Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program for International Students: Eligibility, Application

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is a prestigious award presented to graduate-level students within the Ontario region of Canada. Valued at 5,000 CAD per term, this scholarship is available to high-achieving individuals pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in various disciplines. Eligible recipients can benefit from the OGS for two academic years for master’s degrees and three years for doctoral degrees.

The scholarship amount varies depending on the number of terms per year at the respective universities. Institutions with two terms annually offer a scholarship worth 10,000 CAD, while those with three terms provide 15,000 CAD annually.

The OGS program, which encompasses 22 merit-based scholarships across all academic disciplines, is allocated to Canadian universities by the province. Each university’s graduate unit manages the application process and evaluates applicants with study in canada for international student.

The scholarship is awarded for a minimum of two terms and a maximum of three terms. Selection criteria include factors such as academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills. The total scholarship amount is 15,000 CAD per year, with the Government of Ontario contributing two-thirds of the award value, and the remaining one-third is provided by the university. Importantly, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship award is non-transferable and must be utilized at the institution that granted it.

International students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in Ontario, Canada, may be eligible for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program. The OGS program is designed to support students who demonstrate academic excellence and research potential. The program provides financial support to help cover the costs of tuition, living expenses, and research-related expenses.

To be eligible for the OGS program, international students must meet certain criteria. They must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time graduate program at an eligible Ontario university, and they must have a minimum of A- average in their previous two years of study. Additionally, students must be studying in a field that is eligible for OGS funding, which includes a wide range of disciplines such as science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.

The deadline for OGS applications varies depending on the university and program, but typically falls between December and February. Applicants must submit a complete application package, which includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research statement. The competition for OGS funding is highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to start the application process early and to seek guidance from their university’s financial aid office.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is a merit-based scholarship program for international students who wish to pursue their graduate studies in Ontario, Canada. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to outstanding students who have demonstrated academic excellence and research potential.

Benefits of Ontario Graduate Scholarship

The OGS program provides a variety of benefits to eligible international students, including:

• Financial assistance: The scholarship provides up to $15,000 per year for the duration of the student’s graduate studies.
• Flexibility: The scholarship can be used to cover tuition fees, living expenses, research costs, and other related expenses.
• Opportunity: The scholarship provides international students with the opportunity to study in one of Canada’s top graduate programs and gain valuable research experience.
• Recognition: Being awarded an OGS is a prestigious achievement that can enhance a student’s academic and professional profile.

Overall, the OGS program is an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to pursue their graduate studies in Ontario, Canada. With its generous financial assistance and flexible use, the program can help students achieve their academic and research goals while gaining valuable experience in a top-tier graduate program.

Highlights

Eligibility Criteria for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is a merit-based scholarship program that provides financial support to graduate students in Ontario. To be eligible for the OGS, applicants must meet certain criteria, which are outlined below.

Eligibility for International Students

International students who are studying in Ontario are eligible to apply for the OGS. However, they must have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a full-time graduate program at an eligible Ontario university. International students must also meet the academic requirements set by their respective universities.

Eligibility for Master’s Students

To be eligible for the OGS as a master’s student, applicants must be enrolled in a full-time master’s program at an eligible Ontario university. They must also have achieved a minimum average grade of A- in each of the last two years of study, or equivalent.

Eligibility for Bachelor’s Graduates

To be eligible for the OGS as a bachelor’s graduate, applicants must have graduated from an eligible Ontario university with at least a B+ average in the final year of study, or equivalent. They must also be enrolled in a full-time graduate program at an eligible Ontario university.

Overall, the OGS provides an excellent opportunity for international students and graduates to pursue their graduate studies in Ontario with financial support. The eligibility criteria ensure that only the most deserving applicants are selected for the scholarship.

Governance: The Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program is collaboratively governed by the Ontario government and participating Ontario universities. Application deadlines are set by the Province but may vary based on the university.

