The program promotes research in paediatric behavioural sciences and autism diagnosis and treatment, fosters a rigorous, internationally recognized research environment that attracts and retains excellent scholars, and accelerates progress in autism care, prevention, and treatment. It also supports the dissemination of research findings and builds long-term capacity within Ontario's autism research community by developing scholars and sustaining careers in the field — ultimately strengthening the province's ability to diagnose, assess, and treat autism
Value of awards
- Master's awards: $18,000
- Doctoral awards: $20,000
Application deadline
December 1
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Autism Scholars Award to receive an award, the candidate must be:
- a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada by January 29, 2027.
- Master’s: registered as a full-time student in a master’s program at an Ontario university at the beginning of the award period (i.e., fall 2027), and must remain registered as a full-time student throughout the term of the award; a master’s student remains eligible until the end of the sixth term of full-time study.
- PhD: registered as a full-time student in a doctoral program at an Ontario university at the beginning of the award period (i.e., fall 2026) and must remain registered as a full-time student throughout the term of the award; a doctoral student remains eligible until the end of the 15th term of full-time study.
Note: During the year an Autism Scholars Award is held, the recipient is precluded from holding any other award that offers financial support of more than $30,000 for that same year (subject to the university’s own policies).
Application process
The application must be submitted to the Financial Aid and Awards Service by email to [email protected] and must include:
- a duly completed application form, signed by the candidate and by the thesis supervisor. The Office of the Vice-Provost, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies will add the Dean of Graduate Studies' signature for candidates selected for the provincial competition following the internal selection process.
- the applicant’s curriculum vitae, which should include information regarding the eligibility criteria.
- a statement of no more than 1,000 words describing the research to be undertaken during the period of graduate study, and a non-technical summary of no more than 500 words, both written by the applicant (one additional page is allowed for diagrams, bibliography, etc.).
- all official transcripts (undergraduate and graduate).
- confidential letters from two assessors, signed and on letterhead, which should focus on an evaluation of the applicant’s research to date, and the research being undertaken during the period of graduate study for which the applicant will hold an Autism Scholars Award, if successful. Letters of recommendation must be submitted directly by the assessors by email to the Financial Aid and Awards Service at [email protected].
Evaluation criteria
The Selection Committee assesses applicants for Autism Scholars Awards on their talent, the excellence of their work, the vision that they bring to their endeavours, and the impact that the committee expects to result from the applicant’s work, as indicated by:
- The program of study and research and its potential contribution to the advancement of knowledge about autism.
- Past academic results, demonstrated by transcripts, awards and distinctions.
- Relevant professional and academic experience, including research training, as evidenced by papers presented at conferences and the candidate's publication record.
- Written letters of appraisal.
- Appropriateness of the choice of institution and supervising investigator.
Awards results and payment
The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) contacts the recipients directly to inform them of the results during the summer. Recipients must contact Financial Aid and Awards Service by email at [email protected] to activate payment of the award.
Website
Please visit the Autism Scholars Awards website to obtain the application form and to learn more about the award.
* The information on this page is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment from the University of Ottawa.
The selection committee’s decisions are final. The dean (or delegate) of the faculty offering the program will hear appeals only on procedural grounds.