Waterloo OGS QEII 2026: Complete Guide to OGS & QEII-GSST
If you want graduate funding that actually changes the math for grad school, the OGS QEII 2026 awards at the University of Waterloo are among the top options in Ontario. These scholarships are merit-based, competitive, and designed to support high-achieving students in both STEM and non-STEM fields. The first two steps every applicant should take are: know the deadlines and prepare a crisp, evidence-backed application.
This guide walks you through everything that matters: what the OGS QEII 2026 awards are, who can apply, the exact deadlines and required documents, plus practical tips.
You May Also Like: Beijing University of Technology Scholarship 2026–27
Description
The OGS QEII 2026 offerings at the University of Waterloo combine two provincial programs:
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) — open to domestic and international students across all academic fields.
Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) — restricted to domestic students and research-based STEM programs.
Degree LevelOGS QEII 2026 awards are available for:
Master’s degree (research-based or course-based)
Doctoral (PhD) programs
Available Subjects
OGS QEII 2026 supports:
OGS: All academic disciplines — arts, humanities, engineering, social sciences, health sciences, computer science, mathematics, environment and more.
QEII-GSST: Research-based STEM fields only — physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science, earth sciences, technology and applied sciences.
Benefits
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Value per term | $5,000 per term |
| Max per academic year | Up to $15,000 |
| Duration | 1 academic year (must reapply); up to 2 years for Master’s, up to 4 years for PhD under combined provincial limits |
| Additional | Successful recipients at Waterloo receive a President’s Graduate Scholarship (PGS) in addition to OGS/QEII support. |
Eligible Nationalities
OGS: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, and international students with a valid study permit.
QEII-GSST: Domestic applicants only (Canadian citizens, PRs, Protected Persons).
Eligibility Criteria
Core requirements for OGS QEII 2026:
Citizenship / visa status: International students must hold a valid study permit at the time specified by the department; domestic applicants must be Canadian citizens, PRs or Protected Persons.
Academic standing: Minimum around A- / 80% in the last two full-time academic years; competitive applicants typically have higher averages plus research outputs.
Program type: OGS allows course- or research-based programs; QEII-GSST is for research-based STEM only.
Full-time registration: You must be registered full-time while holding the award.
Other constraints: Cannot hold an OGS/QEII concurrently with Tri-Agency awards; financial aid or OSAP issues must be cleared prior to disbursement.
Application Procedure (Step-by-step)
OGS QEII 2026 follows a department-first submission flow. Key steps:
Step 1 — Check eligibility
Confirm academic averages, registration status, and visa requirements.
Step 2 — Intent to Apply form (mandatory)
Submit the University of Waterloo Intent to Apply by January 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET. A Waterloo ID is required to complete the form.
Step 3 — Assemble documents
Collect official transcripts (including exchange-term transcripts), CV, research proposal, and evidence of leadership or publications. Note: Waterloo now requires applicants to collect and supply official post-secondary transcripts.
Step 4 — References
Two academic referees must email signed letters directly to the department on letterhead; letters should be concise (max 2 pages).
Step 5 — Final submission
Submit the completed application package to your graduate department by the final departmental deadline (generally February 1, 2026; some faculties may use Feb 2 due to calendar). Confirm department-specific deadlines.
Important Dates (2026–2027 competition)
Jan 14, 2026, 4:00 PM ET — Intent to Apply form (mandatory).
Feb 1–2, 2026 — Final deadline to submit application package to department. (Feb 2 may be used if Feb 1 falls on a weekend in some listings).
May 2026 — Award announcements (varies by university; check Waterloo updates).
Final Thoughts
The OGS QEII 2026 competition is comprehensive and merit-based. Strong grades, obvious research potential, well-written submissions, and verifiable leadership or research results are all necessary for applicants to succeed. Engaging your potential supervisor early and obtaining solid reference letters are crucial since departmental ranking matters.
FAQs
Q: Can international students apply for QEII-GSST at Waterloo?
A: No. QEII-GSST is limited to domestic applicants; international students may apply for OGS.
Q: How much is an OGS award worth?
A: $5,000 per term, up to $15,000 per academic year.
Q: Is the OGS renewable?
A: Not automatically. You can re-apply, and maximum allowable provincial support depends on degree level and prior awards.
Q: Who submits reference letters?
A: Two academic referees must email signed letters directly to the department on official letterhead.
