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Labour Studies is concerned with our many and changing worlds of work. Drawing from ideas and theories from sociology, political science, economics, history, social work, geography and more. Labour Studies also studies labour and social justice movements to assess their demands for workplace, social and political change. This is because students of Labour Studies are not content just to interpret the world; they want to change it!
Faculty of Social Sciences
The prime objective of this unique program is to introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches and practical policy debates related to work and workers, both globally, and in Canada. Courses focus on a broad range of topics such as: union organizing; globalization and migration; labour geography; worker health and safety; and gender, racialization and work. The MA in Labour Studies approaches work broadly, paying attention to informal work, unpaid work in the home, as well as formal waged work. Regardless of the particular focus, work is studied as one component of life experience, and as influenced by technological change, community relations, the effects of racism, sexism, homophobia, and ableism, politics, and state regulation.
Upon graduation, our students are well-prepared either to take up employment in related fields or to pursue further studies in PhD programs. We take particular note of the placement of a number of our graduates in public sector professional positions and in the trade union movement. MA graduates have found employment working in a wide range of positions including:
The PhD in Labour Studies is the newest component of McMaster University’s School of Labour Studies. The only such degree in North America, this PhD program engages closely and critically with the issues of work and labour in contemporary and historical perspective. The program aims to develop a new generation of scholars prepared to contribute to research leadership in the academy, the community, policy arenas and organizations representing working people. As a small interdisciplinary program, students will enjoy strong mentorship from leading scholars in the field and benefit from the strong union and community connections of faculty.
PhD graduates will be ready to undertake academic employment as well as research jobs, senior administrative and leadership positions in a range of public, private and non-profit organizations with a focus on work and social justice, such as labour organizations, policy research institutes and think tanks.
View Program Site View Graduate CalendarCategory:
Internal
Amount
$$
This scholarship was established in 1984 and is available to students registered in Ph.D. programs in the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences. The award is valued at $6,000 and is made annually by the Scholarships Committee of Graduate Council on the basis of departmental nominations.
Category:
Internal
Amount
Varied values
ACUNS established its scholarship program, the Canadian Northern Studies Trust (CNST) in 1982 to advance knowledge and understanding of Canada’s North. The purpose of the CNST is to develop a cadre of scholars and scientists with northern experience and, at the same time, to enhance the educational opportunities available for northern residents.
For a list of scholarships and funding available, as well as eligibility criteria, award values, application details, and deadlines, visit the ACUNS website.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
May 22, 2024
Amount
$$
The CGS-MSFSS supports high-calibre Canadian graduate students in building global linkages and international networks through the pursuit of exceptional research experiences abroad. By accessing international scientific research and training, CGS-MSFSS recipients will contribute to strengthening the potential for collaboration between Canadian and foreign institutions.
Please review eligibility and criteria for more information about this travel award.
If you wish to apply, please contact your department graduate administrator.
Category:
Internal
Amount
The bi-national program is an educational exchange, with a mandate to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the United States of America. Available to graduate students, faculty, professionals and independent researchers, successful applicants conduct research, lecture, or enroll in formal academic programs in the United States. Fulbright Canada offers various scholarship awards within this program, with further information on the various award opportunities made available through the Canada-US Fulbright Program website.
For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright website.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
April 1, 2023
Amount
$
A scholarship sponsored by the National Association of Japanese Canadians and the Mennonite Central Committee Canada. For students engaged in research that assists the protection of minority or human rights in Canada. More information and upcoming deadlines on their website.
For eligibility, award values, application details and deadline, visit the Mennonite Central Committee Canada website.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
December 1, 2023
Amount
$$$
The CGS M Awards Program supports students in all research disciplines and is administered jointly by Canada’s three federal granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The selection process and post-award administration are carried out at the university level, under the guidance of the three agencies.
For a recorded information session about the Fall 2023 application process, click on the Learn More button.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
March 31, 2024
Amount
$$
The purpose of the CSA Group Graduate Scholarship is to support graduate students in the pursuit of knowledge generation related to standards. Full-time graduate students at the Masters level studying at a publicly funded, accredited Canadian university are eligible to apply.
