About
The Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development outlines that each university may allocate up to two OGS awards to Aboriginal graduate students. Each university will develop eligibility criteria to recognize excellence and promote equitable access and participation in the scholarship program by Aboriginal applicants for the purposes of the scholarship, an Aboriginal person is a person who self-identifies as a First Nations (Status/Non-Status), Metis, or Inuit (OGS and QEII-GSST Program Guidelines, version 1.0).
Terms
Tenable for one academic year once enrolled, beginning May 2026 or September 2026 for a minimum of two terms to a maximum of three terms. The Ontario Graduate Scholarship Indigenous award not exclusive to students from the Six Nations of the Grand River communities; the application is open to any current graduate student (or applicant to a graduate program at McMaster University) who identifies as First Nation, Inuit, or Métis.
Eligibility
- Incoming or returning graduate students (Master’s or PhD) of First Nation, Inuit, or Métis descent
- Enrolment in a graduate program for a minimum of two terms
- Submit separately a completed 2026-27 Harvey E. Longboat Scholarship for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Students application.
Selection criteria
- Exceptional promise in community leadership
- Mentorship to other Indigenous students
- Mentorship within First Nation, Inuit, or Métis communities
- Leadership to advance Indigenous education, either inside or outside of a university setting
- High academic achievement
Intent
This award is intended to recognize and acknowledge the academic achievement and exceptional promise of an Indigenous graduate student or students at McMaster University. Consideration is also given to Indigenous scholars who have demonstrated mentorship within community settings. In addition, the School of Graduate Studies would like applicants to be aware that the OGS-I scholarships can be awarded to Indigenous graduate students at McMaster University who face significant financial hardship, with priority given to women with family responsibilities.
Value
Ontario Graduate Scholarship-Indigenous award is valued at $15,000 ($5,000 per term). Note: If the student only holds the award for two terms the value will be $10,000.
How to Apply
New for the 2026-27 competition. Applicants will submit their Ontario Graduate Scholarship-Indigenous application through Slate.
Note: if you already have a Slate account, you do not need to create a new account.
In addition to submitting the 2026-27 Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Students application through Slate, you are required to submit the following documents for your 2026-27 Ontario Graduate Scholarship Indigenous (OGSI) application in Slate:
- Written submission-Using a maximum of one-page, identify the financial or other hardships you experience.
- Budget template-The template is available to download in Slate
Questions
If you have any questions, please email the School of Graduate Studies at graduatescholarships@mcmaster.ca and/or the Indigenous Financial Aid Specialist at indigfas@mcmaster.ca.