Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
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OGS defined
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship is an external award that is provided by the Province of Ontario.
Quick facts ...
BOTH domestic students (i.e., Canadian citizens and permanent residents) and international students (i.e., those here on a VISA, study permit etc.) can apply.
Awardees can receive up to $15,000 for one year (three consecutive sessions/term you would receive $5,000).
You apply for OGS in early March and officially find out if your application is successful by July of that same year. Prior to receiving an official confirmation, you will receive a note from the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) saying that your department has nominated you.
If you are not selected, you will receive a message around May of the year you applied.
OGS-SGS-Info-Session-Students.pdfOGS components
OGS application form
Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (unofficial and student-issued transcripts are permitted, such as ACORN screenshots, a downloaded history of your academic record).
Research Contributions (previous awards/publications/conference/research experience)
Plan of study
1 page for Plan of Study
1 page for references/citations
Two academic references (referees will be required to submit online)
NOTE: Deadlines for students to submit all application documents (including letters of reference) vary by graduate department. Be sure to find the deadline that applies to your department. Typically the application deadline for CTL is around the first week of March.
filling out the webform
Start by becoming very familiar with this SGS webpage that explains the process for applying for OGS. Then, go to this webpage and enter your UTORid and password. You will have the option of create a new form or open an old one. Click "New Form," find "Ontario Graduate Scholarship Award," and push the button that says "Start Form."
Once you create a new form, you will be prompted: to provide information about yourself/your program; to attach your program of study (1 page description) and research contributions; and to create request forms for your two references to upload.
writing a strong program of study
Your program of study is one of the most important parts of your OGS application. It must be no more than 2 pages (1 of your written description and 1 page for your references).
A strong program of study will often ...
be written in accessible, plain language (avoid jargon)
include a very short lit review, where you address a gap in literature that pertains to your research focus
clearly explain your research focus, questions, and purpose
explain your methodology and methods
allude to why you are well situated to do this research at the institution you are at
exercise: compare three successful programs of study
Below are three successful OGS programs of study. If you want more for comparison, you can find successful programs of study in a binder on the 11th floor of OISE. You can reach out to Michelle Pond for more information.
Maria Vamvalis has generously shared her successful OGS application
Vamvalis OGS 2021 Plan of Study.pdf
Ty Walkland has generously shared his successful OGS application
Walkland OGS 2018 Plan of Study.pdf
Lindsay Cavanaugh has generously shared her OGS application
OGS - Mar 2 2021 Draft.docx.pdfYou might have noticed that these three applications are written in their own unique way. In other words, there is no singular OGS format. That being said, a lot of these applications give some context about why their research matters, what their research seeks to do, what methodology they will be using, and why the researcher is suited to do the research.
Based on what you've read, is there a format you want to model your OGS after?
getting your reference letters
When you are filling out your online OGS application form, you will be prompted to provide the contact information of two references. You will be also be told to insert a deadline date for those references (i.e. your references will be gently prompted to complete the references before the date you assign).
It is a good idea to provide your references with your program of study and CV, so that they are best prepared to write you a strong reference letter. If they are unfamiliar with doing OGS applications, you might also want to provide them with the instructions below.
ogs-referee-instructions (1).pdftips from students
Give your referees a lot of notice. They are likely helping a lot of students with OGS applications and you don't want to leave it to the last moment.
Ask people who know you well to be your references (ideally an advisor or supervisor)!
Ask your supervisor or peers for feedback on your program of study (edit, revise, edit and revise!)
accepting OGS
If you are successful, congratulations! Take some time to celebrate. You will be prompted to accept the award and select a start date. It is advised that you select May, so you can get three sessions of $5,000. If you are in the funded cohort and receiving a funding package, you will need to start your award in September and not May.
additional resources
Watch Michelle Pon and others explain the OGS process more here (use your UTORid and password to access the video).
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