The Ontario Graduate Scholarship 2026 (OGS) and the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) are prestigious programs designed to recognize and support academic excellence in graduate studies at the University of Waterloo, one of Canada’s leading research-intensive institutions. Funded jointly by the Ontario government and participating universities, these scholarships provide financial support to both domestic and international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees.

The 2026 awards aim to encourage outstanding students in research-based and course-based programs while fostering innovation, leadership, and academic achievement. Recipients gain not only financial assistance but also a valuable credential that enhances their research profile and career prospects globally.

About the University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo is recognized worldwide for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With multiple faculties dedicated to Science, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, Waterloo provides an intellectually stimulating environment, advanced facilities, and robust industry partnerships. Its co-op programs and strong research culture ensure students gain hands-on experience and are well-prepared for leadership roles in academia, industry, or government.

Overview of Ontario Graduate Scholarship 2026 & QEII-GSST 2026

Scholarship Name	University	Level	Citizenship	Duration	Value	Deadline	Fields of Study
OGS	University of Waterloo	Master & PhD	Domestic & International	Up to 1 year	$5,000 per term, up to $15,000	Feb 1, 2026	All disciplines (research or course-based)
QEII-GSST	University of Waterloo	Master & PhD	Domestic only	Up to 1 year	$5,000 per term, up to $15,000	Feb 1, 2026	STEM disciplines (research-based)

Scholarship Benefits

• Award amount: $5,000 per term, up to $15,000 per academic year.
• President’s Graduate Scholarship (PGS) may also be awarded in addition to OGS or QEII-GSST.
• Provides financial support for tuition, research, and living expenses.
• Enhances your academic profile, supporting research, publications, and presentations.
• Enables recipients to focus fully on their graduate studies without financial distractions.

Eligibility Criteria

Citizenship Requirements:
• OGS: Open to domestic and international students; international students must hold a valid study permit under Canadian law.
• QEII-GSST: Open to domestic students (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person).

Academic Requirements:
• Minimum A-/80% in the last two completed years of study (full-time equivalent).
• Strong academic record in prior degree(s), including research accomplishments for STEM students.
• For QEII-GSST: Research-based programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
• Applicants with research publications or prior scholarship experience are highly encouraged.

Program of Study:
• OGS: Open to all disciplines, research-based or course-based programs.
• QEII-GSST: Restricted to research-based graduate programs in STEM.

Registration/Admission Status:
• Applicants must be registered in a graduate program at Waterloo or have applied for full-time admission with a start term in spring 2026, fall 2026, or winter 2027.

Time in Program:
• Recipients must generally be within their program time limits; students exceeding program duration may still be eligible.

Maximum Support:
• Master’s students: maximum of 2 academic years
• Doctoral students: maximum of 4 academic years
• Lifetime maximum for government-funded graduate awards: 6 years

Application Process 

• Step 1: Confirm eligibility for OGS/QEII-GSST based on citizenship, GPA, and program type.
• Step 2: Select your department at Waterloo and ensure program alignment.
• Step 3: Domestic applicants apply for admission if not already enrolled.
• Step 4: Submit the OGS/QEII-GSST Intent to Apply web form by January 14, 2026.
• Step 5: Collect all academic transcripts and supporting documents.
• Step 6: Select and contact referees for letters of recommendation.
• Step 7: Complete the OGS/QEII-GSST application form including CV, research proposal, and motivation letter.
• Step 8: Submit your application form and transcripts to the department graduate coordinator by February 1, 2026 (domestic and international).

Comparison of OGS vs QEII-GSST

Feature	OGS	QEII-GSST
Citizenship	Domestic & International	Domestic only
Program Eligibility	All graduate disciplines	Research-based STEM programs
Maximum Duration	1 year (renewable by annual application)	1 year (renewable by annual application)
Award Value	$5,000 per term	$5,000 per term
Research Requirements	Optional	Mandatory
Academic Requirements	A-/80%	A-/80%, research excellence expected
Application Deadline	Feb 1, 2026	Feb 1, 2026

FAQs About Ontario Graduate Scholarship 2026

1. Can international students apply for QEII-GSST?
   • No, QEII-GSST is restricted to domestic students only. International students may apply for OGS.
2. Is the scholarship renewable?
   • Awards are for one year, but recipients can reapply annually if within program limits.
3. Can course-based programs apply for OGS?
   • Yes, OGS is open to course-based and research-based programs, provided applicants meet all evaluation criteria.
4. Do I need a research proposal?
   • Required for QEII-GSST; optional but recommended for OGS applicants in research programs.
5. Are reference letters required?
   • Yes, all applicants must submit reference letters from academic referees.
6. What is the GPA requirement?
   • Minimum A-/80% in the last two completed years; higher averages strengthen the application.
7. Can part-time students apply for University of Waterloo scholarships?
   • No, applicants must be full-time graduate students at Waterloo.
8. Are Master’s and PhD students eligible?
   • Yes, both levels are eligible. Maximum support differs by level.
9. Can previous scholarship recipients apply again?
   • Only if they haven’t exceeded program or lifetime maximum funding limits.
10. What is the evaluation process for University of Waterloo scholarships?
    • Evaluation considers academic excellence (40–50%), research ability (30–40%), and communication/leadership skills (10–20%).

Important Notes

• Ensure all documents are complete before submission; university does not consider incomplete applications.
• Adhere strictly to deadlines to avoid disqualification.
• Contact your department for guidance if uncertain about eligibility or program requirements.

Apply now for the OGS and QEII-GSST scholarships 2026 to secure your opportunity to study at one of Canada’s leading universities, gain research experience, and advance your academic career. Visit the official scholarship page and submit your application before the deadlines. APPLY NOW. Please visit the Official Scholarship Information for more details.

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