Awards & Scholarships

Need Based Awards

Merit Based Awards

Need Based Awards

Need Based Awards are awarded to students based on a combination of academic merit, demonstration of financial need, and in some cases, non-academic requirements.

To be considered for Need Based Awards students are required to complete the Financial Assistance Profile Application (FAP). The FAP Application becomes available in late August each year through the Student Centre website.

Please note that the deadline to submit the Financial Assistance Profile Application and any supporting documentation (if applicable) for Need Based Award consideration is September 30.

125th Anniversary Alumni Award in History
Awarded biennially to a student in an Honours Specialization, Specialization or Major in History based on academic achievement (minimum 75% average) and financial need. Applications can be accessed online through the Office of the Registrar's Web site and must be submitted by September 30. The recipient will be selected by the Faculty of Social Science once financial need is determined by the Office of the Registrar. This award is offered through the Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS) program and the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF) program, and recipients must meet Ontario residency requirements. Effective: 2023-2024
Award Value: $1000 biennial

Department of History OSOTF Award
Awarded to a student in an Honours Specialization, Specialization or Major in History based on academic achievement (minimum 70% average) and financial need. Applications can be accessed online through Student Center and must be submitted by September 30. Recipients will be selected by the Faculty of Social Science once financial need has been determined by the Office of the Registrar. This award was established through Foundation Western by William Edgar to recognize the outstanding teaching provided to him by Professor Craig Simpson. This award is offered through the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF) program and recipients must meet Ontario residency requirements. Effective: 2017-2018 academic year
Value: 1 at $1,100

Department of History OSOTF 2 Award
Awarded to a student in an Honours Specialization, Specialization or Major in History based on academic achievement (minimum 75% average) and financial need. Applications can be accessed online through Student Center and must be submitted by September 30. Recipients will be selected by the Faculty of Social Science once financial need has been determined by the Office of the Registrar. This award was established through Foundation Western by William M. Edgar to recognize the outstanding teaching provided to him by Professor Craig Simpson. This award is offered through the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF) program, and recipients must meet Ontario residency requirements. Effective: 2017-2018 academic year
Value: 2 at $1,500


Godsoe Family Bursary
Awarded annually to a student registered in the Faculty of Social Science or the Faculty of Arts and Humanities who has strong academic standing and demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to a student who is taking courses with the department of Economics, History and Philosophy and who is registered at main campus, however is taking one course at Huron University College. Established through the generosity of Peter Godsoe and family. Effective: 2015-2016 academic year
Value: 1 at $2,600

Edwin A. Goodman Award in History
Awarded to a student enrolled in second, third or fourth year who is studying British and/or Canadian history and who has demonstrated financial need. Established through the generosity of The Honourable Edwin A. Goodman.
Value: 1 at Up to $650

The Richard Markell Scholarship
Awarded to a student registered in an Honours Specialization, Major, of Specialization in History on the basis of academic achievement (minimum 80% average) and demonstrated financial need. The Office of the Registrar will complete an assessment of financial need and the Faculty of Social Science will select the recipients. Applications are available through Student Center and must be submitted by September 30. Established by Marguerite Ruth Dow, Professor Emerita, The University of Western Ontario, in memory of her loyalist ancestor, Richard Markell (c. 1746-1804), the great grandfather of her paternal grandmother, Alice Markell Dow. Effective: 2016-2017 academic year
Value: 1 at $700

Hazel Marie Phillips Memorial Scholarship in History
Awarded to a full-time second year student enrolled in the Faculty of Social Science who is registered in an Honours Specialization, Major, or Specialization in History , or an Honours Specialization in International Relations, on the basis of academic achievement (minimum 80% average) and demonstrated financial need. Other things being equal, preference will be given to a woman who meets the criteria. This is a continuing scholarship. If a student does not qualify for the scholarship for any reason, the scholarship will be given to another student in the same year, and it will be considered a continuing scholarship with all the requirements as outlined herein. Applications are available through Student Center and must be submitted by September 30. This scholarship was made possible by a generous donation from Mrs. Jean Walker (HBA Arts '38) and family in memory of Hazel Marie Phillips, a life-long resident of London. Effective: 2016-2017 academic year
Value:1 at $800, continuing for 3 years

