Financial Assistance

Virginia L. Gray Memorial Bursary

The Virginia L. Gray Memorial Bursary recognizes the exemplary work of Virginia L. Gray in continuing and distance education, and her passion for making education accessible. 

Open Learning Bursary

The Open Learning Bursary supports individuals requiring financial assistance to advance their academic and career goals through education.

If you are awarded a bursary, it will cover tuition costs for one course and the amount varies by course. Applicants can be awarded an OpenEd bursary (either Virginia L. Gray Memorial Bursary or Open Learning Bursary) only once throughout their studies.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents interested in enrolling in a continuing education or Open Learning program course are eligible to apply for a bursary.

Continuing education offerings, recognized with awards for excellence, consist of specialized, career-oriented certificates and diplomas that are delivered face-to-face or entirely online.

The Open Learning program provides worldwide and open access to award-winning degree-credit distance education courses for professional development or personal enrichment.

Registered University of Guelph Degree and Diploma Students

If you are a registered University of Guelph degree or diploma student, visit Student Financial Services for detailed information regarding applicable bursaries and scholarships. If you have an active status in a University of Guelph program, you are not eligible to apply for either bursary for credit courses. If you have questions about bursary eligibility, please contact our main office.

What do I need to apply?

To apply for a bursary, contact OpenEd with a letter of application outlining the following:

• Financial need, with appropriate supporting documentation
• Educational goals and how the bursary will help you to achieve these goals

Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation must verify your current income.  Examples of supporting documentation for the application include:

• T4 from last year
• T4 from this year
• Letter from employer
• Other relevant Revenue Canada documentation that confirms current income (e.g., Notice of Assessment)
• EI, ODSP or other support payments

Deadlines for Bursary Applications

• Winter Semester - July 30
• Summer Semester - January 30
• Fall Semester - January 30 or July 30 

Staff and friends of the University community have established and continue to contribute annually to the above bursary funds. OpenEd invites you to consider making a contribution to these funds. Any amount will be sincerely appreciated and will benefit a student in need. To donate, simply indicate the amount of your donation on your course or program registration form, and name the bursary of your choice. A donation receipt will be issued for your contribution. 

For more information, please email our main office or phone us at 519-767-5000.

Please note that you will only receive a charitable donation receipt for donations of $20 or more. If you have any concerns or questions, you can email the Alumni Affairs & Development’s Finance Donation team or reach them by phone at 519-824-4120 ext. 56540.