The research can be conducted in any field (e.g. engineering, social sciences, health sciences) and must include standards as a component of the research. The topic does not need to be related to an area in which CSA Group already has standards. The research may investigate aspects of an existing standard or may explore an area for future standards development.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
April 30, 2023
Amount
$$
The Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award of $5,000 for any kind of research into celiac disease and / or gluten sensitivity is available to students and those who have recently completed degrees.
Eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines available on the Canadian Celiac Association website.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
November 15, 2023
Amount
$ – $$$
Traditional Fulbright Canada Student awards are intended for Canadian citizens who are graduate students, prospective graduate students, or promising young professionals who wish to study and/or conduct research in the United States. Awards may be held at any university, research centre, think tank, or government agency in the United States.
For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright Canada website.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are funded from the proceeds of the Graduate Students Association Development Fund, which receives contributions from graduate students and the University. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants fund is administered through the School of Graduate Studies. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are designed to enable graduate students to travel to undertake research or present at conferences relevant to their field of study. There are a fluctuating number of awards available each semester.
The successful recipients will be determined randomly by selecting one recipient from each faculty (Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business) and the balance of the awards left in a given period will be randomly selected from a list of the remaining applicants from all faculties combined.
Application dates:
Category:
Internal
Amount
$$
The H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarships were established by the income from a bequest in the estate of Hugh G. Hilton, at one time Chief Executive Officer of Stelco and member of the McMaster Board of Governors support a Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is tenable for one year, and is awarded annually to incoming Canadian citizens, permanent residents or, international students from departments which offer full-time Master’s graduate studies. Priority will be given to students intending research in Canadian industry or industrial problems. Other things being equal, preference will be given to deserving children of employees or former employees of Stelco Ltd.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$$$-$$$$
The Harry Lyman Hooker Sr. Fellowships are made possible through a bequest from the estate of Harry Lyman Hooker. These awards are given to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents who are ENTERING their first year of a master’s or doctoral program, at McMaster University in those disciplines that receive funding primarily from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
These fellowships will be distributed between the four Faculties – Business, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
March 14, 2024
Amount
$$-$$$
The Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Students was established in 2009 in honour of Harvey E. Longboat, and in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to McMaster University and to the broader community. The School of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Indigenous Studies program and the Indigenous Education Council, will award the scholarship annually to a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis student(s) who has demonstrated high academic achievement and exceptional promise.
The scholarship is tenable for one year, although previous award winners may re-apply.
Incoming students are eligible to apply.
Category:
Internal
Amount
A comprehensive list of funding sources and agencies for postdoctoral fellows in the Faculty of Health Sciences and those doing health-related research can be found on the Health Sciences website.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$$$$
The Hugh C. Morris Experiential Learning Fellowship, valued at $40,000 Cdn, is open to any graduate student studying in Canada who is working in a field related to
or the social impact, social sciences or design sciences related to these areas, and is designed to provide a unique experiential, international travel program designed by the student to engage diverse sectors, advance their research, learn from a range of contexts and cultures, and bring their learning back to Canada.
Review deadlines and all associated information on the Kimberley Foundation website.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
Established in honour of McMaster Faculty of Engineering PhD students Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian, and a former Faculty of Health Science Post-Doctoral Fellow, who lost their lives on the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Associate Deans responsible for graduate studies, to international graduate students from Iran who demonstrate academic excellence.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
December 1, 2023
Amount
$$$
In honour of the achievement of John Charles Polanyi, recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Government of the Province of Ontario has established a fund to provide annually up to five prizes to outstanding researchers in the early stages of their career who are continuing to postdoctoral studies or have recently started a faculty appointment at an Ontario university.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
April 30, 2024
Amount
$
This award is through the True Sport Foundation of Canada. Open to applicants who are
All questions should be directed to the True Sport Foundation of Canada.
