The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship is a prestigious funding opportunity for Master’s students in Canada, designed to develop research skills and support highly qualified personnel. Administered jointly by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, this scholarship provides financial support to students who demonstrate potential to contribute to Canadian research across health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
The scholarship is part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite, aiming to foster the next generation of innovators. It supports up to 3,298 students annually at eligible Canadian institutions, emphasizing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the research ecosystem.
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship Benefits
- $27,000 for 12 months, non-renewable
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada or a Protected Person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) as of the application deadline date
- Be enrolled in, have applied for or will apply for full-time admission to an eligible graduate program at the master’s or doctoral level that can be started within the eligible dates of the competition year at a Canadian institution with a CGRS M allocation
- Have completed, as of December 31 of the year of application either between 0 and 12 months of full-time studies (or full-time equivalent) in the program for which you are requesting funding
- Not have held or be currently holding a Master’s level scholarship from CIHR, NSERC or SSHRC
- Not have held or be currently holding an Indigenous Scholars Award and Supplement
- Have achieved a first-class average, as determined by the host institution(s), in each of the last two completed years of study (full-time equivalent)
- Submit a maximum of one postgraduate (master’s or doctoral) or postdoctoral application per academic year to either CIHR, NSERC or SSHRC
How to Apply for Canada Graduate Research Scholarship
- Complete and submit an application to up to three institutions using the Research Portal
- Consult the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s program: Instructions for completing an application web page for more information on how to apply
- Ensure the application is submitted by the deadline using the Research Portal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the value of the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
The scholarship provides $27,000 for 12 months, non-renewable, as stated in the official site HTML under the Overview section.
What is the application deadline for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
The deadline is December 1 before 8:00 pm ET, as per the official site HTML. If the deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, applications must be submitted by the next business day.
Who is eligible to apply for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
Eligibility includes being a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Person; enrolled in an eligible graduate program; having completed between 0 and 12 months of full-time studies; not holding other specific scholarships; and achieving a first-class average, as detailed in the official site HTML.
How do I apply for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
Applications must be submitted to up to three institutions using the Research Portal, with instructions available on the official site’s application procedures page.
What fields of research are supported by the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
The scholarship supports health, natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities, including interdisciplinary research, as mentioned in the official site HTML.
Are there additional awards for specific groups under the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
Yes, Indigenous students may receive supplements, and Black student researchers may be eligible for additional awards, as outlined in the official site HTML under relevant sections.
Can I hold another award concurrently with the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
No, you cannot concurrently hold another CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC award, except for the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Studies supplement, as per the conditions of the award.
What are the selection criteria for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
Selection is based on academic excellence (50%), research potential (30%), and personal characteristics and interpersonal skills (20%), with specific indicators listed in the official site HTML.
When will I be notified of the results for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
Offers are available in the Research Portal as of April 1, with alternate offers up until January 31 of the next calendar year, as stated in the official site HTML.
Who should I contact for questions about the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
Contact the faculty of graduate studies at your intended institution or the relevant agency (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC) based on your field of research, as provided in the official site HTML.
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