Ontario Trillium Scholarship 2024: Overview, Eligibility & Process

In the realm of higher education and research, scholarships play a pivotal role in empowering exceptional individuals to pursue their academic aspirations, drive groundbreaking research, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and society. The Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) stands as a shining example of such a scholarship program, dedicated to fostering global excellence in research and innovation. Created by the government of Ontario, Canada, this prestigious award recognizes and supports outstanding international students pursuing doctoral studies in the province’s world-class institutions.

Origins and Objectives

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship was established with the aim of attracting highly talented international students to Ontario’s research-intensive universities. Its inception in 2010 was rooted in the understanding that fostering a diverse academic community enriched by global perspectives contributes not only to the growth of individual scholars but also to the collective advancement of knowledge and innovation.

The scholarship is named after the trillium flower, which is not only the official emblem of the province of Ontario but also symbolizes the qualities of excellence, resilience, and vibrancy – traits that resonate with the pursuits of higher education and research.

Support and Impact

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship provides a significant financial boost to its recipients, easing their financial burdens and allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their doctoral studies and research endeavors. The scholarship covers full tuition, a generous living allowance, and other incidental costs, ensuring that scholars can focus on their academic pursuits without being hindered by financial constraints.

By alleviating financial stress, the OTS enables scholars to channel their energy and intellect into producing high-quality research that contributes to their respective fields. This research output not only adds to the body of knowledge but also fuels innovation and drives economic growth within the province and beyond.

Community and Collaboration

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Ontario Trillium Scholarship is its emphasis on community and collaboration. Scholars become part of a vibrant network of fellow researchers, mentors, and academic leaders, facilitating cross-disciplinary interaction and the exchange of ideas. This environment nurtures an atmosphere of innovation and fosters the development of well-rounded scholars who can tackle complex global challenges.

Eligibility and Selection

The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is highly competitive and is open to international students from around the world. Eligible candidates must have a strong academic background, proven research potential, and a commitment to contributing to Ontario’s research community.

The selection process involves a rigorous evaluation of candidates’ academic records, research proposals, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated leadership abilities. Successful applicants are those whose research aligns with the priorities of the host institution and has the potential to make a substantial impact in their respective fields.

Eligibility to be Nominated

• The applicant must be an international student.
• The applicant must be proficient in the English language at the time of application.
• The applicant must not be a current student of any Ontario postsecondary institution at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• The candidate must hold an 8.0/10 or A-average (Ontario equivalent of 80%) in both the years of full-time study.
• The applicant must intend to enrol in a doctoral-level, full-time degree-granting graduate programme.

Eligibility to receive Ontario Trillium Scholarship

• The applicant must have received a temporary resident visa as a member of the student class under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) by the start date of the PhD programme.
• The applicant must maintain satisfactory progress for the duration of the OTS award during their degree programme.
• Even when the recipient obtains a permanent residency status after the beginning of the first term of study, the Ontario Trillium Scholarship will continue to renew.
• Must not hold any scholarship or fellowship from other sources like Tri-Council, i.e., Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) or MTCU, i.e., Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), and Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST). Know more about all the other available scholarships for Indian students in Canada.
• The candidate must be present and registered full-time in the PhD programme from the first day for the entire duration of the programme.

Ontario Trillium Scholarship (OTS) Application Process 

The deadline for applying for the scholarship varies for each university and the programme, starting from September. Nominations for suitable candidates happen in the winter session to get admitted in the following fall, spring or winter terms. Each eligible institution has a different application process for the Ontario Trillium Scholarship programme. However, here is a list of all the documents required to apply for the scholarship:

• Correctly filled application form
• A valid Canadian study permit
• A copy of all university transcripts
• An updated CV
• The OTS letter of support from an authorised supervisor
• Proof of language proficiency results like IELTS, SAT, etc.
• List of scholarships and awards received by the applicant
• Applicant’s Letter of Recommendations
• Proof of good health
• List of applicant’s contributions to research

Process of Selection in Ontario Trillium Scholarship

Evaluation of the files and selection of the recipients is done by a selection committee that is chosen by Vice-Provost, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (OGPS). The committee selects students based on their merit and programme criteria.

Terms & Conditions of Ontario Trillium Scholarship

There are some terms and conditions concerning the holding of the Ontario Trillium Scholarship. They are as follows:

Interrupting the Scholarship

• A request to put the OTS award on hold should be accompanied by an approved request for a leave of absence to OGPS. The leave granted cannot exceed 12 months or three terms. It can be approved in the case of:
• Immigration process
• Maternal or paternal leave
• Family or medical leave
• Compassionate leave (eg: Bereavement)

 Withdrawl from the Graduate programme

• The awardee must repay the Trillium funds in case the candidate:
• Transfers to another institution
• Withdraws from the programme
•  Is unable to maintain good academic standing
• Loses full-time status
•  Completes the programme before the natural end of the scholarship, or,
• Loses the eligibility for renewal of OTS

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