The OGS program supports graduate-level research across a wide range of fields and recognizes academic excellence. This scholarship is jointly supported by the Ontario government and participating universities, making it a top choice for deserving students aiming to study in Canada.
About the Ontario Graduate Scholarship in Canada 2026
- Scholarship Country: Canada
- Host Institute: Listed below
- Degree level: Master’s and PhD degrees
- Application deadline: Mention below
Scholarship Duration
- For Master’s degree (2 years) – up to 6 terms
- For Doctorate (4 years) – up to 12 terms
Also see:
Waterloo Scholarships in Canada 2026 – Fully Funded
Alberta scholarships 2025 in Canada – Fully Funded | Apply Now
Available Courses
All academic fields, including research-based and course-based graduate programs, are eligible for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship OGS at participating Ontario universities.
OGS offers all academic disciplines, including;
- Social Sciences & Humanities
- Business, Law & Public Policy
- Engineering, Science & Technology
- Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Arts, etc.
Scholarships Canada Ontario Coverage
The Ontario Scholarship in Canada is not fully funded, but it provides significant financial support to help with tuition and living expenses:
- $5,000 per term
- Usually awarded for one academic year
- Up to $10,000 for 2 terms or $15,000 for 3 terms within one academic year
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for Scholarships Canada Ontario, given below;
- Applicant must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Person under Immigration.
- If international students have a valid Canadian study permit, they are eligible to apply only at specific universities.
- Must be enrolled in or intend to enroll in a full-time graduate program at an Ontario university that participates, such as a Master’s or PhD program.
- During their study, students may work no more than 10 hours per week (unless registered with a permanent disability).
- A student cannot hold OGS at the same time as other major scholarships, such as:
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
- CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC
- QEII-GSST, OTS
Participating Universities
- University of Ottawa
- Queen’s University
- Ryerson University
- University of Toronto
- Trent University
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- University of Guelph
- Lakehead University
- Laurentian University
- McMaster University
- Nipissing University
- OCAD University
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- University of Windsor
- York University
Application Timeline
| Step | Approximate Timing |
|---|---|
| Applications open | December 2025 (Western) or Oct/Nov Fall 2025 (others) |
| Deadline for applications & references | Late Jan 2026 (Western) or early Feb 2026 (Waterloo, Guelph, others) |
| Departmental/faculty reviews | March–April 2026 |
| Ministry final decision & notification | April–May 2026 |
| Accept or decline the offer | Within 30 days of the offer date |
| Award activation & payment | At the start of the term (May, Sept, or Jan) 2026 |
Required Documents
- Completed OGS application form
- Academic transcripts
- Two academic reference letters
- Research Proposal / Plan of Study
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
- List of awards, publications, presentations, and research experience
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status
- Student checklist and summary sheet
- Special Circumstances Statement (Optional)
- Skills / Contributions Summary (Optional)
How to Apply for Ontario Scholarships
The Scholarships Ontario application process is online. Here are the steps to follow;
- First, check your eligibility to see if you are eligible or not.
- Then choose your institution and apply through the specific university where you plan to study.
- Fill out the complete OGS online application form via the university’s graduate portal.
- Must attach all the required documents (mentioned above) along with the OGS form.
- Choose two academic referees and submit your letters before the deadline (electronically or by mail, depending on the university).
- Submit your complete application form (along with documents) via the university’s system.
- Your application is reviewed and ranked by your academic department.
- Successful applicants receive an offer (usually between April and May 2026).