Ontario Graduate Scholarship Programs

Jointly Funded by the Ministry of Training, College and Universities, Government of Canada and the participating universities, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship is offered to talented postgraduate and PhD students to stay and study in Canada. The scholarship is highly competitive and the students are evaluated based on academic excellence, research potential, communication and leadership skills. Here are some of the main aspects of the scholarship:

AspectsDetails
Offered byGovt. and participating universities
Type of AwardMerit Based
Level of StudyPostgraduate and PhD studies
Subjects/ FieldsAll fields
DeadlineVarying
Websitehttps://osap.gov.on.ca/OSAPPortal/en/A-ZListofAid/PRDR019245.html 

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Eligible Countries for Ontario Graduate Scholarship

Eligible students from all countries, all over the world including Canada are eligible to apply for Ontario Graduate Scholarships in Canada. 

Check More: Trudeau Foundation Scholarship

Participating Universities

Brock University– Jan 20, 2025Ontario Tech University– Dec 2, 2025
Carleton University– varyingUniversity of Ottawa– varying
University of Guelph– Jan 31, 2025Queen’s University– Varying
Lakehead University– Dec 2, 2025Toronto Metropolitan University– Varying
Laurentian University– Jan 31, 2025University of Toronto– Varying
McMaster University– varyingTrent University– Feb 12, 2025
Nipissing University– Jan 15, 2025University of Waterloo– Feb 1, 2025
OCAD University– Jan 15, 2025Western University– varying
Wilfrid Laurier University– VaryingUniversity of Windsor– Jan 8, 2025

Scholarship Benefits

Selected students for Ontario Graduate Scholarships will be awarded an amount of CA$ 5,000 per term. The overall value would be:

  • CA$10,000 for two consecutive terms
  • CA$15,000 for three consecutive terms

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is awarded for a minimum of 2 academic years (2- 3 consecutive terms) or a maximum of 3 academic years (up to 6 consecutive terms). 

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible for Ontario Graduate Scholarship, you should be:

  • An international student with a study permit under the Immigration and Refugee Act of Canada. 
  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or a protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
  • Enrolled full time or intend to be enrolled full- time in a graduate program at one of the participating universities.
  • Have an A-/ a first class degree/ 80% or above in your bachelor’s or equivalently acceptable degree.
  • Students enrolling for PhD must have completed between zero to 36 months of full- time studies at the Doctoral level, prior to the application deadline. 

Documents Required

  • Academic CV
  • Transcripts
  • Appendices (if required)
  • Student /Visa
  • References
  • Other Academic Accomplishments
  • Publications and Presentations
  • Statement of Intent
  • Research Proposal (if required)
  • Special Circumstances (if any)

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Application Process 

  • Check Eligibility: Ensure academic eligibility and appropriate citizenship status.
  • Review University Guidelines: Check your university’s specific deadlines and requirements. You can check the dates above.
  • Prepare Documents: Gather all the documents mentioned above
  • Submit Application: Apply through your university’s portal by their internal deadline. Click on the desired university in the table for applications.
  • Notification: If awarded, you’ll be notified by the authorities for the acceptance of the same.

You can apply for the OGS to as many of the universities you are interested in attending, including your own institution, if you are enrolled at any.

Important Dates

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) applications are generally available in October every year. However, each university administers the OGS individually and sets their own deadlines, which you need to keep up with. Some of the currently open deadlines are mentioned in the table above. 

Selection process and criteria

After successful completion of the Ontario Graduate Scholarships applications, the selected panel by the university scholarship office evaluates students based on the mentioned eligibility criteria and special circumstances, if any. The selection process greatly emphasizes the academic excellence, research potential as well the communication and leadership skills of the participants. You can also renew your scholarship annually, contingent on continued academic success and progress in their studies.

Check More: Vanier Graduate Scholarships

Tips for Applicants

  • Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to complete the application, gather documents, and review everything thoroughly. Starting early ensures you don’t miss any deadlines.
  • Tailor Your Research Proposal: Make sure your research proposal is clear, focused, and relevant to your academic goals. Show how your research will contribute to your field and society.
  • Ensure Accuracy: Double-check all your information, especially academic transcripts and contact details, to ensure everything is accurate and up to date.
  • Select Strong References: Choose referees who are familiar with your academic abilities and research potential. Letters from professors or research supervisors are ideal.
  • Follow University-Specific Instructions: Each university has its own application process and deadlines. Ensure you carefully follow the instructions provided by your institution.

FAQs

 The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is available for part time courses only to students with disabilities.

You may pair your Ontario Graduate scholarship with other scholarships depending on the criteria set by the university. However, you  strictly cannot hold the OGS in the same term or year as a scholarship from SSHRC, NSERC, CHIR, Vanier, QEII or another OGS.

 No, the Ontario Graduate Scholarships are non- transferable. It can only be utilized at the institution at which it was awarded.