Earn Your Ontario Graduate Scholarship - Application, Eligibility and Other Details to Know

Preparing for university admissions? – It is important to focus on high school grades, the application process, career planning, and course selection, but there is one other important aspect we need to pay attention to: the Finance required. University tuition can sum up to a significant amount, meaning students may struggle with the financial burdens of post-secondary education if not planned properly. So, here we are to highlight opportunities that can lighten your burden. Let us explore the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program and how virtual schools in Ontario can assist you in earning it.

What is the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)?

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is a jointly funded scholarship program by the province of Ontario and the University of Toronto, aimed to encourage excellence in graduate studies at public-assisted universities in Ontario. Since 1975, the scholarship program has awarded merit-based scholarships to Ontario’s best graduates in all disciplines of academic study. The province allocates the OGS awards to universities after specifying the number of awards each of them will offer students annually.

Eligibility Criteria

What will make you eligible for OGS? Read the eligibility criteria below –

If you are an international student, you should have a student study permit and a temporary resident visa.

You should be enrolled or intend to enroll in an eligible program full-time in the year slot you are applying for a scholarship.

You should not have exceeded the lifetime maximum of government-funded support available at your current level of study.

You should have achieved an A in your last two completed study years or an overall average of at least A If you have completed two or more graduate studies.

Refer to the official website for more details.

Application Process for OGS

Here are a few basics of the application process that you should know –

• Firstly, applicants need to submit the OGS application.
• The applications must be submitted within the set deadline.
• The application should adhere to official OGS guidelines.
• Once the submission is completed, the prospective graduate unit will review and consider the application.

Refer to the official website for application guidelines and other process details.

Additional Information for International/Visa Students

International students holding a valid study permit by the graduate unit’s OGS international application deadline are eligible to apply for an OGS scholarship following the same application process and internal deadlines set by their current or proposed graduate unit.

It is to be paid attention that the graduate units will select and forward a limited number of applications to the School of Graduate Studies to compete in a centralized adjudication.

Applying for OGS? – Documents You Require

If you are applying for OGS, then below is the list of documents you must have for the application process –

• Firstly, you need an OGS application form.
• Students/Graduates must have all transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (Unofficial and Student-Issued transcripts are permitted)
• Students need proof of all previous awards, publications, conferences, research experience, etc.
• Students must have a “Plan of Study,” including one page for a study plan and one for references and citations.
• Students need two academic references (Referees must submit online).

Refer to the official website for more details.

What are Automatic Entrance Scholarships?

Automatic Entrance Scholarships are scholarships that do not require a separate application. Instead, scholarships are awarded automatically by most universities based on students' grade point averages when they enter a college/ university.

Thus, we can say that having high academic scores throughout high school, especially during Grade 12, not only helps students in university acceptance but also qualifies them for Automatic Entrance Scholarships.

Below are the average grade ranges applied to Automatic Entrance Scholarships –

• 95 – 100% = $3000
• 90 – 94.9% = $2000
• 85 – 89.9% = $1000

It is to be noted that the required GPA for Automatic Entrance Scholarships and the amount awarded varies from university to university.

For Instance –

Western University awards a $3500 scholarship for students who average 92-100% and $2500 for students who average 90-91%.

McMaster University awards $ 3,000 in automatic scholarships, but the GPA percentage required varies according to the program you’re accepted to.

Students are advised to research the universities and the automatic entrance scholarships they offer.

University Preparation with Virtual High Schools

The increasing popularity of Virtual schools is worth noticing. Being the premiers of futuristic education, these schools are revolutionizing learning and facilitating resources for university entrance. So, let us see how these virtual high schools help in university preparation –

The online high schools in Ontario frequently provide expert counseling sessions for students. Students are motivated to take self-assessments that make them recognize their true potential.

Proper guidance and information are available on different post-secondary pathways and planning tools for career planning.

Students are taught to write perfect college applications and get assistance in gathering the required documents.

Proper counseling sessions emphasize early career planning and various resources are offered to develop a detailed and systematic career plan.

These institutions provide students with door-step assistance to quell their confusion regarding what career to choose and how to follow it.

Ample opportunities are offered to think about the right career path.

Summary

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) is a jointly funded scholarship program by the province of Ontario and the University of Toronto, aimed to encourage excellence in graduate studies at public-assisted universities in Ontario.