The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is a prestigious opportunity for graduate students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Ontario, Canada.
The 2025 OGS is designed to support students who have demonstrated academic excellence and the potential for research in various disciplines.
Here is the guide on how to apply for the 2025 Ontario Graduate Scholarship, ensuring you have all the information you need to maximize your chances of success.
About the Ontario Graduate Scholarship
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is a merit-based scholarship program that recognizes academic excellence in graduate studies across all disciplines at participating universities in Ontario.
Jointly funded by the Province of Ontario and the universities, the OGS aims to attract and support top graduate talent.
Key facts about the OGS:
- Available for both domestic and international students
- Open to master’s and doctoral students in all fields of study
- Provides $15,000 per year in funding
- Awarded to approximately 3,000 students annually
Courses Available
The OGS is open to graduate students in any discipline at participating Ontario universities.
This includes:
- Arts and humanities
- Social sciences
- Natural sciences and engineering
- Health sciences
- Business and management
- Education
- Law
As long as you are enrolled full-time in an eligible master’s or doctoral program at a participating university, you can apply for the OGS regardless of your field of study.
Who Should Apply
The OGS is highly competitive and aimed at recognizing academic excellence.
Consider applying if you:
- Have a strong academic record with a minimum A- (80%) average in your last two years of study
- Are pursuing or planning to pursue full-time graduate studies at the master’s or doctoral level in Ontario
- Demonstrate research potential and relevant experience in your field
- Meet the eligibility criteria outlined below
Both domestic and international students are encouraged to apply, as there are dedicated OGS awards for international students studying in Ontario.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2025 Ontario Graduate Scholarship, you must:
- Be enrolled or plan to enroll in an eligible full-time master’s or doctoral program at a participating Ontario university for the 2025-26 academic year
- Have achieved at least A- (80%) average in each of the last two completed years of study (full-time equivalent)
- Not have exceeded the lifetime maximum of 6 years of government-funded awards or 4 years of OGS/QEII-GSST awards
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student with a valid study permit
Additionally:
- Master’s students must have completed between 0-12 months of graduate study as of December 31, 2024
- Doctoral students must have completed between 0-36 months of graduate study as of December 31, 2024
Benefits
The OGS provides significant financial support to help cover your educational and living expenses:
- Award value:Â $15,000 per year ($5,000 per term for up to 3 consecutive terms)
- Duration:Â One academic year (2-3 consecutive terms)
- Renewability:Â May be renewed for additional years, subject to eligibility and competition
How to Apply
The OGS application process varies slightly by university but generally involves these steps:
- Check deadlines:Â Confirm the specific OGS application deadline for your current or prospective university (usually between December and February).
- Gather documents:Â Prepare required materials, which may include transcripts, research proposal, CV/resume, and reference letters.
- Complete online application:Â Fill out the online OGS application through your university’s portal.
- Submit additional documents:Â Upload or send in any additional required materials as specified by your university.
- Review and submit:Â Carefully review your application for completeness and submit by the deadline.
Apply Now for the 2025 Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
Application Deadline
The exact OGS application deadline varies by university but is typically between December 2024 and February 2025 for the 2025-26 academic year.
Some example deadlines from previous years:
- University of Toronto: January 31
- Western University: January 31
- University of Waterloo: February 1
- McMaster University: December 1
- University of Ottawa: February 1
Be sure to confirm the specific deadline with your university’s graduate studies office, as missing the cutoff will make you ineligible for consideration.
Conclusion
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship offers a fantastic opportunity for high-achieving graduate students to secure funding for their studies in Ontario.
By understanding the eligibility requirements, benefits, and application process, you’ll be well-prepared to compete for this prestigious award.
Remember to start your application early, highlight your academic achievements and research potential, and carefully review the application instructions provided by your university.
With diligent preparation and a strong academic record, you’ll maximize your chances of becoming an OGS recipient in 2025.
Click Here to Learn More and Start Your Application
We wish you the best of luck in your academic pursuits and OGS application!
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