Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Government of Ontario · All India
| Scheme Name | Ontario Graduate Scholarship |
| Provided By | Government of Ontario |
| Eligibility Summary | Masters, PhD · No income limit |
Status check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 15 January 2026. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
View active scholarships you can apply for today →About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Ontario Graduate Scholarship. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
$5,000 (approx. ₹10.1 Lakh+)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) provides CAD $5,000 per academic term. Students can receive CAD $10,000 for two consecutive study terms or CAD $15,000 for three consecutive study terms within an academic year. This translates to approximately INR 677,000 for two terms and INR 1,015,500 for three terms, based on an estimated exchange rate of 1 CAD = 67.7 INR. The scholarship is jointly funded by the Province of Ontario (two-thirds) and the participating universities (one-third). Payments are disbursed by the university according to its standard procedures for graduate awards. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts is not applicable as this scholarship is for studies in Ontario, Canada.
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Academic Achievement:Applicants must have achieved a first-class average (minimum A- or 80%) in each of the last two completed years of study (full-time equivalent). For students entering their third year of graduate studies, an A- average on all completed graduate courses is required.
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Nationality:Open to Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Persons. International students studying in Ontario with a valid study permit are also eligible for a limited number of awards.
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Enrollment Status:Must be registered or intend to register full-time in an eligible Master's or PhD program at a participating publicly-assisted university in Ontario. Full-time is typically defined as 60% of a full course load, or 40% for students with a permanent disability.
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Program Duration:Studies must cover at least two consecutive academic terms (sessions) within the academic year.
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Maximum Support Limitations:Master's students can receive OGS for a maximum of two academic years, and doctoral students for a maximum of four academic years. A combined lifetime maximum of six years of government-funded graduate awards (including OGS, QEII-GSST, CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC, Vanier, OTS) applies.
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Other Conditions:Applicants cannot be in default on any Canadian government-sponsored loan. Recipients cannot hold another major scholarship (e.g., from SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR, Vanier, QEII) concurrently with an OGS in the same term or award year. Students cannot be enrolled in a qualifying or make-up year, or be on a paid educational leave or sabbatical.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Masters, PhD |
| Course / Stream | Masters, PhD |
| Minimum Marks | 80% |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Ontario Graduate Scholarship application form (university-specific)
- ✓Two academic assessment forms or letters of recommendation from academics (submitted directly by referees from official institutional/corporate email addresses)
- ✓Official, up-to-date transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate studies (including the Fall semester of the application year)
- ✓A two-page study plan or research proposal (one page for the plan, one page for references/citations)
- ✓Copy of a valid student study permit (for international students only)
- ✓Curriculum Vitae (CV) or details of professional experience
- ✓Evidence of previous honors, publications, or research background
- ✓Indigenous verification process documentation (if applicable)
Selection Process
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The selection process for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship is merit-based
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Applicants are evaluated based on the following criteria: Academic Record (40% weight), including transcripts, other academic accomplishments, prior scholarships and awards, and publications/presentations
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Research Proposal (30% weight), which includes the statement of interest for Master's students (motivation, creativity, significance, communication skills) or a plan of study for Doctoral students (feasibility, merit, significance, communication skills)
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Academic Letters of Reference (30% total weight, 15% for each letter), assessing the applicant's ability to complete projects, contribution to research, critical thinking, judgment, originality, initiative, autonomy, and interactions with supervisors and peers
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Individual universities and their graduate units set specific weights and may have additional criteria.
Renewal Policy
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OGS awards are not automatically renewed
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students must submit a new application each academic year
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There are maximum limits for receiving the scholarship: Master's students can receive OGS for a maximum of two years, and doctoral students for a maximum of four years
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There is a combined lifetime maximum of six years of government-funded graduate awards, which includes OGS and other programs like QEII-GSST, SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR, and Vanier CGS
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Recipients must remain enrolled as full-time students
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If a student withdraws, transfers to part-time studies, or fails to complete the term, repayment of the installment may be required.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
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Research Participating Universities and Programs: Identify eligible publicly-assisted universities in Ontario that offer your desired Master's or Doctoral program. The OGS is available for full-time graduate studies.
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Check University-Specific Deadlines and Requirements: Each participating university sets its own OGS application deadlines and requirements. It is crucial to check the Graduate Studies Office website of your chosen university well in advance. Deadlines for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years can vary significantly (e.g., some international deadlines might be in January of the preceding academic year).
- 3Prepare Application Documents
Typically, you will need: * The OGS application form (provided by the university). * Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate studies, including any studies outside Canada. * Two academic letters of recommendation. * A study plan or research proposal (typically one to two pages). * Proof of valid Canadian study permit (for international students). * Other academic accomplishments, prior scholarships, publications, and presentations may be considered.
- 4Complete the University's OGS Application
Access and fill out the OGS application form through your chosen university's designated portal or as instructed by their Graduate Studies Office. Ensure all required documents are uploaded or submitted as per university guidelines.
- 5Submit the Application
Submit your complete application package before the university's specific deadline.
- 6Application Status Tracking
Universities typically notify applicants of the results of the OGS competition. If you have questions about your application status, contact the Graduate Studies Office at the university where you applied.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Am I eligible for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship as an Indian student?
Yes, Indian students are eligible to apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) as international students, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria. You must be enrolled in or applying for a full-time Master's or Doctoral degree at an eligible publicly-assisted university in Ontario and hold a valid Canadian study permit at the time of application. A minimum A- (80%) average in your last two years of studies is typically required.
How and when do I apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship?
You must apply directly to the graduate studies office of each Ontario university where you intend to study. There is no central application portal by the Government of Ontario. Application deadlines are set by individual universities and vary, but they often fall in the preceding academic year (e.g., January for the next academic year). It is crucial to check the specific deadlines and application procedures on the website of your chosen university's Graduate Studies Office.
What expenses does the OGS cover, and how is the scholarship paid?
The OGS provides financial support towards your graduate studies in Ontario, with up to CAD $15,000 annually for three consecutive terms (or CAD $10,000 for two terms). This funding helps offset tuition and living expenses, allowing you to focus on your research. The scholarship is paid in installments by the university you attend, according to their standard procedures for graduate awards. The provincial government contributes two-thirds of the award value, and the university contributes the remaining one-third.
Plan your study abroad
Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Government of Ontario website before final submission.