New bursary will help students affected by steep rise in housing and commuting costs

McMaster is introducing a new Exceptional Housing and Commuting Bursary to help students facing rising costs of living during this period of inflation.

This special bursary is available to all undergraduate students studying at a McMaster campus who demonstrate financial need and are facing a sharp rise in their housing and/or commuting costs.

“As students face extraordinary increases in their cost of living, McMaster and the Office of the Registrar are here to help,” said Elizabeth Way, Senior Associate Registrar of Aid & Awards. “The Exceptional Housing & Commuting Bursary will help those faced with these costs reach their academic goals.”

It is one of many other bursary programs available to students. Last year, McMaster distributed more than $12 million in bursaries to students in need.

How to apply for bursaries

McMaster students can apply for this bursary and others on the AwardSpring platform.

First, they complete the common application and indicate that they demonstrate financial need.

Then they must complete the bursary program follow-ups in the platform. The deadline for all bursary applications has been extended to Jan. 13, 2023.

AwardSpring also automatically matches students to scholarships and bursaries that meet their eligibility. It simplifies the research and application process so students can easily find and apply for awards. Students can share additional requirements (e.g. reference letters, transcripts, etc.) across different award applications.

Anyone needing help with applying for McMaster bursaries can connect with the Office of the Registrar’s Student Services team in person or via the online chat at registrar.mcmaster.ca.