Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for the ONE City Scholarship if I’m in grade 11?
No. The ONE City Scholarship is only open to graduating students from Toronto District School Board schools who are heading to post-secondary.

Can I apply if I’m not going to college or university, or entering an apprenticeship program?
No. This scholarship is set up specifically for students who are heading to post-secondary.

Can I apply if I am graduating from a school in the Toronto Catholic District School Board?
No. The ONE City Scholarship is only open to graduating students from Toronto District School Board schools who are heading to post-secondary.

If I apply for The Olivia Wilks Scholarship for Black Graduates, can I still apply for a ONE City Scholarship?You apply for both scholarships when you complete the ONE City Scholarship application. If you meet the eligibility requirements for the Olivia Wilks Scholarship — as a Black student studying a helping profession such as Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Nursing or a social justice program — your application will be considered in both categories. Applicants can only receive one award!

I’m taking a gap year. Can I still apply?
Yes, but you must register with ONE City in the year that you graduate high school. Please email us at info@onecityfund.com if you will be taking a gap year.

I’m an international student. Can I still apply?
No. To be eligible for a ONE City scholarship, you must have some form of Canadian status. This includes citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or refugee applicant or you must be accepted into a sanctuary program by a post-secondary institution.

I can’t create a video.  Can I still apply?
If you are having issues answering the video questions or there are barriers for you to create it, please be in contact with us at info@onecityfund.com.

What kind of students get ONE City scholarships?
ONE City gives out awards to many different students.  Here is a short list of the things we look for:
• A student who has experienced significant challenges in their life and yet has been able to achieve academic success and be accepted into college or university.
• A student who has financial need and may apply for OSAP.
• A student who is ambitious in their personal goals and active in their community.
• A student who is open to joining a growing mentorship circle of One City Scholars.

Do I have to apply for OSAP to be accepted?
It is not mandatory for ONE City recipients to apply for OSAP.  However, we are interested to know how you plan to pay for your studies and we ask some questions about this in the application. 

Do I have to join the ONE City mentoring program?
It is not mandatory for ONE City recipients to join the mentoring program.  However, we hope you will be open to learn about our mentoring program and to consider the possibility of joining. 

Can I still get a ONE City award if I have received other scholarships?
Yes.  We encourage you to apply for as many scholarships as you can.

What are my chances of receiving a scholarship if I apply?
In 2023, we gave out 25scholarships , so your chances are good. If you’re not sure whether to apply and need more information, talk to your guidance counsellor, or contact us at info@onecityfund.com

When will I know if I will receive a scholarship?
All applicants will be notified of their application status in mid May.

If I am awarded a scholarship, when will I receive the money?
The ONE City scholarship is paid over two years. You will receive your scholarship cheques in late August after providing us with proof of enrolment in a college or university or an apprenticeship program.