This page is a valuable source for a wide variety of resources related to applying for funding for graduate students. We encourage you to refer back to this website frequently as these resources will be helpful throughout your time as a graduate student.
If you have additional questions regarding any of these resources or scholarship applications, please contact the School of Graduate Studies at graduatefinance@trentu.ca
Upcoming Workshops & Events
Winning graduate scholarships takes practice. The School of Graduate Studies is hosting a series of workshops to guide you through the scholarship application process. From crafting an impactful outline of proposed research to navigating special circumstances, these workshops aim to equip you with the tools you need.
Ontario Graduate Scholarship Reference Letters and Special Circumstances
Strong reference letters can make a decisive difference in scholarship competitions. This workshop provides strategies for requesting and supporting referees in writing impactful letters. Participants will also learn how to address special circumstances—such as academic interruptions or personal challenges—in a way that adds context without detracting from their application. The session emphasizes professionalism, clarity, and confidence, equipping students with tools that extend beyond OGS to future academic and career opportunities.
Where: Zoom - register here!
When: Friday, January 16 from 10:00am-11:00am
Graduate Studies Scholarship Application Resources
Ontario Graduate Scholarships and Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology
Ontario Graduate Scholarship Application Overview Slide Deck
Ontario Graduate Scholarship - Outline of Proposed Research for Master's Students Slide Deck
Ontario Graduate Scholarship - Outline of Proposed Research for Doctoral Students Slide Deck
Ontario Graduate Scholarship - Letters of Reference & Special Circumstances Slide Deck
Both Doctoral & Master's
Overview of Graduate Scholarships Slide Deck
Tri-Council Selection Criteria - Detailed Explanation
Faculty Guide: Writing Letters of Recommendation for Scholarship Applications Slide Deck
Doctoral
Doctoral Graduate Program Presentations (Fall 2025) Slide Deck
Canada Graduate Research Scholarships - Doctoral Program Slide Deck
Outline of Proposed Research Slide Deck
Letters of Reference & Special Circumstances Slide Deck
Master's
Canada Graduate Research Scholarships - Master's Program Slide Deck
Canada Graduate Research Scholarships - Outline of Proposed Research Slide Deck
Tri-Council Resources
The Tri-Council agencies include the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). These are federal granting agencies that support research, research training and innovation in Canadian postsecondary institutions.
The following resources are useful when applying for scholarships from any of the Tri-Council agencies:
Selecting the Appropriate Federal Granting Agency
Guidelines on the Assessment of Contributions to Research, Training and Mentoring
San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA)
Guide for Applicants: Considering Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Your Application
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Multiple)
How to Integrate Sex and Gender into Research
Gendered Innovations
Guidelines for the Merit Review of Indigenous Research
Health Research Training at CIHR
Training Resources (“Career Hub”)
CV/Resume Help: Careerspace
Careerspace offers assistance for creating CVs and resumes.
Careerspace also offers valuable learning tools and opportunities to gain practical, hands-on experience to prepare students for life after Trent.
Academic Skills Graduate Workshops
Academic Skills works closely with graduate students to help them develop as scholars and writers as well as teaching assistants. We hope that you will take advantage of the many services that we can offer you.