The Grant and Peggy Reuber Merit Scholarship
Awarded annually to a fourth-year undergraduate student who is pursuing an Honours Specialization in International Relations or History, a Major in History, or a double Major in History combined with Economics, Political Science, Mathematics or Statistics and/or to a fourth-year undergraduate student who is pursuing an Honours Specialization in Economics, a Major in Economics, or a double Major in Economics combined with History, Political Science, Mathematics or Statistics. Candidates must have demonstrated financial need and achieved a minimum 80% average in the third year of their honours degree program. Recipients will be selected on the basis of their potential as scholars and their promise for distinguished achievement after graduation as reflected by demonstrated leadership and other personal qualities. Students must apply for these scholarships. Applications can be accessed online through Student Center and must be submitted by September 30. Final selection of the recipients will be made by the Chairs of the Departments of History and Economics, respectively, and the Dean of Social Science. Established through the generosity of Grant and Peggy Reuber. Effective: 2024-2025 Academic Year
Value: 2 at $5,700

Pioneer Jamie Smibert Award
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student in an Honours Bachelor degree with either an Honours Specialization in History or a double Major including History. The candidate must be enrolled in at least one Canadian History course and have achieved an overall academic average of at least 80%. Candidates must also demonstrate financial need. Application forms are available through Student Center and must be submitted by September 30. Selection of the recipient will be made by the Office of the Registrar. This award was established through Foundation Western by H. Marie Smibert (HBA '40). Effective: 2020-2021 academic year
Value: 1 at $3,000

Pioneer Sandy Smibert Award
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student in third year of an Honours Bachelor degree with either an Honours Specialization in History or a double Major including History. Preference will be given to a student who has successfully completed the mandatory second-year Canadian History course and attained an overall academic average of at least 80%. Candidates must also demonstrate financial need. Online financial need assessment forms are available through Student Center and must be submitted by September 30. Selection of the recipient will be made by the Awards Selection Committee in the History Department after the Office of the Registrar assesses financial need. This award was established by H. Marie Smibert (HBA'40) and is held with Foundation Western. Effective: 2022-2023 academic year
Value: 1 at $4,000

Merit Based Awards

W. Balderston Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to full-time undergraduate students in the Faculty of Social Science, Department of History, based on academic achievement. The Office of the Registrar will select the recipients. A student may receive a UWOFA Scholarship only once. This scholarship is made possible by the members of The University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA). Awarded annually Effective Date: 2022-2023 to 2024-2025 academic years inclusive.
Value: 1 at $1,500

The Baldwin Family Scholarships in Honours History
Awarded to two students entering the second year of an Honours Bachelor degree with either an Honours Specialization in History or a double Major including History who have achieved an average of at least 80% in their first year. These scholarships were established by Mr. B. I. and Lorna Baldwin, and Mr. W. C. P. and Lucile Baldwin. Effective: 2020 - 2021 Academic Year
Value: 2 at $700

Betty Bartlett Public History Experiential Learning Internship for Local History
Awarded annually to undergraduate students enrolled on main campus who participate in an experiential learning opportunity with a heritage organization that focuses on local history. Preference will be given to supporting students enrolled in the Public History Minor Program. The fund may be used to grant up to two internships of $500 each to students who have completed experiential learning in Public History in the local community (e.g. internships, employment or volunteer work). Internships arranged through Western’s Social Science Internship Program are eligible. Students are asked to make their submissions to the Departmental Office in History by September 30 to HistoryAwards@uwo.ca. Students may submit an application for work conducted from the previous academic year, ie. September 1 – August 31. Applications consist of the application form, unofficial transcript, resume, and a letter from the student's experiential learning supervisor.
The Director and Internship Coordinator, M.A. Public History Program, or a designate, in consultation with the Chair of the Department of History, are responsible for allocating spending from the fund.
This fund was made possible through a generous endowment by Dr. Michael Bartlett (Western MA Public History Class of 2020), in memory of his mother, Betty Bartlett.
Effective Date: 2021-2022 academic year.
Internship value: 2 X $500
Application Form

