSA credit: Groups must advertise to graduate students and
provide event details for inclusion on GSA channels; all materials must credit the
Graduate Students’ Association.
– Decision Timelines: Complete applications are normally processed within five (5)
business days, subject to available semester allocations.
– Appeals: Procedural appeals may be submitted in writing to the Vice-President
Finance within ten (10) business days of notification. The Committee may recon-
sider where process concerns are substantiated; an applicant may further appeal to
The GSA Carleton Inc. Board of Directors, whose decision by majority vote is final.
Standard Application Requirements
Unless otherwise specified under each award, applications must include:
• Completed application form
• Certificate of enrolment (dated within two weeks of submission) (issued within two weeks
of submission)
• Cover letter (max 1 page) outlining eligibility
• Transcript (for academic-based awards)
• Supporting documentation (as required by award)
Incomplete applications cannot be considered for a grant or award.
Professional Development Support Program 2025 (Pilot)
The Professional Development Support (PDS) Program offers financial reimbursement to graduate students who pursue professional certifications that complement their academic background and support their long-term career goals. This program helps students strengthen their resumes, enhance industry-relevant skills, and prepare for success in competitive job markets.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
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Completed Application Form
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Proof of Certification: Official certificate of successful completion
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Proof of Enrolment: Applicants must be registered as graduate student at Carleton University for the academic year 2025-2026
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Proof of Payment: Receipt or confirmation of payment in the applicant’s name for the certification exam/course
-
One-Page Explanation Letter (250 words max.): Clearly outlining:
-The connection between the certificate and the student’s academic studies
-How the certificate supports the student’s long-term career development
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Applicants must be registered as graduate students (full-time or part-time) at Carleton University for the academic year 2025-2026 at the time of both certification completion and application submission.
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Only certifications completed between September 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, are eligible. Certifications completed outside of this window, including during the summer term, are not eligible for reimbursement.
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The certificate must be issued by a reputable domestic or international organization, obtained through either an in-person or online certification program.
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Show a clear connection between the certificate and their academic program and career objectives.
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Submit a maximum of one-page (250 words) explanation letter and all required supporting documents.
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Not have received reimbursement from the PDS program earlier in the same academic year.
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Not be receiving reimbursement for the same certificate expense from any other source, including Carleton University departments or faculties, external grants or awards, employers, or internship sponsors.
Note: This is a pilot program being introduced for the 2025–2026 academic year. The GSA is testing this initiative to evaluate student interest, equity of access, and budget usage. As such, program processes or funding levels may be adjusted in future years based on student feedback and participation.
If you have any questions please direct them to gsa@gsacarleton.ca
The Application is Open on October 10th and will consider applications on a rolling basis until funding is all allotted.