Visit their website for all details and contact information.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
March 15, 2021
Amount
$$
The advent of large collection of data and ensuing development in data analysis techniques has made collaboration between data scientists and content experts necessary for cutting-edge research. Furthermore, there is a need for trainees to be exposed to both aspects of such research, namely for data science trainees to learn about real life practical projects and for content expert trainees to gain experience in data analysis and management. The aims of the MacDATA Graduate Fellowship Program are:
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
February 1, 2024
Amount
$$-$$$
The Mackenzie King Scholarships were set up under the will of the Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King (1874-1950), who was Prime Minister of Canada 1921-26, 1926-30, and 1935-48.
Two types of the Mackenzie King Scholarship are available to graduates of Canadian universities: the Open Scholarship and the Travelling Scholarship. Both are to support graduate study.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
March 31, 2023
Amount
$$
Manulife has introduced the first Life Lessons Scholarship Program in Canada, for students who’ve experienced the death of a parent or guardian with little to no life insurance. The Scholarship Program helps combat the financial burden of paying for post-secondary education during an emotional time and recognizes the perseverance that so many youth show in such adversity.
The next application call for this scholarship opens on February 1, 2024. Visit the Manulife website for details on that date.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
February 23, 2024
Amount
$$$
Four scholarships open to master’s and PhD students who are conducting research on determinants, impacts, and policy or program interventions into food insecurity in Canada.
Visit Maple Leaf Centre for Food Insecurity to learn more and apply.
Questions can be directed to info@feedopportunity.com.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
A bursary is based solely on financial need. In most cases, information from your OSAP application is used to determine your financial need (some students who don’t receive OSAP can still apply for a bursary).
The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program application opens mid-August in AwardSpring. Funding is paid out in mid-February.
Graduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.
Please note: The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program is not open to international students enrolled in graduate studies, MBA, medicine or physician assistant programs.
Bursary eligibility requirements:
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
July 15, 2020
Amount
$$$$
Prospective postdoctoral fellows are invited to submit a research plan that focuses on interdisciplinary, impact-driven approaches in the study of optimal aging through one or more of the following research areas:
The applicant and principal supervisor are expected to involve at least two other researchers from two different McMaster faculties (outside of the principal supervisor’s faculty) as mentors in the development of an interdisciplinary research plan.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
February 28, 2002
Amount
$$$
The MIRA and Labarge Scholarship program offers awards at the master’s and PhD level in two distinct streams. The Labarge Mobility Scholarship supports applicants whose research on aging includes a focus on mobility. The MIRA Scholarship in Aging Research supports interdisciplinary aging research in one of MIRA’s identified areas of focus.
The scholarships are open to master’s students beginning a new McMaster graduate degree in the 2022/2023 school year and PhD students entering year one or two of their studies. Interested candidates must develop and submit a research proposal in collaboration with a MIRA supervisor and an interdisciplinary mentor from outside the primary supervisor’s Faculty. MIRA requires confirmation that the supervisor and/or program will commit to matching the minimum level of support for the recipient for the duration of the graduate degree. See call for proposals and application form for more information.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
March 15, 2020
Amount
$
The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging funds up to 10 graduate student travel awards per year – five in each round – valued at $500 each for students working with MIRA researchers. Graduate students travelling to an academic conference to present an accepted abstract in aging research are eligible for up to $500 in travel funding.
For details about this and other funding opportunities, visit MIRA.
Deadlines for 2020: March 15 and September 15
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
This annual research bursary provides $2,000 each year to encourage research in the area of co-operatives and credit unions.
For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Norm Bromberger Research Bursary website.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
March 14, 2024
Amount
$$$
Two OGS-I scholarships are awarded to Indigenous graduate students at McMaster University who face significant financial hardship, with particular priority given to women with family responsibilities.
This criteria has been established in consultation with the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and is adjudicated by a committee chaired through the Indigenous Studies Program.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$$$
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and The Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs provide funding to full-time students at the master’s and doctoral levels. They are merit-based scholarships for students with an A- or above average.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$$$
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship for International Students is by nomination only. Applicants to this award must contact their department for application instructions
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
December 1, 2023
Amount
$$$$
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a three-year program designed to train Engaged Leaders, equipping outstanding doctoral candidates with the skills to translate their ideas into action. for the betterment of their communities, Canada, and the world. Up to 20 doctoral Scholars are selected each year and receive generous funding for their studies in addition to leadership training.
