Oct 14, 2024  
Undergraduate Calendar 2024-2025 
    
Undergraduate Calendar 2024-2025

Travel and Exchange Awards


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Travel and Exchange Award Regulations

  1. Travel and Exchange Awards are monetary awards allocated on the basis of academic standing and, in some cases, other forms of earned merit.
  2. Travel and Exchange Awards are available to full-time and part-time students enrolled in Level 2 or above of their first undergraduate degree program, at the time of award application and selection, who are returning to McMaster to continue their studies.
  3. Travel and Exchange Awards requiring full-time status are available to students enrolled full-time or equivalent in both the fall and winter terms.
  4. Travel and Exchange Awards are available to all domestic and international students.
  5. Travel and Exchange Awards are not available to second degree students.
  6. Travel and Exchange Awards are not available to students in their graduating term.
  7. Students are limited to one Travel and Exchange Award per application cycle.
  8. Travel and Exchange Awards are available to students with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 7.0 on a minimum of 18 graded units.
  9. Available averages, units upon which averages are calculated, program level, and enrolled units may be used to break any ties in an award competition.
  10. Exchange Awards are available to students participating in an approved formal exchange program during the academic year immediately following the application deadline.
  11. Travel Awards are available to students travelling to earn academic credit, pursue experiential learning opportunities, complete research or projects, participate in relief efforts, volunteer or work.  Some Travel Awards may be for travel within Canada, while others may support the student outside Canada or internationally.  Travel Award recipients must travel during the summer, fall and/or winter terms immediately following the application deadline.
  12. Travel and Exchange Awards may also consider other forms of earned merit. To evaluate earned merit, students may need to complete one or more additional requirements including, but not limited to, submitting an application.
  13. To be considered for a Travel and Exchange Award by application, students must submit a complete application by the specified deadline date.
  14. Travel and Exchange Award applications which meet award eligibility criteria are forwarded to a selection committee for review and ranking.
  15. All Travel and Exchange Award payments are disbursed through the McMaster Student Account and applied to outstanding charges. A few exceptions to this regulation may be approved by the Office of the Registrar, Aid & Awards.
  16. Travel and Exchange Awards are typically disbursed no later than the end of April.
  17. Travel and Exchange Award recipients will have their awards noted on their University transcripts.
  18. It is the responsibility of Travel and Exchange Award recipients to make all travel and exchange arrangements.  Recipients are required to assess travel risks, have a plan of action in place for emergencies, and ensure they have proper medical and other insurance in place prior to departure. 
  19. Travel and Exchange Awards will not be issued for travel when University advisories and/or official global travel advisories have been issued to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada and to areas deemed as ‘do not travel areas’ per Global Affairs Canada.
  20. Travel and Exchange Award recipients may be required to complete a risk assessment and/or safety component and/or waiver prior to departure as dictated by other University policies.  Those participating in exchange opportunities must attend mandatory Exchange Pre-Departure Orientation sessions and complete Terms for Participation Forms, Liability Waivers, and Statement of Responsibilities Forms.
  21. Travel and Exchange Award recipients are asked to submit, and consent to the publication of, a report of their travel or exchange experience when they return to their studies at McMaster.  Reports are submitted to the Office of the Registrar.  Student submitted reports are included in the annual reports made to the Undergraduate Council Awards Committee, Undergraduate Council and Senate, and are shared with donors. 
  22. Travel and Exchange Awards allocated to students who do not travel or participate in their formal exchange as indicated on their application will forfeit their award.
  23. Registration in, or transfer to, another program of study and/or a change in course load may result in forfeiture of a Travel and Exchange Award.  Students are advised to consult with the Office of the Registrar prior to making any changes to their program of study or course load.
  24. Students who forfeit their award will have their award cancelled and their transcript notation removed.  Students must return the Travel and Exchange Award funding to their McMaster Student Account. 
  25. The University may choose not to grant a Travel and Exchange Award in the absence of a suitable candidate; may choose to limit the number of recipients selected where funding is limited; may choose to limit the number of recipients selected where too few suitable candidates exist; and/or may choose to generate applicant pools where complete applications have not been received.
  26. The University may remove specific Travel and Exchange Awards from the University Calendar, may revise the terms and stated value and/or suspend the granting of Travel and Exchange Awards.
  27. Travel and Exchange Awards supported by donor funds may have additional eligibility requirements.

