The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program 2026 is a prestigious initiative designed to attract and support top-tier graduate students who are pursuing Master’s and Doctoral studies at Ontario's leading universities. As one of the most competitive provincial scholarships in Canada, the OGS aims to foster academic excellence and research advancement across all disciplines.
Funded jointly by the Province of Ontario and participating institutions, this program helps students minimize financial barriers and focus on academic achievement and research excellence. If you’re looking to study in Canada and are exploring scholarship opportunities that offer merit-based support, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship 2026 offers an ideal solution.
What is the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program?
The OGS is a merit-based scholarship for students undertaking graduate studies at the Master’s or Doctoral level. Designed to promote academic excellence and support high-achieving scholars, this scholarship program provides financial assistance to both domestic and international students enrolled in full-time graduate programs in Ontario.
The award is applicable across all academic disciplines, making it accessible to students in fields such as engineering, sciences, social sciences, humanities, arts, and professional studies.
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Scholarship Value and Duration:
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship offers significant financial support based on the number of academic terms a student is enrolled in within a single academic year. The funding amounts are as follows:
● CAD $10,000 for 2 consecutive academic terms.
● CAD $15,000 for 3 consecutive academic terms.
Each scholarship award is valid for a minimum of one academic year, covering two or three consecutive terms, and may be renewed for a maximum of two academic years. Students can receive support for:
● Up to 2 years (maximum of 6 terms) for Master’s students.
● Up to 4 years (maximum of 12 terms) for Doctoral students.
● A lifetime maximum of 6 academic years for all students combined.
This structure allows for both short- and long-term support, depending on the nature and duration of the graduate program.
Eligibility Criteria for OGS 2026:
To be eligible for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship in 2026, applicants must meet the following core requirements:
● Enrollment in Graduate Studies: You must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time Master’s or Doctoral program at a participating Ontario university.
● Academic Terms: You must be undertaking 2 or more consecutive academic terms (totaling between 21 to 52 weeks) during the academic year in which you apply.
● Merit-Based Selection: Applications are assessed based on academic merit, and each university applies its own ranking criteria. This may include past academic performance, research potential, and other scholarly accomplishments.
● Program of Study: The scholarship is available across all academic disciplines offered by participating institutions.
Participating Universities:
The OGS 2026 is available at a wide range of leading Ontario universities. If you are planning to study at one of these institutions, you may be eligible to apply:
● Brock University
● Carleton University
● University of Guelph
● Lakehead University
● Laurentian University
● McMaster University
● Nipissing University
● OCAD University
● Ontario Tech University
● University of Ottawa
● Queen’s University
● Toronto Metropolitan University
● University of Toronto
● Trent University
● University of Waterloo
● Western University
● Wilfrid Laurier University
● University of Windsor
● York University
Each institution administers its own OGS awards and sets its own internal deadlines and procedures. Therefore, students must follow the application guidelines specific to the university they plan to attend.
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International Students and the OGS:
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is available not only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents but also to a limited number of international students enrolled in graduate programs at participating institutions.
This makes the OGS an appealing funding option for high-achieving international students looking to study in Canada. While the competition may be more limited for international applicants due to quota restrictions, the opportunity remains significant and worthwhile for those with strong academic backgrounds.
Key Benefits of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship:
● Merit Recognition: The OGS rewards academic excellence and encourages research across all disciplines.
● Flexible Duration: Whether your program is two terms or several years long, the OGS accommodates both short- and long-term funding needs.
● Wide Participation: With nearly 20 top Ontario universities involved, applicants can choose from a broad range of institutions and programs.
● Support for International Students: Limited spots are available for international Master’s and PhD students, increasing global access to Canadian education.
● Encouragement of Research Excellence: The OGS promotes high-level scholarly activity, helping to build research capacity in Ontario and across Canada.
Application Process for OGS 2026:
Applying for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship involves a university-specific process. Here are the key steps:
● Access the OGS Application: Use the official OGS application form provided by the university where you intend to study. Most institutions release their application forms in October of the year prior to the funding year.
● Multiple Applications: If you are applying to more than one graduate program at different universities, you must submit separate OGS applications to each institution. Each university conducts its own evaluation and award process independently.
● Graduate Studies Office: Reach out to the Graduate Studies Office at your chosen institution for specific application details, document requirements, and submission deadlines.
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Applications Deadlines and Review Process:
The application deadlines for the OGS program vary by university. Therefore, it is essential to consult the Graduate Studies Office of your target institution to ensure timely submission of your application and supporting documents. Each university independently reviews and ranks applicants based on its internal criteria. Successful candidates are typically notified directly by the university.
Conclusion:
If you’re planning to pursue graduate studies in Canada and are looking for financial assistance based on academic merit, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity. Whether you are a domestic or international student, a Master’s or PhD candidate, this program can significantly reduce financial pressure and support your academic and research goals. With annual awards of up to CAD $15,000, university-specific application processes, and participation from Ontario's most respected academic institutions, the OGS continues to be a leading scholarship option in Canada. So to apply and know more visit Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program 2026 official link here.