The Canada Research Training Awards Suite Research Travel Supplements (CRTAS-RTS) 2026 provides additional funding to active master’s and doctoral award holders to help offset the costs of undertaking research travel within Canada or outside Canada for a defined period. This supplement aims to support the next generation of innovators by providing funding and high-quality research training, cultivating research skills, and empowering awardees to make significant contributions to Canada’s research ecosystem.
The CRTAS is administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), NSERC, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). It offers a valuable opportunity for graduate students to enhance their research experience through travel, fostering international collaboration and expanding their professional networks.
Canada Research Training Awards Suite Research Travel Supplements Benefits
- The value of a CRTAS-RTS is $9,000 and is non-renewable.
- A total of 250 supplements are available each year: 45 allocated to CIHR, 80 to NSERC and 125 to SSHRC.
- Additional supplements may be awarded should funds become available.
- The CRTAS-RTS supports a minimum of two months (59 days) and a maximum of six months (184 days) of research travel.
- Covers costs associated with travel, living and other logistical expenses such as accommodation, meals, tuition at the host institution, travel or study visas, insurance, and disability accommodation.
Canada Research Training Awards Suite Research Travel Supplements 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).
- Have accepted or currently hold a master’s or doctoral award from CIHR, NSERC or SSHRC (including a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship).
- Begin your proposed research travel on or after the application deadline date.
- Not have held or be currently holding a Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (CGS-MSFSS).
- Not hold a CRTAS-RTS more than once.
- If your master’s or doctoral award is held in Canada, the supplement must be for research outside of Canada. If your doctoral award is held outside Canada, the supplement must be used for research in Canada.
How to Apply for Canada Research Training Awards Suite Research Travel Supplements?
- Submit your complete application electronically as a single portable document format (PDF) file.
- A complete application includes the CRTAS-RTS application form and the signed terms and conditions of applying.
- Complete all fields in the application form including award holder information, current award and institution information, project information, supervisor information and confirmations.
- Provide a description of the proposed research activities (maximum two pages).
- Read and agree to the terms and conditions of applying and confirm your agreement by signing and dating.
- Submit via the secure submission link provided.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Canada Research Training Awards Suite Research Travel Supplements. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply, based on the official program information.
What is the value and duration of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite Research Travel Supplements (CRTAS-RTS)?
The value of a CRTAS-RTS is $9,000 and is non-renewable. It supports a minimum of two months (59 days) and a maximum of six months (184 days) of research travel. You must start your research travel on or after the application deadline date, during an active master’s or doctoral award, and within one year of receiving the notice of award.
Who is eligible to apply for the Canada Research Training Awards Suite Research Travel Supplements (CRTAS-RTS)?
To be eligible, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Person; have accepted or currently hold a master’s or doctoral award from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC (including Vanier); begin research travel on or after the deadline; not have held a CGS-MSFSS; and not hold a CRTAS-RTS more than once. Eligible awards include Canada Graduate Scholarships, Vanier CGS, and specific doctoral programs.
What are the application deadlines?
The application deadline is June 10. Late applications are not accepted. Should additional funding be available, a second intake with a deadline of October 10 may be announced. Results are sent within two months of the application deadline.
What expenses does the Canada Research Training Awards Suite Research Travel Supplements (CRTAS-RTS) cover?
The CRTAS-RTS covers costs associated with travel, living, and other logistical expenses. Examples include travel and accommodation (for one round trip), meals, tuition at the host institution, travel or study visas, insurance, and disability accommodation directly attributable to the research travel, provided the expense is not already covered.
How do I apply for the Canada Research Training Awards Suite Research Travel Supplements (CRTAS-RTS)?
Submit a complete application electronically as a single PDF file, including the CRTAS-RTS application form and signed terms and conditions. The form requires award holder information, current award details, project information, supervisor confirmations, and a research description. Ensure all parts are completed and submitted via the secure submission link.
How are applications reviewed and awarded?
The agencies review applications for eligibility and completeness. Supplements are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The supplement is paid separately from your master’s or doctoral award, either to your institution or directly to you if your award is held outside Canada.
What are the post-award requirements?
Recipients must accept the terms and conditions, hold an active award, be registered in a graduate program, comply with ethical research policies, acknowledge funding, take up the supplement within one year, return to complete their degree, and submit an activity report within two months of completing travel. Changes to travel plans require approval.
Can I apply more than once for a Canada Research Training Awards Suite Research Travel Supplements (CRTAS-RTS)?
You may apply more than once if you were unsuccessful in previous competitions or declined a previous CRTAS-RTS offer. However, you cannot hold a CRTAS-RTS more than once during your graduate studies.
What happens if my research travel ends early?
If your research travel ends before the required minimum of two months, the value of the award may be prorated to the termination date. You must also submit an activity report and notify the agency and SLO if applicable.
Are there insurance or visa considerations?
The agencies cannot assume liability for accidents, illness, or losses during travel. You are responsible for appropriate insurance coverage. For visa requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents should check Government of Canada visa pages, and those with awards outside Canada should communicate with visa offices.
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