Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS)

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) is a prestigious doctoral award funded by the Government of Ontario and administered by participating Ontario universities in Canada. It is designed to attract the best international PhD students to the province, recognising outstanding academic achievement with substantial, renewable funding.

The award is generous, providing 40,000 Canadian dollars per year (two-thirds from the province and one-third from the university) toward tuition, living, and research costs, renewable for up to four years of doctoral study. Scholars gain access to top Ontario research facilities, supervision, and mentorship, and those who later gain permanent residency remain eligible for the balance of the award.

Eligibility is for international students holding (or eligible for) a valid Canadian study permit who are starting a full-time PhD at a participating Ontario university, with a first-class average (A- or 80 percent Ontario equivalent) generally in the last two years of full-time study, who are not currently studying at an Ontario institution and not holding certain other major Canadian awards. You apply for admission to a full-time PhD programme and submit a strong application by the programme deadline (most universities nominate automatically), and selected nominees are advised by the graduate studies office. For top international doctoral students, the OTS is a flagship opportunity in Canada.

• International student holding (or eligible for) a valid Canadian study permit.
• Starting a full-time doctoral (PhD) programme at a participating Ontario university.
• A first-class average (A- or 80 percent Ontario equivalent), generally in the last two years of full-time study.
• Not currently studying at an Ontario post-secondary institution at the time of application.
• Not concurrently holding certain other major Canadian awards (for example SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR, or OGS).

• CAD 40,000 per year toward tuition, living, and research costs.
• Renewable for up to four years of doctoral study.
• Access to top Ontario research facilities, supervision, and mentorship.
• Recipients who later gain permanent residency remain eligible for the balance of the award.

• Complete application for admission to the PhD programme (the basis for nomination).
• Academic transcripts showing the required first-class average.
• Research proposal and curriculum vitae.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Proof of English-language proficiency.

• Apply for admission to a full-time PhD programme at a participating Ontario university.
• Submit a complete, strong application by the programme deadline (most universities nominate automatically).
• Where required, ask your department or supervisor about the OTS nomination process; selected nominees are advised by the graduate studies office (confirm the current date).