Youth in extended society care tuition bursary

We know how challenging funding your education can be. If you grew up in the care of the Children’s Aid Society, you may be eligible for bursary support towards your tuition at McMaster University. We want to help you achieve your academic goals and support you during your time at McMaster.

For more information on eligibility, the application process and where to go for more details you can select the tabs below.

Incoming undergraduate eligibility

Will or have expired out of extended society care in Ontario (not publicly adopted) in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area with a minimum of one year in extended society care*.
Self-identify through the OSAP application process and provide the supporting documentation (OSAP Verification of Status with Children’s Aid Society Form).
Be a permanent resident, refugee, or citizen of Canada.
Apply for non-repayable grant funding through full-time or part-time OSAP each academic year. Students are not required to apply for loan funding.
Received an offer of admissions to McMaster University and meet the final admission conditions of the offer

A variable amount of aid and award bursary funding is available towards tuition and compulsory fees. This funding is renewable, subject to meeting eligibility requirements for up to four years.

*If you do not meet these criteria, consider applying for other funding opportunities. If you have any questions about the eligibility requirements, please contact the Access office.

Incoming undergraduate application process

Apply for admission to the McMaster University program of your choice via the 101 (current high school student) or 105 (not a current high school student) OUAC application portals.
Submit the Youth in Extended Society Care Tuition Bursary (YESC) application in AwardSpring by May 23, 2025 for equal consideration.
Apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for your academic year when it becomes available and submit all required supporting documents including the OSAP Verification of Status with Ontario’s Children’s Aid Society Form.
Decisions will be communicated by June 4th, 2025.
Should funding be available after the equal consideration deadline, funding decisions will be communicated on a rolling basis.

Incoming graduate eligibility

Expired out of extended society care in Ontario (not publicly adopted) with a minimum of one year in extended society care*.
Self-identify through the OSAP application process and provide the supporting documentation (OSAP Verification of Status with Children’s Aid Society Form).
Be a permanent resident, refugee, or citizen of Canada.
Apply for non-repayable grant funding through full-time or part-time OSAP each academic year. Students are not required to apply for loan funding.
Demonstrate financial need (eligibility for a minimum of $1.00 of grant funding on OSAP assessment).
Received an offer of admission to McMaster University and meet the final admission conditions of the offer.

*If you do not meet these criteria, consider applying for other funding opportunities. If you have any questions about the eligibility requirements, please contact the Access office.

In exceptional circumstances, there may be availability for out of province Canadian citizens, permanent residents and refugees for graduate program access.

Incoming graduate applicant process

Be an offer holder for a funded Graduate program at McMaster University.
Self-identify as a former youth in extended society care by contacting the Access office to obtain the application and submitting all required forms, including the OSAP Verification of Status with Ontario’s Children’s Aid Society Form, to the Aid & Awards Office at least 30 days before the program start date.
Apply for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) including providing the OSAP Verification of Status with Ontario’s Children’s Aid Society Form.
The Aid & Awards team will review the application for completion and advise the Office of Graduate Studies for review.
The Aid & Awards team will contact the student to determine the amount of funding needed on a case-by-case basis upon OSAP confirmation. This amount will vary depending on the funding package. Aid & Awards will coordinate payment to the student account.