Country Focussed
Canada
Scholarship Type
Merit Based
Organising Entity
Government of Ontario
Scholarship Coverage
Partly Funded
Ontario Graduate Scholarship
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is one of Canada’s most competitive and prestigious awards for graduate students. Designed to support academic excellence, this merit-based scholarship helps both domestic and international students fund their master’s or doctoral degrees. It encourages high-achieving students to pursue advanced research and study, making Ontario a hub for world-class graduate education.
Why Study in Canada
Studying in Canada offers world-class education, affordable tuition, and globally recognized degrees. With safe cities, multicultural communities, and post-study work opportunities, Canada is a top choice for international students. Its universities emphasize research, innovation, and practical learning. Moreover, students enjoy high living standards, part-time job options, and an easy path to permanent residency, making Canada ideal for academic and professional growth.
Everything You need to Know about the Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must fulfill several key requirements to be considered for the OGS. These ensure the scholarship rewards deserving students who show academic excellence and dedication:
1. Academic Requirements
- Maintain an A– average (Ontario equivalent of 80%) in both years of full-time study prior to receiving the award.
- International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at the time of application.
2. Program Enrollment
- Must be registered as a full-time student in a graduate degree program.
- This means at least 60% of a full course load as defined by the university.
- Students with disabilities may qualify with a minimum 40% course load.
3. Duration of Eligibility
- Master’s students: Eligible to receive the scholarship for a maximum of 2 years.
- Doctoral students: Eligible to receive the scholarship for a maximum of 4 years.
- The lifetime maximum for any student receiving government-funded scholarships (OGS + others) is 6 years.
4. Scholarship Restrictions
- Students cannot hold two government-funded scholarships concurrently.
- Restricted scholarships include:
- Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST)
- Ontario Trillium Scholarships (OTS)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
- Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
- Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST)
Organising Entity
Government of Ontario
Is it Country Focused?
Yes – The OGS is offered in Canada, specifically within the province of Ontario, and is open to both Canadian citizens and international students.
Is it University Focused?
Yes – The scholarship applies to participating Ontario universities. Students must be registered in a graduate program at one of these institutions to be eligible.
Type of Scholarship
Merit-Based
Awarded purely on the basis of academic achievement and research potential.
Number of Students Selected
The OGS program is highly competitive, and approximately 22 awards are available to students each year at participating universities. This limited number ensures that only the most qualified and promising students receive support.
What are the Benefits Available
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship provides significant financial support to graduate students. The benefits include:
Funding Duration
- Master’s students can receive OGS support for up to two academic years.
- Doctoral students may receive OGS support for up to three years within their program.
Flexibility of Use
- The funds are applied directly to tuition and educational expenses, helping reduce the financial burden on students.
Scholarship Value
- At universities with two academic terms per year, recipients receive CAD 10,000 annually.
- At universities with three academic terms per year, the award increases to CAD 15,000 annually.
Prestige and Recognition
- Being selected as an OGS recipient enhances a student’s profile and strengthens their academic portfolio.
- It is widely recognized across Canada and internationally, giving graduates an edge in future research or professional opportunities.
Why Apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship?
Significant Financial Support –
The scholarship helps cover a substantial portion of tuition and living expenses, enabling students to focus on their research and academic goals.
Recognition of Academic Excellence –
OGS is a symbol of achievement, awarded only to students with outstanding academic records.
Supports Both Master’s and Doctoral Studies –
Unlike many scholarships limited to one level, OGS provides flexibility for students pursuing different stages of graduate education.
International Student Friendly –
The program is open to international students, making Ontario an attractive destination for talented minds worldwide.
Promotes Research and Innovation –
By supporting graduate studies, the scholarship contributes to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in Ontario.
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Final Thoughts
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) remains one of the most sought-after awards for graduate students in Canada. With generous funding, a strong focus on academic excellence, and support for both master’s and doctoral studies, OGS enables talented students to thrive in a research-intensive environment. Whether you are a domestic or international applicant, securing this scholarship is a stepping stone to academic success and professional growth.