Citizenship: Both domestic and international students are eligible for the Ontario Graduate Scholarships. Eligibility criteria include:

1. Canadian citizens or permanent residents at the time of application.
2. International students studying in an Ontario university with a valid Canadian study permit.

Note: Students protected under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) are also eligible.

Academic Requirements: To qualify for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following academic criteria:

1. Maintain an A– Average (Ontario equivalent of 80%) in both years of full-time study before the scholarship award.
2. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at the time of application.
3. Applicants must be registered full-time in a graduate degree program, constituting either 60% or more of a full course load (defined by the university) or 40% or more for students with disabilities.

Eligibility Conditions:

• Master’s students can receive the scholarship for a maximum of 2 years, while doctoral students may receive it for 4 years.
• The lifetime maximum restriction for a government-funded scholarship is six years for any student.
• Students cannot concurrently receive two government-funded scholarships. Restricted scholarships include:
  • Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) (formerly OGSST)
  • Ontario Trillium Scholarships (OTS)
  • Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
  • Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)
  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

Also Read: Ontario Trillium Scholarship

Application Process for Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program

The application process for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program is decentralized, with adjudication occurring at the program level. As a result, deadlines and specific procedures are determined by individual master-level programs at Canadian universities. Despite variations, certain standard documents are required for the application:

1. Ontario Graduate Scholarship 2024 Application Form:

• Submission of the official OGS application form is a crucial step in the application process.

2. Confidential Academic Assessment Reports:

• Applicants must provide Confidential Academic Assessment Reports from two academic referees. These reports play a significant role in evaluating the candidate’s academic merit.

3. Academic Transcripts:

• Submission of academic transcripts from previously attended post-secondary institutions is mandatory. These transcripts help assess the applicant’s academic performance.

4. Proof of Citizenship/Permanent Resident Status or Visa Documentation:

• Applicants need to provide a photocopy of proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status. For international students, copies of visa documentation are required.

5. Plan of Study:

• A comprehensive plan of study, limited to a maximum of 3,950 characters (including spaces), must be submitted by the applicants. This document outlines the candidate’s proposed course of study.

6. Previous Awards/Publications/Research Experience:

• Applicants are required to furnish details of any previous awards, publications, and research experience. This information provides insight into the candidate’s academic achievements and contributions to research.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship Required Documents

To apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, international students must submit the following documents:

1. Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended must be submitted. These transcripts must be in English or French, or accompanied by an official translation.
2. Letters of Reference: Applicants must provide two letters of reference from academic referees who can speak to their academic abilities and potential.
3. Research Proposal: Applicants must provide a research proposal outlining their proposed research project. This proposal should be no more than two pages in length.
4. CV or Resume: Applicants must provide a current CV or resume outlining their academic and professional experience.

It’s essential for applicants to carefully follow the guidelines and requirements outlined by the specific master-level program at the chosen Canadian university. Detailed and accurate submission of these documents is critical for a successful Ontario Graduate Scholarship application.

Submission Guidelines

Applications for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship must be submitted through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). The deadline for submission is typically in the fall, with specific dates varying by university.

Applicants should check with their prospective university for specific application instructions and deadlines. It is important to note that some universities may have additional application requirements beyond those outlined by the Ontario Graduate Scholarship program.

Once submitted, applications will be reviewed by the appropriate university department and/or faculty. Successful applicants will be notified of their award by the university.

In summary, to apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, international students must submit transcripts, letters of reference, a research proposal, and a CV or resume through the OUAC. It is important to check with the prospective university for specific application instructions and deadlines.

Universities Offering Ontario Graduate Scholarships

These esteemed Canadian universities offer the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program, providing eligible students with opportunities for financial support and recognition of academic excellence. How to apply for university in Canada? Application Process

Important Deadlines for Ontario Graduate Scholarship

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program for international students is a highly competitive scholarship program that awards funding to support graduate studies in Ontario, Canada. The program is open to students from all over the world who wish to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree at a participating Ontario university.

