Ontario Trillium Scholarship 2026

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) is a merit-based doctoral scholarship funded by the Government of Ontario and administered by participating universities in the province. It is designed to attract highly qualified international students to pursue full-time PhD studies at eligible institutions in Ontario, Canada.

The scholarship is typically awarded to international students with an excellent academic record and strong research potential. Universities nominate candidates and manage their own internal selection processes, so students usually apply for admission to an eligible PhD programme first and then follow the institution's scholarship instructions.

OTS is generally regarded as a substantial award that helps cover the costs of doctoral study and living expenses during the scholarship period. The scholarship is commonly tenable for multiple years, subject to continued full-time registration, satisfactory academic progress, and the university's terms and conditions.

To be considered, applicants are usually expected to be international students studying in Ontario on a valid study permit, entering or already enrolled in a full-time PhD programme. Selection is highly competitive and based primarily on academic excellence, research achievement, and institutional nomination. Because administration is university-based, exact procedures, timelines, and required documents can vary by institution.

Prospective applicants should check the doctoral funding pages of their target Ontario university for current eligibility details, nomination procedures, and deadlines. Applying early for admission and preparing strong academic records, references, and research materials can improve competitiveness.