The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is a prestigious, merit-based program designed to support excellence in graduate studies at the Master’s and Doctoral levels within Ontario, Canada. Funded jointly by the Provincial Government (two-thirds) and participating universities (one-third), the scholarship provides a maximum of $15,000 per year ($5,000 per term). It is available to domestic and international students across all academic disciplines. Administration is decentralized; applicants must apply through the specific graduate office of the 19 participating publicly-assisted universities they intend to attend.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Canada |
| Study Level | Postgraduate (Masters & PhD) |
| Reward | Up to $15,000 per year |
| Duration | 1 to 2 Academic Years |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Domestic & International) |
| Application Type | Institutional (Varies by University) |
| Deadline | Varies by School (Check Graduate Office) |
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) 2026 Details
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs encourage excellence in graduate studies.
Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates
The program is merit-based, meaning awards are given based on academic records, research potential, and letters of recommendation.
Benefits of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) 2026
- $10,000: For 2 consecutive study terms.
- $15,000: For 3 consecutive study terms.
- Duration: Minimum 1 year, maximum 2 years.
Participating Institutions for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) 2026
You must be enrolled in one of the following 19 schools to receive the OGS:
- Brock, Carleton, Guelph, Lakehead, Laurentian, McMaster, Nipissing, OCAD, Ontario Tech, Ottawa, Queen’s, Ryerson (TMU), Toronto, Trent, Waterloo, Western, Wilfrid Laurier, Windsor, and York University.
How To Apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) 2026 (Step-by-Step)
- Select Your School: Identify which of the 19 participating Ontario universities you wish to attend.
- Check Deadlines: Deadlines vary by school and department. Some are as early as October/November for the following year.
- Submit to Each Institution: If applying to multiple schools, you must submit an OGS application to each one.
- Use the Portal: Most schools use an online OGS application portal within their Graduate Studies website.
- Prepare References: Notify two academic referees to provide letters of support through the school’s specific system.
Application Deadline: Varies by program
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
For more information click here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the OGS open to international students?
Yes. International students holding a valid study permit are eligible, though universities have a limited quota of awards for international applicants.
2. What is the minimum GPA required?
Most schools require a minimum of an “A-” (80% or 3.7/4.0 GPA) in each of the last two years of full-time study.
3. Can I take the OGS to a university outside of Ontario?
No. The scholarship is only tenable at the 19 participating publicly-assisted universities within Ontario.
4. How many times can I receive the OGS?
There is a lifetime maximum of 6 years of government-funded graduate awards (including OGS, QEII-GSST, SSHRC, NSERC, etc.).
5. If I change schools after winning, does the scholarship follow me?
No. The OGS is non-transferable between universities. If you move from York to U of T, you forfeit the York OGS and must have applied for one at U of T.
6. Do I have to be a full-time student?
Yes. You must be enrolled in a full-time program for the duration of the award. Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for part-time OGS.
7. Can I hold a full-time job while receiving OGS?
Most universities place a limit on the number of hours you can work (often 10 hours per week) to ensure you remain focused on your studies.
8. Is the OGS taxable?
In Canada, scholarship income for full-time students is generally exempt from federal income tax.
9. What is the difference between OGS and QEII-GSST?
OGS is for all disciplines; QEII-GSST is specifically for Science and Technology. The application process is usually the same.
10. Can I hold a Tri-Council award (SSHRC/NSERC/CIHR) and OGS at the same time?
No. You cannot hold another major government-funded award simultaneously with an OGS.
11. Do I need to be in a research-based program?
While OGS favors research potential, students in professional or course-based Master’s programs are also eligible at many institutions.
12. Does the OGS cover my full tuition?
The OGS is a flat rate of $15,000. Depending on your program, this may cover tuition with some funds left for living costs, or only a portion of tuition.
13. When are the results usually announced?
Most universities announce OGS winners between March and June for the following September start date.
14. What happens if I finish my degree early?
If you graduate before the end of the award period, the scholarship is pro-rated, and you will not receive payments for terms in which you are not enrolled.
15. Do I need to apply for the OGS every year?
Yes. OGS is awarded for one year at a time. You must re-apply and compete again for a second year of funding.
16. Are there any citizenship restrictions?
No. It is open to Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, Protected Persons, and International students.
17. Can I apply before I am officially accepted into a grad program?
Yes. In fact, you should apply for the OGS at the same time you apply for admission to the university.
18. Who evaluates my OGS application?
Your application is first reviewed by your specific department/faculty, then ranked and sent to a university-wide selection committee.
19. Can I appeal the decision if I am not selected?
Decisions made by the university selection committees are final and cannot be appealed.
20. How is the money paid to me?
Most universities apply the award directly to your tuition account. Any remaining balance is then issued to you as a refund or direct deposit.