Brock Millman Memorial Student Award
Awarded annually to an undergraduate student in an Honours History program (including the Honours Specialization or Major as part of a double Major Honours program) or International Relations program, based on a minimum 70% average. Preference will be given to students who have served, or are serving, in the Canadian military. Applications (located at www.history.uwo.ca) must be submitted, and if relevant, should explain the student’s role in the Canadian military (listing the name of their unit and Commanding Officer). The deadline for applying to hisaward@uwo.ca is September 30th.The Undergraduate committee, or an ad hoc scholarship sub-committee determined by the Undergraduate Committee, of the Department of History, will select the recipient. This award was established by Alumni, History Department Faculty, family members and other donors, in honour of Dr. Brock Millman (BA 1985). Effective Date: 2020-2021 academic year Dr. Brock Millman completed his degree in History and English at Huron University College while also pursuing a military career with the 4th Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment. He went on to receive his Master’s degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London) and his PhD from McGill University. In 2001, he started teaching History at Western and became the Director of the International Relations Program. He continued to serve with 4RCR while teaching and in 2010 was deployed to Afghanistan as Senior Advisor in the Afghan Ministry of Defence. Dr. Millman worked tirelessly for the welfare of at-risk veterans. Dr. Millman died in 2018 at the age of 54.
Value: 1 at $1,000
Application Form

Department of History Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time second year student in the Faculty of Social Science in an Honours Specialization, Major, or Specialization in History, based on academic achievement (minimum 80% average). The student will be eligible to continue to receive this award up to and including year four of the History program, provided that he/she maintains an 80% academic average. A new recipient will not be selected until the current recipient no longer qualifies. The recipient will be selected by the Dean based on the recommendation of the Department of History. Established from a generous gift by Mr. William Edgar (DHS '94 in History) through Foundation Western to recognize the outstanding teaching provided to him by the faculty members of the Department of History. Effective: 2023 - 2024 Academic Year
Value: 1 at $1,800

The Robert A.D. Ford Award
Awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate student in History, Political Science or International Relations, who has a primary interest in Canadian foreign policy or international affairs. Established through Foundation Western by Dr. Robert A. D. Ford, C. C., a distinguished Canadian diplomat. Effective: 2016-2017 academic year
Value: 1 at $1,500

Godsoe Scholar Award
Awarded annually to an undergraduate student in Year 2 of an Honours Bachelor degree with an Honours Specialization or double Major which includes Economics, History or Philosophy, based on academic achievement (minimum 80% average). Students pursuing dual degrees (combined or concurrent) are not eligible. The scholarship will continue for Years 3 and 4 provided that the recipient continues in an Honours Specialization or double Major which includes Economics, History or Philosophy, and maintains a minimum 80% average and a 5.0 course load. If a recipient fails to retain the scholarship for Year 3, no replacement recipient will be selected, and she/he may regain the scholarship for Year 4 (see appeals note below). This scholarship was established by a generous donation from the Godsoe Family and is held with Foundation Western. Note: The University will use the scholarship appeals process, which is available to students over the summer, to assist Godsoe Scholars who are not maintaining an 80% average. This opportunity for personal counseling may help return recipients to scholarship-level achievement and funding, while monitoring their success. Effective: 2018-2019 Academic Year
Value: 1 at $7,000, continuing for up to three years


Garth and Wilma Lambert Scholarship in History
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student in any year who is enrolled in the Department of History (including International Relations), with a minimum 80% average. The scholarship committee in the Department of History will select the recipient. This scholarship was established with a generous gift from Professor Garth R. Lambert and his wife Wilma Lambert. Garth was a dedicated professor of Latin, Classical Studies, and Philosophy at Western University both in the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, for the majority of his career. Garth died in 2014 at age 85. Effective Date: 2018-2019 academic year
Value: 1 at $2,000

Fred Landon Prize in Canadian History
Awarded to a graduating student in the Department of History for excellence in Canadian History. Endowed by Mrs. Fred Landon in memory of her husband, distinguished historian, Professor of History, and Librarian at this University. Effective: 2016-2017 academic year
Value: 1 at $375

The Joseph Henry Marshall Prize
Awarded to a registered student for the highest standing in a senior survey course in Canadian History taken in the prior year. Open only to Canadian students. Bequeathed to the University by Mrs. Amy Marshall as a memorial to her late husband, Joseph Henry Marshall, MP, to commemorate his interest in all phases of Canadian History. Effective: 2017-2018 academic year
Value: $300

The John McEachern Scholarship
Awarded to the student in an Honours Bachelor degree with the highest standing in third year of a double Major in English Language and Literature and History, tenable in fourth year. Established in memory of Dr. Thomas E. Carr, BA '35. Effective: 2024-2025 academic year
Value: 1 at $1,300

