Beyond mere encouragement to pursue academic and professional excellence, student financial aid services have long helped bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is one such educational fund awarded to high-performing master’s and doctoral students across disciplines in a select few schools in the Canadian province of Ontario.
The OGS is a joint effort by the Province of Ontario and the university offering the course, to recognize and nurture exceptional talent. The scholarship’s requirements, limitations, and application procedure can be a lot of information to grasp. This article simplifies the details of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program for easy understanding by international students.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program
The merit-based Ontario Graduate Scholarship is open to students at the master’s and doctoral levels. This award program is available to students of all disciplines at participating schools within the Ontario province.
| ONTARIO GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP |
| Eligible Degree/s |
Master’s, Doctoral |
| Host Institutions/s |
List of participating institutions |
| Eligible Countries |
All nationalities |
| Application Deadline |
Vary per university |
The selection process and criteria for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship are individually administered by participating universities. Graduates of the master’s and doctoral levels who demonstrate academic excellence are generally considered for the program regardless of nationality. Participating universities include top institutions like the University of Toronto, Western University, and York University.
Scholarship Coverage
- The scholarship offers a fixed amount which depends on the duration of a study term/ period relative to an academic year.
- The following table describes the benefits to expect as an OGS recipient.
| SCHOLARSHIP COVERAGE / BENEFITS |
- A fixed $10,000 reimbursement per award for two consecutive study periods per year
- A fixed $15,000 reimbursement per award for three successive study periods per year
- Beneficiaries who are master’s students may benefit from multiple OGS awards for a total of two academic years
- Beneficiaries who are doctoral students may benefit from multiple OGS awards for a total of four academic years
- The total awarding lifetime limit for a recipient student is capped at six academic years
|
Eligibility Requirements
- OGS applications are assessed and shortlisted based on the criteria determined by individual universities.
- Since the scholarship is merit-based, it’s to be expected that students who demonstrate high performance are often prioritized in the selection process.
- Other factors that help determine a student’s eligibility are listed below:
| ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA |
- The applicant must plan to follow postgraduate education. This includes master’s or doctoral studies for the academic year he/ she is applying for
- Applicant must be registered in a full-time program with two or more terms per academic year
- Applicant should be enrolled at one of the participating universities
- International applicants should hold a valid study permit
- Present awardees should reapply annually as the duration per successful application is one year (2+ terms)
- Applicant should not exceed the lifetime maximum beneficiary period of six years as a recipient of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship or other government-funded graduate awards
- Applicant should have remarkable academic achievements
|
| ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS |
English language requirements may vary across schools and universities. Some common language requirements in graduate schools of partnering institutions like the University of Toronto, Brock University, and Carleton University are summarized below:
- IELTS: Overall score of at least 7.0, with no band below 6.5
- TOEFL (iBT): Total score of 86–100, with a minimum of 22 in Writing and Speaking, and 20 in Reading and Listening
- CAEL: Overall score of 60–70, with no band below 60
- PTE: Score of 60–65
- Duolingo English Test: Score of 120
- C1 Advanced (or better): Score of 176–185, with no component below 176
|
Application Process
Step 1: Check if You Meet the Requirements for the OGS
While the eligibility criteria for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) are straightforward, it is essential to confirm your eligibility for both the award program and your chosen postgraduate course. As an international student, you must hold a valid study permit under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) to qualify for the OGS.
Academic excellence plays an important role in a successful application. Past OGS recipients typically had averages of 85% or higher in each of their last two years of full-time academic coursework. Your chances are further enhanced if you have published journal articles or are already a recipient of similar scholarships. If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, seek guidance from your department’s graduate coordinator.
Step 2: Stay Up-to-Date with Deadlines
OGS application deadlines vary by university, with the application window typically spanning from October to February of the following year. For example, the University of Waterloo accepts OGS applications from international students until February 1, 2025. However, due to the limited number of awards, international applicants for the 2025 OGS at Waterloo must already be registered in a graduate program. Be sure to check the specific deadlines set by the university you plan to attend.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
To start the application process, you’ll need a completed application form, academic transcripts, a valid study permit, two academic references, and any additional requirements specific to your university. Be sure to submit your application to the department of the university where you plan to hold the scholarship. If you’re applying to multiple universities or schools, you must submit a separate OGS application for each. For guidance, reach out to your graduate studies office to better understand the process.
Some universities may require you to create an account before applying (e.g., the University of Ontario), while others might use separate forms to be submitted directly to the graduate administrator in the relevant department (e.g., Brock University). Curate your application to suit the requirements of your university.
Step 4: Submit the Supporting Documents
Post-secondary transcripts and certificates are essential components of the OGS application. Some universities may require you to attach your transcripts, while others might ask you to complete a transcript request form, allowing officials to retrieve copies of your documents. Be sure to submit the request form with all required details before the deadline.
Additionally, universities will set a deadline for your two academic referees to submit their assessments. Remind your referees to submit their recommendations on time, as these are critical for evaluating your research potential and suitability for postgraduate studies.
Step 5: Await a Response from Your School
If your OGS application is successful, the university will notify you and guide you on the next steps. To understand the selection process and criteria better, check the application timeline on the university’s website.
Scholarships are a valuable resource for international students looking to support their education financially. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship stands out as a prestigious opportunity for deserving postgraduate students in Ontario. If you meet the criteria, don’t hesitate to apply and take a step toward achieving your academic and career goals.
We hope master’s students in Ontario will take this opportunity to apply to the OGS Program. For more information about Canada, visit the Study in Canada and Available Programs sections!
