Ontario Trillium Scholarship

Government of Ontario

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Doctoral students from around the world who are admitted to a PhD at a participating Ontario university. Each university selects and awards candidates on merit and programme criteria; there is no separate application to the government.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Ontario funds 75 Trillium Scholarships a year for the best international doctoral students at its universities. Universities choose the winners, so the way to apply is through the PhD programme itself.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Doctoral students from around the world who are admitted to a PhD at a participating Ontario university. Each university selects and awards candidates on merit and programme criteria; there is no separate application to the government.
2. Note the deadline. Varies by university (the Ontario page states no deadline; each university selects its own nominees, so ask the graduate studies office of the Ontario university you apply to) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); Admission or offer letter for your chosen programme; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
4. "Rolling" or "varies" does not mean unlimited time. Funds are awarded as applications are reviewed, so apply early.
5. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.
6. Have your SOP and CV reviewed by someone who has seen successful applications before you submit.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Ontario Trillium Scholarship?

Doctoral students from around the world who are admitted to a PhD at a participating Ontario university. Each university selects and awards candidates on merit and programme criteria; there is no separate application to the government.

What does Ontario Trillium Scholarship cover?

CAD 40,000 per year, renewable for up to four years (75 awards each year)

When is the deadline for Ontario Trillium Scholarship?

Varies by university (the Ontario page states no deadline; each university selects its own nominees, so ask the graduate studies office of the Ontario university you apply to) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Ontario Trillium Scholarship?

Host countries: Canada.

What documents do I need for Ontario Trillium Scholarship?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); Admission or offer letter for your chosen programme; English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the Ontario Trillium Scholarship application?

Medium: Apply to the PhD programme and ask the graduate office about nomination