The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is a prestigious merit-based award available to both domestic and international students pursuing graduate-level education—master’s and PhD programs—at participating universities in Ontario, Canada.
Designed to support academic excellence, the OGS helps alleviate the financial burden of graduate studies by providing a substantial monetary reward.
Whether you’re a Canadian resident or an international applicant, this scholarship is an excellent opportunity to fund your education at some of Ontario’s top universities.
Quick Overview: Ontario Graduate Scholarship 2025/26
| Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) |
| Location | Ontario, Canada |
| Academic Level | Master’s and PhD (Postgraduate) |
| Eligibility | Open to all nationalities |
| Award Value | Up to $15,000 per year |
| Duration | Minimum 1 year, Maximum 2 years |
| Application Deadline | Varies by university |
| Number of Institutions | 20+ participating Ontario universities |
| Selection Criteria | Academic merit and institutional guidelines |
About the OGS Program
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship promotes academic excellence across Ontario’s publicly funded universities. It is offered in partnership between the Government of Ontario and participating universities. The government funds two-thirds of the award, while the institution contributes the remaining portion.
In addition to OGS, some universities also offer the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) for research-intensive fields.
The scholarship supports students in all academic disciplines, and it is awarded based on academic achievement, making it highly competitive.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the OGS 2025/26, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be enrolled (or planning to enrol) in a full-time master’s or doctoral program.
- Must undertake at least two consecutive terms (minimum 21 weeks) during the academic year.
- Must be attending one of the participating Ontario universities.
- Must meet academic merit requirements and any additional criteria set by the chosen university.
Both Canadian citizens/permanent residents and international students are eligible.
Scholarship Value and Duration
The value of the OGS is based on the number of academic terms:
- $10,000 for 2 consecutive study terms
- $15,000 for 3 consecutive study terms
Each award is valid for:
- A minimum of 1 academic year (2 or 3 terms)
- A maximum of 2 years (up to 6 terms)
Note: The award cannot exceed six terms in total for a single degree.
Participating Universities for 2025/26
Here is the list of Ontario universities participating in the 2025/26 OGS cycle:
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- University of Guelph
- Lakehead University
- Laurentian University
- McMaster University
- Nipissing University
- OCAD University
- Ontario Tech University
- University of Ottawa
- Queen’s University
- Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson)
- University of Toronto
- Trent University
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- University of Windsor
- York University
Each institution sets its own internal deadlines and application process.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process varies slightly between institutions. However, the general steps include:
- Visit the official website of your chosen Ontario university.
- Navigate to the Graduate Studies or Scholarships section.
- Complete the online OGS application form via the university’s portal.
- Submit all required documents (transcripts, references, research proposal, etc.).
- If you’re applying to multiple programs at different schools, a separate application is needed for each.
Contact the graduate office of your intended university for specific deadlines and documentation.
Click here to apply for the OGS 2025/26
FAQs
Is the Ontario Graduate Scholarship available for international students?
Yes. The OGS is open to international students enrolled in full-time graduate programs at participating Ontario universities.
Can I use one application to apply to multiple universities?
No. You must submit a separate application to each university where you wish to be considered for the scholarship.
How are recipients selected?
Selection is based on academic excellence and criteria established by the host institution, such as research experience, leadership, or community involvement.
When will I receive the scholarship funds?
Disbursement timelines vary by university. Typically, funds are allocated at the beginning of each academic term.
Can I hold other scholarships alongside the OGS?
This depends on the policies of the host university. Some may allow it, while others may limit combined funding.
What’s the application deadline?
Each university sets its own OGS deadline, often between October and January for the following academic year.
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