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The University of Waterloo has opened applications for the 2026–2027 Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST). These competitive scholarships are among the most sought-after funding opportunities for graduate students in Ontario, recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and research potential across disciplines.
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Both programs are jointly funded by the Government of Ontario and the University of Waterloo, aiming to support high-achieving graduate students who demonstrate promise in contributing to research, innovation, and academic excellence.
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About the Scholarships
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs are designed to foster a culture of research and innovation at publicly assisted universities in Ontario.
At the University of Waterloo, applicants can apply for both scholarships through a single application process. The programs are divided into two competitions based on citizenship:
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- OGS: Available to both domestic and international students in any graduate discipline.
- QEII-GSST: Restricted to domestic students pursuing research-based graduate programs in STEM fields — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
These awards are part of Waterloo’s long-standing commitment to nurturing excellence among graduate researchers, both in Canada and globally.
Scholarship Funding Benefits
Each selected scholar under the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) or Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) program at the University of Waterloo will receive generous financial support to help them focus on their academic and research pursuits. The scholarship provides $5,000 per academic term, amounting to a maximum of $15,000 for one academic year. Although the award is non-renewable, recipients are eligible to reapply in subsequent years if they continue to meet the program’s academic and eligibility requirements.
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In addition to the core scholarship funding, successful recipients will also receive the President’s Graduate Scholarship (PGS), which serves as a supplementary award to enhance the total financial benefit. The funding covers a duration of up to one year (three academic terms), with the scholarship period beginning in Spring 2026, Fall 2026, or Winter 2027.
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Overall, each OGS or QEII-GSST recipient can expect a comprehensive financial package that includes $5,000 per term, up to $15,000 annually, along with the added President’s Graduate Scholarship, making it one of the most attractive funding opportunities for graduate students at Waterloo.
Who Is It For?
The OGS and QEII-GSST programs are open to graduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence and research potential.
1# Citizenship:
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- OGS: Open to both international and domestic students.
- QEII-GSST: For domestic (Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or Protected Persons) students only.
2# Academic Standing:
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- Must have achieved at least an A- (80%) average in the last two years of full-time study.
- Recent successful applicants typically had 85%+ averages, with strong research and publication records.
3# Program Requirements:
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- OGS: Open to students in all disciplines (research- or course-based).
- QEII-GSST: Restricted to research-based programs in STEM fields.
4# Registration/Admission Status:
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- International applicants must already be enrolled in a Waterloo graduate program by February 1, 2026.
- Domestic applicants can apply either as current or incoming graduate students (Spring 2026, Fall 2026, or Winter 2027 entry).
5# Study Load:
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- Must be enrolled full-time at the time of holding the award.
6# Duration Limits:
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- Master’s students may receive up to 2 years of OGS/QEII-GSST support.
- Doctoral students may receive up to 4 years.
- Lifetime maximum across Ontario graduate scholarships: 6 years.
How Applications Are Evaluated?
Applications are reviewed according to faculty-specific weighting across three key areas:
| Evaluation Category | Weight | Assessment Components |
| Academic Excellence | 40–50% | GPA, awards, distinctions |
| Research Potential | 30–40% | Publications, proposals, research achievements |
| Leadership & Communication | 10–20% | Volunteer roles, leadership, community engagement |
Each faculty determines the final weighting, with Science, Engineering, and Math faculties placing high emphasis on research potential.
Application Process
To apply for the 2026–2027 OGS or QEII-GSST at the University of Waterloo, candidates must follow these steps carefully:
- Confirm Eligibility – Review all requirements before applying.
- Submit Intent to Apply Form – Complete the OGS/QEII-GSST Intent to Apply Form by January 14, 2026 (4:00 p.m. ET).
- Collect Transcripts – Submit all official post-secondary transcripts (Waterloo and non-Waterloo) along with your application.
- Obtain Reference Letters – Two academic referees must submit signed letters to the department’s graduate co-ordinator by February 1, 2026.
- Complete the Application Form – Fill out the OGS/QEII-GSST application form completely, ensuring research and academic achievements are clearly demonstrated.
- Submit All Documents – Email your completed application package and transcripts to your department’s graduate co-ordinator by February 1, 2026.
Selection and Ranking
International Applicants
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- Each faculty can nominate up to three top candidates to the university-level selection committee.
- The university awards five international OGS scholarships annually.
Domestic Applicants
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- Departments rank applications for faculty-level review.
- Indigenous applicants are reviewed separately through the Office of Indigenous Relations.
- Final selections are confirmed by the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) office.
Application Dates
| Process Step | Deadline |
| Intent to Apply Form | January 14, 2026 (4:00 p.m. ET) |
| Application & Transcripts Submission | February 1, 2026 (accepted until Feb 2, 2026 due to weekend) |
| Referee Letter Submission | February 1, 2026 |
| Domestic Applicant Admission Deadline | February 1, 2026 |
The last date to apply for the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and the Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) at the University of Waterloo is February 1, 2026.
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DATE . Oct/8/2025
