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2025 Ontario Graduate Scholarship For International Students [Study-In-Canada]

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The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs support academic excellence in graduate studies at publicly-funded universities in Ontario, Canada.

These scholarships, jointly funded by the Ontario government and participating universities, provide financial support to outstanding graduate students.

Scholarship Overview

Category Details
Scholarship Names Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) & Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST)
Funding Sources Ontario government (two-thirds) and participating institutions (one-third)
Eligibility OGS: Open to Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, and International students in any discipline
QEII-GSST: Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents in STEM disciplines
Award Value Maximum $15,000 per year ($5,000 per term for two or three terms)
Application Deadline Varies by institution
Scholarship Duration Up to one year (non-renewable)
Required Documents Transcripts, application form, two academic reference letters, Indigenous verification (if applicable)
Eligibility Criteria First-class average (minimum A-/80%) in the last two completed years of study
Maximum Support Master’s: 2 academic years
Doctoral: 4 academic years
Lifetime maximum: 6 years of government-funded graduate awards
Concurrent Support Cannot be held concurrently with other tri-agency graduate scholarships
Start Terms Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Winter 2025
Additional Recognition President’s Graduate Scholarship (PGS) for OGS/QEII-GSST recipients at the University of Waterloo
Application Process Submit an online application, upload required documents, and email materials to the graduate co-ordinator. Referees must email their letters directly to the department graduate co-ordinator.

Why Choose the University of Waterloo?

The University of Waterloo is a top research university known for its academic excellence, co-operative education, and industry partnerships.

  • Pioneers in Co-op Education – Waterloo revolutionized higher education by integrating classroom learning with hands-on industry experience.
  • Rapid Growth – Founded in 1957, with its first building, the Chemical Engineering Building, completed in 1958.
  • Leaders in Mathematics & Kinesiology – Established North America’s first Faculty of Mathematics and the world’s first Department of Kinesiology in 1967.
  • Innovative Governance – Adopts a bicameral governance model, balancing academic and financial policies.
  • Integrated Library System – Collaborates with Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Guelph to enhance library access through the Tri-University Group (TUG) agreement.
  • High-Tech Research Hub – Home to the Waterloo Research and Technology Park, a center for tech innovation.
  • Global Outreach – Operated undergraduate programs in Dubai (2009-2012) in partnership with the Higher Colleges of Technology.
  • Resilience & Community – Demonstrated strong community support in response to challenges, including the 2023 hate-motivated attack.
  • Prestigious Recognition – Its coat of arms is officially recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms and the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) 2025, applicants must:

  1. International Students – Hold a valid study permit under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).
  2. Domestic Applicants – Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).
  3. Academic Excellence – Achieve a minimum A-/80% in the last two completed years of study (as of August 31, 2023).
  4. STEM Requirement (QEII-GSST only) – Applicants must be enrolled in a research-based STEM graduate program.

Scholarship Benefits

  • Award Value – Up to $15,000 per year ($5,000 per term for two or three terms).
  • President’s Graduate Scholarship (PGS) – Awarded to OGS/QEII-GSST recipients at the University of Waterloo.
  • Start Terms – Scholarship recipients must begin in Spring 2024, Fall 2024, or Winter 2025.
  • Duration
    • Minimum: 2 terms ($10,000 total)
    • Maximum: 3 terms ($15,000 total)
    • Not renewable; applicants must reapply each year.

Required Documents

A complete application includes:

  • Transcript request webform
  • OGS/QEII-GSST Application (+ Appendix A, if applicable)
  • Two academic reference letters (sent directly by referees)
  • Indigenous verification process (if applicable)

Maximum Support Limits

Program Maximum Support
Master’s 2 academic years
Doctoral 4 academic years
Total Limit 6 years of government-funded graduate awards

Awards That Count Toward Lifetime Maximum:

  • Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
  • Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST)
  • Ontario Trillium Scholarships (OTS)
  • Tri-Agency Scholarships (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC, Vanier)

Note: One- or two-term awards count as one full year toward the OGS/QEII-GSST maximum.

Concurrent Support

  • Students cannot hold an OGS/QEII-GSST and a tri-agency graduate scholarship (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, Vanier) at the same time.
  • If awarded both, students typically accept the tri-agency scholarship due to its higher value and prestige.
  • In exceptional cases, students may decline a tri-agency award in favor of OGS/QEII-GSST—consult the Graduate Financial Aid and Awards office for advice.
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How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Submit an Online Application – Complete the OGS/QEII-GSST application.
  2. Upload Required Documents – Include transcripts, reference letters, and Appendix A (if applicable).
  3. Email Materials – Send completed documents to the graduate co-ordinator of the current/proposed department.
  4. Referee Submission – Academic referees must email letters directly to the graduate co-ordinator.
  5. Indigenous Applicants – Complete the Indigenous verification process (if applicable).

Application Deadlines

  • Deadlines vary by institution – Check the university’s official scholarship page for specific dates.

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and QEII-GSST 2025 provide an excellent opportunity for high-achieving graduate students to advance their studies at top universities in Ontario, Canada.

Apply Now – Don’t miss the opportunity to receive up to $15,000 in funding for your graduate education!

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