Canada · Various Ontario universities
Ontario Trillium Scholarship
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 7
- Components
- L 6.5 / R 6.5 / W 6.5 / S 6.5
- Level
- PhD
- Deadline
- Varies by university
Last verified: 2026-03
About Ontario Trillium Scholarship
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship is designed to attract top international PhD students to Ontario's universities. Valued at $40,000 per year for up to four years, it is a nomination-based award where universities select candidates from their doctoral applicant pools. The scholarship is available across a wide range of disciplines.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 92
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1Ontario Trillium requires IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in all bands. Since universities nominate candidates, a strong IELTS score can set your application apart from other PhD applicants.
- 2Focus on IELTS Academic preparation — General Training is not accepted. Practice the academic reading passages and Task 1 graph descriptions that are unique to the Academic module.
- 3Deadlines vary by university, so check your target institution's timeline early. Take IELTS well in advance so your score is available when the university makes nomination decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for the Ontario Trillium Scholarship?
The Ontario Trillium Scholarship requires IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each component. TOEFL iBT 92 is also accepted at most Ontario universities.
Does the Ontario Trillium Scholarship accept TOEFL?
Yes, most Ontario universities accept TOEFL iBT 92 as an alternative to IELTS. However, specific requirements may vary by institution, so verify with your target university.
Can I apply to the Ontario Trillium Scholarship without IELTS?
If you completed a degree at an English-medium institution in a recognized English-speaking country, you may be exempt. This is a nomination-based award, so contact your target university's graduate admissions office for exemption details.
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