The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — Doctoral (CGRS D) programme recognises and supports the next generation of outstanding innovators, knowledge workers, creative thinkers and researchers. By providing support for a high-quality research training experience to awardees, the programme strives to foster impacts within and beyond the research environment.
Application Deadline:
- Institutional deadline: varies by Canadian institution (often earlier than agency deadline).
- Agency deadline (direct applications): 17 October 2026, 8:00 PM ET
Tell Me About The Award:
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D) is part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS), jointly administered by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. It supports outstanding doctoral students across health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
The program provides high-quality research training, fosters innovation, and empowers awardees to contribute to Canada’s research ecosystem and beyond.
Value & Duration:
- Value: CAD $40,000 per year
- Duration: Up to 36 months (3 years)
- Tenure: Eligible Canadian institutions; up to 20% of awards may be held abroad (for Canadian citizens/permanent residents).
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Have completed no more than 36 months of full-time doctoral study by 31 December of the application year.
- Be enrolled in a research-oriented doctoral program (including joint professional/PhD programs with a significant research component).
- Not have previously received a doctoral-level scholarship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC (including Vanier CGS).
- Not hold a tenure-track appointment concurrently with the award.
International applicants:
- Up to 15% of awards are available to international students, but they must be enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian institution by the application deadline.
Selection Criteria:
Applications are evaluated on two equally weighted criteria:
- Research Potential (50%)
- Quality, feasibility, and significance of the research proposal.
- Contributions to the field (publications, presentations, patents, etc.).
- Originality, initiative, autonomy, and ethical conduct.
- Communication of concepts clearly in written/oral formats.
- Relevant Experience & Achievements (50%)
- Academic record (transcripts, distinctions, scholarships).
- Professional, academic, and extracurricular activities.
- Community involvement, mentoring, project management, outreach.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI):
- Additional measures support Indigenous student researchers (applications considered beyond institutional quotas).
- Up to 10 additional awards per agency reserved for Black student researchers.
- Applications may include self-identification data for priority funding opportunities.
Benefits of the Award:
- Financial support to focus on doctoral research.
- Flexibility to hold the award part-time (with approval).
- Opportunity to hold the award abroad (for Canadian citizens/permanent residents).
- Access to joint initiatives and supplements offered by the agencies.
How to Apply:
- Select the appropriate agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) based on your research field.
- Apply through your Canadian institution if it has a doctoral award quota for your agency.
- Otherwise, apply directly to the agency.
- Prepare documents: transcripts, CV, research proposal (merit-reviewed), references.
- Submit via the agency’s online system:
- CIHR: ResearchNET
- NSERC: Online system
- SSHRC: Registration & login portal
- Results announced: 30 April 2027