Travel and Exchange Awards by Application

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Open to Two or More Faculties

The Beale-Lincoln-Hall Travel Scholarship

Established in 1996 by Arnold A. Beale in memory of his parents F. Arnold Beale and Margaret S. Beale and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gould Lincoln and Commander Harley H. Hall, U.S.N.

Requirements: To be awarded to students who demonstrate high academic standing and are participating in one of McMaster’s formal exchange programs. Preference will be given to students enrolled in a program in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Cognitive Science of Language, Commerce, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering Physics, English, French, Geography, History, Linguistics, Materials Science, Mathematics, Physics or Religious Studies and who demonstrate a lively interest in the humanities and the human and social implications of scientific developments.

Typically Available: 1 x $2,000

The John P. Evans Travel Scholarship

Established in 1991 by many friends, colleagues, students and graduates of McMaster University as a tribute to John (Jack) P. Evans upon his retirement as Associate Vice-President, University Services and Secretary of the Board of Governors in recognition of his 25 years of outstanding contribution to the University Community.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student enrolled in Level 2 or above of an Honours program with notable academic standing and has demonstrated a scholarly interest in some aspect of Asian languages, history or cultures, with preference being given to a student wishing to study in China.

Typically Available: 1 x $1,500

The Jimmy Fong International Outreach Travel Award in Engineering

Established in 2006 by Jimmy Fong, B.Eng.Mgt. (Class of ‘82).

Requirements: To be awarded to students who, in the judgment of a selection committee, demonstrate high academic achievement, and are pursuing either an international relief and development project in an underdeveloped, disadvantaged area or a study, work or co-op placement outside of North America. Preference to be given to students in the Faculty of Engineering.

Typically Available: 1 x $3,000

The Rundle Foreign Study Scholarship

Established in 2011 by the Rundle Foreign Study Bursary at the Hamilton Community Foundation.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student enrolled in Level 2 or above and who, in the judgment of the Selection Committee, has attained notable academic achievement. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students who are participating in one of McMaster’s formal exchange programs in a country where English is not the first language and who have graduated from a publicly funded secondary school in the Hamilton-Wentworth area.

Typically Available: 1 x $2,500

The Susan Vajoczki Legacy Travel Scholarship

Established in 2013 by the family, friends and colleagues in memory of Susan Vajoczki, Professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and Director of the Centre for Leadership and Learning.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student who has completed at least Level 2 in any program in the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, or the Arts and Science Program and who, in the judgment of the School of Geography & Earth Sciences, has achieved notable academic standing, and is pursuing research in the fields of pedagogy (teaching and learning) or Earth Sciences who could benefit from travel.

Typically Available: 1 x $2,000

The Howard P. Whidden Scholarship

Established in 1941 by the Honourable Jacob Nicol (Class of ‘00) of Sherbrooke, Quebec, in honour of Chancellor Howard P. Whidden, with a view to fostering relations of friendship and understanding between French-speaking and English-speaking Canadians.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student who has completed six units of French and who shows ability and promise in the use of the French language. The recipient will study at a Quebec university during the summer.

Typically Available: 1 x $2,500

The T. Russell Wilkins Memorial Scholarships

Established in 1963 by bequest of Mrs. T. Russell Wilkins (B.A. ‘18 Brandon, M.A. ‘32), daughter of former Chancellor Howard P. Whidden, in memory of her husband, Dr. T. Russell Wilkins (Class of ‘11).

Requirements: Two scholarships to be awarded to students in their penultimate level of an Honours program in Arts and Science, Health Sciences or Science who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. In addition, the students should demonstrate a lively interest in the humanities and in the human and social implications of scientific developments. The purpose of the scholarship is to enable the winners to spend the summer before the final Fall/Winter session in travel and study outside Canada.

Typically Available: 2 x $5,000 each


Open to the Arts and Science Program

The Class of ‘37 Travel Scholarship in Arts and Science

Established in 1989 by the Graduating Class of 1937 in celebration of their 50th anniversary and augmented by friends of the Arts and Science Program.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student who is enrolled in Level 2 or above of an Honours program in the Arts and Science Program. Applicants should have demonstrated a lively interest in developing countries. The purpose of this award is to enable the winner to spend the summer, immediately following its receipt, working and/or studying in a developing country.

