Ontario Graduate Scholarship Apply Online 2026
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
- 1
**Choose a University**: Select a publicly-assisted university in Ontario where you plan to pursue your Master's or PhD studies.
- 2
**Check University-Specific Requirements**: Visit the chosen university's School of Graduate Studies or Graduate Awards website to find their specific OGS requirements, application forms, and internal deadlines for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- 3
**Gather Documents**: Collect all necessary application documents, which typically include official transcripts, a study plan/research proposal, and a copy of your study permit (if international).
- 4
**Secure References**: Request two academic referees to complete and submit their assessment forms or letters of recommendation directly to the university's graduate unit or department by the specified deadline.
- 5
**Complete Application**: Fill out the university's OGS application form accurately. This may be an online form or a downloadable PDF.
- 6
**Submit Application**: Submit the complete application package to the university's graduate awards office or the relevant department before their deadline. Note that if you apply to multiple Ontario universities, you must submit a separate OGS application to each institution.
- 7
**Await Notification**: Universities typically announce the results of the OGS competition in April. If successful, you will need to formally accept or decline the award.
FAQs for Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Q.Are international students eligible to apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship?
Yes, international students who are studying or plan to study at a participating Ontario university under a valid temporary resident visa (study permit) are eligible to apply for a limited number of OGS awards.
Q.Is the Ontario Graduate Scholarship renewable for subsequent years of study?
No, the OGS is a non-renewable scholarship awarded for up to one year (2 or 3 terms). Students must re-apply annually to be considered for funding in subsequent academic years, and a successful second application is not guaranteed.
Q.What is the minimum academic average required to be eligible for the OGS?
Applicants must generally have achieved a first-class average, which is typically defined as a minimum of A- or 80%, in each of their last two completed years of full-time academic study. For those entering the third year of graduate studies, an A- average across all completed graduate courses is required.
Q.Can I hold the OGS concurrently with other major scholarships or awards?
No, OGS recipients cannot hold an OGS award in the same term or award year as a scholarship from other major government-funded programs such as SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, or the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST). There is also a lifetime maximum of six years for all government-funded graduate awards combined.