The annual value is up to $60,000 per Scholar–$40,000 (to cover tuition, and reasonable living expenses) and $20,000 (for research, networking, travel allowance, and possibly for the learning of languages).
Applications are now made directly to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.
Deadline: 5:00 p.m. ET, December 1, 2023
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
To be granted to graduate students enrolled in any program who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ students and demonstrate financial need.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
The Ronald Bayne Gerontology Award was established in 1999 by Barbara Bayne to honour Dr. Ronald Bayne’s valuable contribution to the study of gerontology at McMaster University. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the director of the office of gerontological studies to any graduate student in the Faculties of Humanities or Social Sciences conducting research in the field of aging.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$$
At least three awards, each in the amount of $4000, will be awarded annually to the women graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the university or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records.
Women registered in master’s or PhD programs within a designated region. Regions and number of awards rotate each year. SWAAC has designated Ontario as the region for this 2023 competition. There are five awards available for this competition. Each university may nominate one person for the award.
Read about McMaster PhD student Liza-Anastasia DiCecco, who received the 2023 SWAAC Award of Merit.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
October 2, 2023
Amount
$$$-$$$$
SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarships-Doctoral and the SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships support high-calibre students engaged in doctoral programs in the social sciences and humanities. This support allows scholars to fully concentrate on their doctoral studies, to seek out the best research mentors in their chosen fields and to contribute to the Canadian research ecosystem during and beyond the tenure of their awards.
Both the SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships and the Canada Graduate Scholarships—Doctoral Program (CGS D) are offered through one annual national competition. Applicants need to submit only one application to be considered for one or both awards. As each award has notable differences, applicants must read the descriptions for each award carefully to determine if they are eligible to apply for and hold each award. Applicants eligible for both the SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships and CGS D Scholarships will automatically be considered for both awards.
SSHRC has confirmed that the Online Application system is available as of the afternoon of Thursday, October 5th.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
September 18, 2019
Amount
$$$$
These fellowships support the most promising Canadian new scholars in the social sciences and humanities, and assist them in establishing a research base at an important time in their research careers.
The purpose of these fellowships is to provide stipendiary support to recent PhD graduates who are:
For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowships website.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
The Barkley’s of Avonmore Scholarship was established in 1977 through the generosity of Fred Barkley to assist a student from a developing country to pursue advanced studies at McMaster University. Each year the Dean of Graduate Studies will identify a worthy graduate student from one of the developing countries to receive the award.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$$
Established in 2022 through the estate of Brooke Townsend ’57, in honour of Brooke and his wife Irene ’57. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Deans in consultation with the Associate Deans Graduate Studies of the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Social Sciences to graduate students in these Faculties who demonstrate academic excellence and innovative research. The annual allocation available from the endowment is to be split equally between both Faculties.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$$
Established in 2013 to honour the memory of Dr. Colin Webber, McMaster University professor, physicist, radiation safety expert, teacher, mentor, and leader in the field of bone research. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to master’s or doctoral students. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate interest in bone research.