To be considered for the OGS program, international students must meet certain eligibility criteria and submit their application by the deadline. The application deadline for the OGS program is typically in the fall, and the exact date may vary from year to year.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the application deadline for the OGS program is December 1, 2024. This means that all application materials, including transcripts, references, and research proposals, must be submitted by this date in order to be considered for the scholarship.

It is important to note that the OGS program has strict eligibility requirements, and not all applicants will be selected for funding. In addition to meeting academic and language proficiency requirements, applicants must demonstrate a strong research aptitude and a commitment to their field of study.

Students who are selected for the OGS program will receive funding to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses for the duration of their graduate studies. This funding can be a significant financial benefit for international students, who may face higher tuition fees and living costs than domestic students.

Overall, the OGS program is a valuable opportunity for international students who wish to pursue graduate studies in Ontario, Canada. By meeting the eligibility requirements and submitting their application by the deadline, students can increase their chances of receiving funding and pursuing their academic goals in Canada.

Universities Offering Scholarships for Master‘s

For Doctoral Level:

Universities Offering Scholarships for Bachelor’s

While the Ontario Graduate Scholarship program primarily focuses on supporting graduate students, there are a few universities in Ontario that offer scholarships to international undergraduate students as well. These universities include:

• University of Toronto
• University of Waterloo
• Western University
• McMaster University
• Queen’s University

Undergraduate students interested in studying in Ontario should consider applying to one of these universities to take advantage of the scholarship opportunities available.

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) selection process involves comprehensive evaluation across academic excellence, research potential, and personal characteristics. The respective weightings for each criterion are determined by program departments and faculties, emphasizing a holistic assessment of applicants.

Conditions for Acceptance and Continuance of OGS

To be eligible for acceptance and continuance of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), recipients must adhere to the following conditions:

1. Work Limitations:
   • Recipients are not permitted to engage in work for more than an average of 10 hours per week per academic session.
   • International students are exempt from the requirement to provide their Social Insurance Number (SIN) for processing the award.
2. Social Insurance Number (SIN):
   • It is mandatory for recipients to ensure their Social Insurance Number (SIN) is recorded in WebAdvisor. The award processing is contingent upon having a valid SIN on file. However, this requirement does not apply to international students.
3. Employment Restrictions:
   • OGS recipients are prohibited from accepting research assistantships, part-time teaching positions, or any other paid employment that may impact their status as a full-time graduate student.

Compliance with these conditions is essential for the acceptance and continued eligibility of the Ontario Graduate Scholarship. It ensures recipients are able to fully focus on their academic pursuits without compromising the terms of the scholarship.

Living in Ontario as a Graduate Student

As an international student pursuing graduate studies in Ontario, there are several things to consider when it comes to living in the province. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

Accommodation

Finding suitable accommodation is a key consideration for any student, and this is no different for those pursuing graduate studies in Ontario. Most universities in the province offer on-campus housing options for students, which can be convenient and cost-effective. However, off-campus housing options are also widely available, and these can provide more independence and flexibility.

Transportation

Ontario is a large province, and getting around can be challenging without a car. However, most cities in the province have well-developed public transportation systems, including buses, subways, and trains. Many universities also offer shuttle services for students, making it easier to get to and from campus.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Ontario can vary widely depending on where you choose to live. Generally speaking, larger cities like Toronto and Ottawa tend to be more expensive, while smaller towns and cities are more affordable. It’s important to factor in the cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses when budgeting for your graduate studies in Ontario.

Cultural Experience

Ontario is a culturally diverse province, with a rich history and vibrant arts and culture scene. As a graduate student, you’ll have the opportunity to explore all that the province has to offer, from world-class museums and galleries to live music and theatre performances. You’ll also have the chance to connect with other students from around the world, creating a truly multicultural experience.

Overall, living in Ontario as a graduate student can be a rewarding and enriching experience. By taking the time to plan ahead and consider all of your options, you can make the most of your time in the province and achieve your academic and personal goals.

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