The Graduate Fellows program supports graduate (and exceptional undergraduate) students from across the University of Toronto who are working on urban-focused projects of an applied, translational, or policy-oriented nature.
Graduate student fellows may work on an independent project or a component of their degree-based project (thesis or dissertation). Candidates are welcomed from across all disciplines – from the fine arts to the applied sciences. As we launch the School of Cities India, we are particularly interested in supporting research projects that involve fieldwork or investigate topics related to India.
Graduate Fellow positions are open to students at the University of Toronto who are pursuing a PhD or Masters degree and who have a passion for urban issues. Fellows should be highly motivated to initiate and lead an innovative, creative and impactful project.

Graduate Fellows are eligible for:
- A stipend of $2,000 to support their pursuit of an independent project that addresses the broad theme of cities
- Virtual and/or in-person meetings in a Methods Atelier – coordinated by School of Cities Director Karen Chapple and faculty leads Stanka Radovic and Aradhya Sood, and featuring faculty guests – which focus on building better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different methodological approaches, from community-based research to big data and spatial analytics
- Recognition for University of Toronto Co-Curricular Record (CCR) (6 competencies)
- Participation in informal peer writing groups
- Membership in the Graduate Fellows Alumni Network
- Hoteling workspace at the School of Cities
We ask that Graduate Fellows:
- Develop a project that includes some form of knowledge mobilization and/or public engagement. This may include, but is not limited to, producing a performance, podcast, or art installation; writing an op-ed, blog, or policy brief; giving a public talk; conducting a monthly student-led conversation or a debate; creating a website or app, etc.
- Participate in School of Cities events and outreach programs
- Share their project outcomes at a virtual symposium in May
What we look for:
- Demonstrated creativity, impact and knowledge mobilization of the proposed project
- Demonstrated viability of the proposed project (i.e., based on research already in progress or connected to an active research team)
- The rigour of the proposed methodological approach
- A connection to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Applications for our Graduate Fellows program will open in July 2023
Questions?
Feel free to contact us at education.sofc@utoronto.ca