Value: Minimum $1,600
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
The E.B. Ryan Scholarship was established in 1997 using funds raised by a performance of the play Letter from Wingfield Farm, this scholarship is to be awarded to in-course graduate students from the faculties of Social Sciences and Health Sciences conducting research on aging. This award, valued at a maximum of $2,000, is awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of a committee comprised of at least the director and the co-ordinator of the Office of Gerontological Studies.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
Established in 2022 by the family of Edna Howard, this bursary honours the support Edna offered graduate students through her work as a cook at The Phoenix Bar and Grill, owned and
operated by the Graduate Students Association. Her food warmed the hearts of the McMaster campus community for many years until her retirement. To be granted by the School of
Graduate Studies to full-time students in any program who demonstrate financial need.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
The Graduate Students Association Bursary was established in 1999 by the Graduate Students Association at McMaster University under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative. To be granted to a full-time or part-time graduate student in one of the following faculties: Engineering, Health Sciences, and Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, or the PhD program in Business. The bursary will be awarded annually by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Graduate Students Association.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
The Gwen George Graduate Bursary was established in 1997 in loving memory of Gwen George by her family and friends under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative. Preferences to be given to second year Master’s students in any graduate program leading to a PhD in the faculties of Humanities or Social Sciences at McMaster who have demonstrated financial need.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
The H.Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary was established in 2010 by Dr. Susan J.Elliott (MA `97 and PhD`92), esteemed former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and senior research fellow at the United Nations Institute on Water (UNU-IWEH), Environment and Health, in memory of her father, H.Vincent Elliott. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation on the program director of ‘Water Without Borders’ to students registered in a Master’s or PhD program will be given to students in financial need.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$$
The Howard P. Whidden Graduate Scholarship was established in 1987, and is open to non-Canadian students from countries of the British Commonwealth. This prestigious award is open to students who qualify for admission into any graduate program that extends to the doctorate, although the student’s initial registration may be at the Master’s level. The award is once renewable contingent upon satisfactory academic performance. It will be awarded at the discretion of the School of Graduate Studies.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
Established in 1995 with funds from the estate of Helen S. Harvey. James F. Harvey was a member of the first McMaster graduating class in Hamilton in 1935. This travel scholarship will enable students to engage in research requiring travel. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Bursary was established in 1997 by The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. To be granted to graduate students in the faculties of Business, Engineering, Science or Social Science who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to graduate students who are conducting research related to commercial transportation issues and policy, specifically the role of transportation in stimulating regional economic development and trade.
Category:
Internal
Amount
Established in 2022 by the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student who is currently enrolled in their first year of any program who identifies as a member of the queer, trans community and is Black, racialized, or Indigenous.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
Established in 2005 by the Surgical Associates in memory of Myra Baillie. To be granted to a graduate student in any degree program who attains and “A” average and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a female graduate student.
Award Value: 2 awards of $1,000 each
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
The Robert John Morris Graduate Studies Bursary was established in 1996 by family, friends and colleagues of Robert John Morris. To be granted to graduate students in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need. Whenever possible, preference will be given to Engineering students studying in the area of nuclear engineering or advanced energy systems or, students in the Faculty of Humanities or Faculty of Social Sciences.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
March 8, 2024
Amount
$-$$
The SGS Grant is intended to be a grant in aid of research; students should not expect the grants to cover the full cost of travel or field work.
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Grant is not intended for conference or course work travel.
It is not meant to replace sources of funding already available from the tri-agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other external granting sources, or internal scholarships and bursaries.
It is not intended to fund the research itself, but the travel to do the research.
The application will open in Mosaic on January 8, 2024, and close on March 8, 2024.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
Established in 2018 to recognize important contributions to social justice. This scholarship will be awarded, by the School of Graduate Studies, to an incoming master’s degree student in the School of Labour Studies who, in the judgement of the School of Labour Studies, has demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice and solidarity.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
September 6, 2023
Amount
$$$$
The Vanier CGS program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students to establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Vanier Scholars demonstrate both leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering and health.
It is valued at $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies.
Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents of Canada, and foreign citizens are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Category:
Internal
Deadline Date:
March 28, 2022
Amount
$$-$$$
The Wilson Leader Scholarship Award for graduate students is different. Valued at $12,000 in direct funding and up to $2,000 for experiential funding, it’s a leadership development and career launcher program that builds on your studies. It involves about 15 hours/month, including time for synchronous group events between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.
Awarded to up to three graduate students annually.
Category:
Internal
Amount
$
The Yates Scholarship Fund (up to $500) was established in 1963 by the bequest of William Henry Yates. This fund support upper-level doctoral students with research activities and conference travel when a paper is being delivered. Applicants must have completed their comprehensive exam.
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