Morrison Scholarship in American Studies for Academic Achievement
Awarded annually to one full-time third-year student and one full-time fourth-year student registered in an Honours degree with an Honours Specialization or Major in American Studies, or a double Major that includes American Studies, who has earned the highest academic average in his/her previous year. The recipient will be selected by a committee established by the Centre for American Studies. These scholarships were established by a generous donation from Dr. Katherine L. Morrison, a long-time friend and supporter of Western. Effective: 2022-2023 academic year
Value: 2 at $1,900

Barry Connell Steers Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time student enrolled in his or her third or fourth year of an Honours Specialization or double Major in an Honours degree which includes Economics, History or Political Science, based on academic achievement (minimum 80% academic average). The recipient will be selected by the Faculty of Social Science Scholarship Committee. This scholarship was established in honour of her husband, Mr. Barry Connell Steers (BA '51, HBA '51, LLD '89), on the occasion of his 75th birthday, by Mrs. Martha Steers (BA '51), Mr. Con Steers (HBA '76), Ms. Sara Steers (HBA '81) and Mr. Gregory Steers through Foundation Western. Effective: 2015-2016 academic year
Value: 1 at $2,500

David H. Swankie Jr. Award in History
Awarded annually to a student in one of the final two years of an honours Bachelor degree with either an honours Specialization in any History module or a double Major including History. Candidates must have achieved grades in the top third of their program and a grade of at least 80% in one course in United States History. Candidates must also be of good character and demonstrate this by their involvement in extracurricular activities and show promise for distinguished achievement after graduation. Any candidate is eligible to receive this award only once. Applications can be obtained from the Faculty of Social Science or the Department of History and must be submitted, along with a short essay, by September 30. The Faculty of Social Science, in consultation with the Department of History, will select the recipient. This award was established to honour the memory of UWO alumnus David H. Swankie Jr. (BA 1977, Economics & Certificate of honours Standing 1978, History & MBA 1980). Effective: 2019-2020 academic year
Value: 1 at $5,000
Application Form

Dr. James J. Talman Scholarship in Local History
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student in Year 3 or 4, who is enrolled in a Major or Honours Specialization in History, based on academic achievement (minimum 80% average), and the submission of either a course assignment or a one-page statement relating to the history of London and Southwestern Ontario. The course assignment could be an essay, pamphlet, poster, or a digital assignment. The one-page statement could be a description of an internship or extra-curricular experience relating to historical works about London and Southwestern Ontario. Submissions can also be accepted that use a local history methodology in reference to a geographically specific area anywhere in Canada. Students are asked to make their submissions to the Departmental Office in History by September 30th. Students may submit work from the previous academic year. A committee designated by the Chair in History will select the recipient. This scholarship was established by a generous gift from Mrs. Ragnhild Talman and members of the Talman family in memory of Dr. James J. Talman (BA ’25, MA ’27, PhD ’30, Doctor of Laws ’72). Effective Date: 2019-2020 academic year Dr. James J. Talman graduated in History from Huron College, Western University in 1925. He completed his Doctorate in History at the University of Toronto in 1930. He began his career as the Toronto Provincial Archivist and Acting Legislative Librarian. He served Western University for almost 50 years, 23 of them as Chief Librarian. Dr. Talman retired as Chief Librarian in 1970 and from teaching at Western in 1987. He received Honourary Doctorate degrees from the University of Waterloo in 1960 and Western University in 1972. He also served as the President of the Ontario Historical Society. In 1969, Dr. Talman received the Cruikshank Medal for his major contributions to the study of Ontario history and in 1970 he was honoured as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Dr. Talman died in 1993 at the age of 89.
Value: 1 at $1,300

Undergraduate and Graduate Student Award for Research and Conference Travel in History
Awarded to undergraduate or graduate students in the Department of History to support their research and travel costs, based on academic achievement and research merit. This award is open to all students in the History Department and all research projects. A committee in the Department of History will select recipients. At least one representative of the committee must hold membership in the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

This award was set up from a gift from the estate of Kenneth W. Hilborn to reward student excellence. Hilborn taught courses in History and International Relations from 1961 to 1997. To acknowledge and respond to the harmful impact of his published work, this award encourages students to engage with historical topics related to race/racism and other kinds of inequity and to support a diverse and inclusive student community.

Effective: 2023-2024 academic year
Value: Awarded annually, $8,000, number and value of awards vary depending on applications received.
Application Form

William Wyatt Scholarship in History
Awarded to the student with the highest standing (minimum 80%) in an Honours Specialization or Honours Double Major in History. Effective: 2022-2023 academic year
Value: 1 at $1,200