Canada’s most respected provincial graduate funding program is gearing up again — and for ambitious master’s and PhD applicants targeting 2026 admissions, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is one opportunity you should already be preparing for.
If your goal is to study in Canada with strong financial backing, academic prestige, and reduced student debt, the OGS 2026 cycle deserves your full attention.
What Is the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)?
Launched in 1975, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program is one of Canada’s longest-standing merit-based funding schemes for graduate education. It is jointly funded by the Government of Ontario and participating universities to support high-achieving students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs.
OGS is not tied to a specific discipline — it supports excellence across STEM, health sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, and interdisciplinary research.
For nearly five decades, OGS has helped build Canada’s next generation of researchers, innovators, and academic leaders.
What Does the Ontario Graduate Scholarship 2026 Offer?
Here’s where the news gets truly exciting for future master’s and PhD students. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) 2026 continues to stand out as one of Canada’s most generous provincial, merit-based graduate funding programs.
Successful recipients can receive $10,000 for two consecutive academic terms or $15,000 for three consecutive academic terms, giving students meaningful financial breathing room during their studies. This support is fully non-repayable, allowing scholars to focus on research and coursework instead of accumulating student debt. Even better, OGS is commonly stacked with university fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research stipends, transforming Ontario into one of the most financially secure and academically rewarding destinations for graduate study in 2026.
Who Can Apply? (OGS 2026 Eligibility Snapshot)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship 2026 is designed for high-achieving students who are ready to make a serious academic impact. To be in the running, applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a full-time master’s or doctoral program at a participating Ontario university. Your study period must span at least two academic terms (21–52 weeks) during the award year, and you must meet the academic excellence benchmarks set by your host institution. Applications are submitted directly through the chosen Ontario university, not through a centralized national portal, making early coordination with the graduate school essential.
In terms of duration, the program offers substantial long-term support while maintaining clear limits. Master’s students can receive OGS funding for up to two academic years, while doctoral candidates may be supported for up to four academic years, with a lifetime maximum of six years across both degree levels. Selection is highly competitive and driven by academic performance, research potential, and alignment with faculty and institutional priorities, meaning strong grades, a clear research direction, and departmental support can significantly strengthen your chances for the 2026 intake.
Participating Ontario Universities for OGS
Applications are submitted through the university where you intend to study. The following Ontario institutions participate in the OGS program:
- University of Guelph
- Brock University
- Queen’s University
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- University of Waterloo
- Trent University
- McMaster University
- Nipissing University
- Western University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- University of Windsor
- OCAD University
- University of Ottawa
- Lakehead University
- York University
- Laurentian University
- Carleton University
- University of Toronto
(Each university manages its own internal selection process and quotas.)
How to Apply for OGS 2026?
Applying for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship 2026 follows a university-driven process rather than a single national portal. Applicants must first secure or be in the process of securing graduate admission at their chosen Ontario university, as OGS applications are submitted through each university’s internal graduate awards system. Because timelines and procedures vary by institution, close coordination with the Graduate Studies Office or the relevant academic department is essential to stay aligned with internal deadlines and submission requirements.
To remain competitive, strong applicants typically prepare a complete and polished application package well in advance. This usually includes official academic transcripts, a clear research statement or study plan, strong reference letters, and documented evidence of academic excellence and research potential. Early preparation not only strengthens the application but also allows time for faculty input and institutional nomination, which can be decisive in the OGS 2026 selection process.
OGS 2026 Application Deadlines (Important)
The application deadline for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) 2026 is not fixed nationally and is determined individually by each participating Ontario university. In most cases, universities open their internal OGS application cycles in fall 2025, with final submission deadlines typically falling between October 2025 and January 2026.