Typically Available: 1 x $2,500


Open to the DeGroote School of Business

The Maria Chan Scholarships for International Studies in Business

Established in 1999 by Professor Luke Chan and his family in support of students in the DeGroote School of Business who wish to pursue academic studies abroad.

Requirements: A variable number of scholarships to be awarded to students participating in one of McMaster’s formal exchange programs who, in the judgment of the Faculty of Business, demonstrate notable academic achievement.

Typically Available: Variable x $1,500

The Scotiabank Commerce Exchange Program Awards

Established in 2011 by Scotiabank in support of students in the DeGroote School of Business who wish to pursue academic studies abroad.

Requirements: To be awarded to students who demonstrate notable academic achievement and are participating in one of McMaster’s formal exchange programs in the DeGroote School of Business in a country in which Scotiabank has operations.

Typically Available: 9 x $2,500


Open to the Faculty of Engineering

The Liburdi Family Foundation International Exchange Scholarship

Established in 2019 by Joseph Liburdi in loving memory of his parents, Carlo and Domenica.

Requirements: To be awarded to students enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering who attain high averages and are participating in one of McMaster’s formal exchange programs.

Typically Available: 1 x $10,000

The Ronald William Merkel Travel Scholarship in Engineering

Established in 2008 by Brad Merkel, B.Eng.Mgt. (Class of ‘85).

Requirements: To be awarded to a student in the Faculty of Engineering who, in the judgment of a selection committee, demonstrates high academic achievement and is pursuing either a study, work or co-op placement outside of North America or an international relief or development project in an underdeveloped, disadvantaged area outside of North America. Preference to be given to a student involved with Engineers without Borders.

Typically Available: 1 x $3,500


Open to the Faculty of Health Sciences

The CIM International Outreach Travel Award

Established in 2006 by Michael P. Smith and CIM Limited.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) program who will be taking Health Sciences courses in the following Spring/Summer or in the following Fall/Winter terms which include travelling and volunteering in underdeveloped, disadvantaged areas outside of Canada. The student must demonstrate contributions to the betterment of life through special initiatives.

A 500-word essay on the value of the experience in meeting the stated personal learning goals established by the student is required. Students should build into their learning goals a presentation to an external group after the travel is completed.

Typically Available: 1 x $1,000

The Clara I. Elman Travel Scholarships

Established in 2006 by Clara I. (Graham) Elman (Class of ‘46), Faculty member in the School of Nursing from 1949 to 1953.

Requirements: To be awarded to students who are enrolled in Level 3 of a B.Sc.N. program and who will be completing a Level 4 clinical course in a Northern Canadian placement.

Typically Available: 1 x $1,000

The Lindy Wee Wong International Outreach Award

Established in 2010 by Hong Eie Wong, B.Eng. (Class of ‘82) in honour of his wife.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) program who will be travelling and volunteering in underdeveloped, disadvantaged areas outside of Canada and who, in the judgment of the Program, demonstrates contribution to the betterment of life through special initiatives.

Typically Available: 1 x $1,250

 


Open to the Faculty of Humanities

The A.G. Alexander Scholarships

Established in 1938 and augmented in 1946 by Sir Douglas Alexander, and members of his family, in memory of Archibald Grieg Alexander.

Requirements: A variable number of scholarships to be awarded to students enrolled in Level 2 or above on the basis of excellence in an Honours program in the Faculty of Humanities. The purpose of the scholarships is to enable the recipients to study outside Canada during the twelve months prior to the final Fall/Winter terms.

Typically Available: 3 x $5,500 each

The Discovery of Languages Study Abroad Scholarship

Established in 2011 by Linda White B.A. (Class of ‘80), M.A. (Class of ‘83).

Requirements: To be awarded to a student enrolled in Level 2 or above in a program in the Department of Linguistics & Languages or the Department of French, and who has attained notable academic standing. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist students with travel and study for academic credit during the Fall/Winter terms in a country where English is not the first language. Preference given to those who are participating in one of McMaster’s formal exchange programs.

Typically Available: 3 x $2,500

The Joan Jackson Dunbar Travel Scholarship

Established in 1960 by Mayor Lloyd D. Jackson (Class of ‘09), LL.D (Class of ‘55) and Mrs. Jackson of Hamilton in memory of their daughter, Joan (Class of ‘40).

