Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology

Every year, a multitude of Canadian students pursue masters, doctoral, and post-doctoral degrees in science and technology. Brilliant minds who are passionate about innovation and scientific research compete to study in some of the top universities in the country, and many of these reside in Ontario.

To appreciate the academic talent that showcases their zeal for science and technology, the government of Ontario provides financial rewards in the form of scholarships. Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST), one of the two primary offerings of Ontario Student Scholarships, is awarded to meritorious students enrolled in postgraduate and doctoral STEM programs. The two-thirds of the scholarship money offered to students is funded by the Ontario government, and the remaining one-third is paid by the participating college that provides the scholarship.

Curious to know more about this provincial scholarship? Let’s dive right into some of the important aspects of QEII-GSST.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology, you must tick the following boxes:

• You must be studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in a masters or doctoral program at an Ontario college. 
• You must showcase an academic brilliance in the field of science and technology. Remember that each school has its own parameters of comparing and ranking your academic achievements with other applicants. 
• You must pursue full-time courses at the postgraduate or doctorate level, which means the duration of the study period must be a minimum of two terms (21 weeks) in a school year.
• You must be enrolled in a school affiliated with the QEII-GSST scholarship. Here’s a list of participating colleges supported by this scholarship:

Brock University, Carleton University, University of Guelph, Lakehead University, Laurentian University, McMaster University, Nipissing University, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, University of Ottawa, Queen’s University, Ryerson University, University of Toronto, Trent University, University of Waterloo, Western University, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of Windsor, York University

How to Apply

The application process for the QEII-GSST program is fairly simple.

• Complete the application: The official application process for the QEII-GSST scholarship usually begins in October. The candidate has to use their respective school’s application to enroll for the scholarship.
• Apply for QEII-GSST across multiple schools: With the growing competition for a few limited seats across colleges, it makes sense to apply for admission to more than one college simultaneously. Thankfully, you can apply for QEII-GSST as well across the multiple participating universities. You would have to fill out a fresh scholarship application every time you apply for it from a different school.
• Know the selection process: Each school has its own criteria to select a student for the QEII-GSST program. It’s prudent to contact the Graduate Studies Office of your respective institution to know more details about the selection procedure, document submission, and the deadline for filling out the application, If your application is selected, you would be notified about the same by the Graduate Studies Office. 

How much can you get

Now, let’s talk numbers to get you more pumped up about the scholarship:

• Based on the number of consecutive study terms in a school year, the money awarded through QEII-GSST varies . A selected candidate could receive $10,000 for two terms in a school year. The amount rises to $15,000 for three consecutive terms in a school year.
• A QEII-GSST award is provided for a minimum of one academic year (2 to 3 terms) to a maximum of two academic years (4 to 6 terms).
• Each student is eligible to benefit from this provincial scholarship for only a certain period in a lifetime. A student pursuing a Masters degree has a lifetime maximum of two years for receiving the QEII-GSST awards. A doctoral student has a lifetime maximum of four years after which they can’t qualify for this scholarship program.  For all other students, six years is the lifetime limit.

Other Ontario Student Aid Programs

For aspiring students who don’t qualify through the rigorous selection process of merit-based scholarships, there is always hope in the form of the Ontario Student Assistance Program. If OSAP doesn’t fulfill your financial needs, you have more options in the form of Ontario Student Scholarships, Bursaries, and Other Grants for Students in Special Circumstances.