2026 Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) in Canada | Application Guide & Eligibility
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarships for graduate students in Ontario, offering $15,000 per year to outstanding domestic and international students.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026-2027 OGS application, including eligibility, benefits, participating universities, deadlines, and step-by-step application tips.
What is the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)?
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program, established in 1975, encourages excellence in graduate studies at publicly assisted universities in Ontario. It is jointly funded by the Province of Ontario and participating institutions (the province covers 2/3, and the university covers 1/3).
The OGS is available to students in all disciplines and supports full-time Master’s and Doctoral studies. Awards are highly competitive and based on academic merit, research potential, and personal achievements.
Related Scholarship: Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) – similar program focused on STEM fields.
OGS 2026 Value and Duration
- Award Amount: $15,000 per year ($5,000 per term for 2 or 3 terms)
- Duration:
- Master’s students: Up to 2 years (lifetime maximum of 2 OGS awards)
- Doctoral students: Up to 4 years (lifetime maximum of 4 OGS awards)
- Total lifetime maximum government-funded support: 6 years (including OGS, QEII, Tri-Council awards, etc.)
- Awards must be held for a minimum of 2 consecutive terms.
Eligibility Criteria for OGS 2026-2027
To be eligible for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled (or intend to enrol) full-time in a Master’s or Doctoral program at a participating Ontario university in 2026-2027
- Have a minimum A- average (80% or equivalent) in each of the last two years of full-time study
- Be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person; International students with a valid Canadian study permit are also eligible (limited quota at each university)
- Not have exceeded the lifetime OGS limits or months of study (e.g., Master’s: max 12 months completed by Dec 31, 2025; PhD: max 36 months)
- Plan to study full-time (part-time option available for students with disabilities in some cases)
Note: You cannot hold OGS simultaneously with major awards like Vanier, Tri-Council (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR), or another OGS/QEII.
Participating Ontario Universities for OGS 2026
The OGS is offered at the following Ontario institutions (apply directly through the university where you will be enrolled):
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- University of Guelph
- Lakehead University
- Laurentian University
- McMaster University
- Nipissing University
- OCAD University
- Ontario Tech University (formerly University of Ontario Institute of Technology)
- University of Ottawa
- Queen’s University
- Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
- University of Toronto
- Trent University
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- University of Windsor
- York University
How to Apply for OGS 2026-2027: Step-by-Step Guide
The OGS application process is managed individually by each university – there is no central provincial application.
- Choose your university and confirm you are applying for admission (or already enrolled) in a full-time graduate program for 2026-2027.
- Contact the Graduate Studies Office at your chosen university for their specific OGS application form, guidelines, and internal deadlines.
- Submit your OGS application through the university’s portal (usually online). If applying to multiple universities, submit a separate application to each.
- Required Documents (varies slightly by school):
- Official transcripts
- 2-3 Academic references/letters of recommendation
- Research proposal or plan of study
- CV/Resume highlighting academic achievements, publications, and leadership
- Proof of citizenship/study permit (for internationals)
Pro Tip: Start early! Many universities open applications in October/November 2025.
OGS Application Deadlines 2026-2027
Deadlines vary by university and are typically between November 2025 and February/March 2026. Here are examples from recent cycles:
- University of Windsor: January 7, 2026
- University of Waterloo: February 1, 2026 (intent form earlier)
- Western University: January 30, 2026
- University of Guelph: February 6, 2026
- Carleton University: November 19, 2025
- University of Toronto: Varies by department (often early 2026)
Always check your specific university’s Graduate Studies website for the exact 2026-2027 deadline.
Results are usually announced in Spring 2026.
Tips to Strengthen Your OGS Application
- Highlight research potential and academic excellence
- Secure strong reference letters from professors familiar with your work
- Tailor your research statement to show impact and originality
- Apply to multiple universities if eligible (increases chances due to separate quotas)