Requirements: To be awarded to a woman student enrolled in Level 3 or above of an Honours program in English for excellence in the work of the program (with emphasis on English). The winner must have secured all her secondary school education in Canada. The award is to be used for study and travel in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe during the vacation before the final Fall/Winter terms.

Typically Available: 1 x $3,675 

The Gabriele Erasmi Travel Scholarship to Italy

Established in 2003 by the Dante Alighieri Society of Hamilton, the Department of Linguistics and Languages, the Julian-Dalmatians of Hamilton, and friends, in honour of Dr. Gabriele Erasmi, distinguished Faculty member of the Department of Linguistics and Languages.

Requirements: To be awarded to an outstanding student who has completed Level 2 of a Humanities program. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist with the expenses of travel and study in Italy for academic credit at McMaster University. The applicant must submit a plan of study for approval.

Typically Available: 3 x $1,000

The Linguistics and Languages Travel Scholarship

Established in 1991 by the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics.

Requirements: To be awarded to students enrolled in Level 2 or above in a program in Cognitive Science of Language or Linguistics and who, in the judgment of the Department of Linguistics and Languages, attain high averages. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist with travel expenses to study and travel abroad.

Typically Available: 3 x $1,000

The E.T. Salmon Scholarship

Established in 1991 by Mrs. Edward Togo Salmon in memory of her husband, world-renowned Roman historian and member of the faculty for 43 years.

Requirements: To be awarded to undergraduate students enrolled in Level 3 of any Honours Department of Greek and Roman Studies or Honours History program, including at least 12 units of Ancient History and Archaeology, and who, in the judgment of the selection committee shows outstanding achievement and promise. The purpose of the scholarship is to enable the winner to travel and study abroad during the vacation before the final Fall/Winter term, and/or to fund the final year of study at McMaster; candidates should submit to the committee a statement of their aims and plans for study.

Typically Available: 2 x $2,000

The Harold and Gertrude Freeman Scholarship in French

Established in 1981 by members of the Class of ‘43 as a grateful tribute to Harold A. and Gertrude Freeman; Professor Freeman was honorary president of the Class of ‘43 and was a long-time teacher of French at McMaster University.

Requirements: To be awarded to students enrolled in Level 2 or above of an Honours French program who are confirmed as travelling abroad as part of Humanities Study Abroad and who, in the judgment of the Department of French, has attained the highest level of accomplishment in knowledge of French language, literature and culture.

Typically Available: 2 x $1,000

The Albert Shalom Travel Scholarship

Established in 1994 by family, friends and colleagues in memory of Albert Shalom, Professor of Philosophy at McMaster University from 1966 to 1991.

Requirements: To be awarded to undergraduate and/or graduate students enrolled in any Department of Philosophy program, who will be engaged in travel or an exchange program and demonstrate academic excellence.

Typically Available: 1 x $800

The Viola E. Webster Foreign Study Award

Established in 2012 in memory of Viola E. Webster B.A. (Class of ‘43) by her nephew, Ion Webster.

Requirements: To be granted to a student in the Faculty of Humanities who is participating in an international exchange program and who demonstrates financial need. Preference to be given to students who have taken courses in French and German.

Only current OSAP recipients are eligible.

Typically Available: 1 x $3,000


Open to the Faculty of Science

The D.M. Davies Prize

Established in 1984 by friends, colleagues and former students in recognition of Professor Douglas Davies for his outstanding contribution to the Department of Biology during 34 years of service.

Requirements: To be awarded to a student who has completed Level 1 and at least an additional 30 units of an Honours Biology Core program and who, in the judgment of the Department of Biology, attains a grade of at least A- in BIOLOGY 2F03 - Fundamental and Applied Ecology  and who registers in BIOLOGY 3R03 - Field Biology I  or BIOLOGY 4J03 - Field Biology II  in the following summer session.

Typically Available: 1 x $700

 

The Jennifer J. Dunn Scholarship in Geology

Established in 2012 by Jennifer J. Dunn (Class of ‘93).

Requirements: To be awarded to a student who has completed at least Level ll in an Honours B.Sc. program in the School of Geography and Earth Sciences and who is pursuing experiential learning in geology through volunteerism, internship, and/or travel and study. Student must demonstrate a strong potential in geology.

Typically Available: 3 x $2,500