Apply for Canada Postgraduate Research Grants for Graduates Today

When you first read about the CGRS, you might feel overwhelmed. I once met a student who started their application the week before the deadline and learned fast why planning matters.

You will get clear figures right away: CGRS M offers $27,000 for 12 months and CGRS D provides $40,000 per year for up to 36 months. These are the numbers that help you choose a program and set realistic timelines.

Deadlines drive choices: master’s applicants aim for December 1, while doctoral routes hit the October 17 agency cut‑off. Start your application in the Research Portal with a Canadian Common CV or use ResearchNET, NSERC Online, or the SSHRC portal for doctoral submissions.

Equity options and the tri‑agency award holder guide matter. Self‑ID may open priority opportunities, and the guide explains limits on concurrent awards and tenure rules.

Read on to learn exactly what to prepare and when to act so you can submit with confidence.

Your pathway to Canada Graduate Research Scholarships and training awards

Finding the right award path can make a big difference to your graduate plan. The tri‑agency research training umbrella is run by CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC to deliver high-quality research training and to build skills, creativity and impact.

Under this suite, master’s and doctoral scholarships offer focused support that lets you pursue ambitious projects and grow your expertise. CGRS M reaches about 3,298 students annually, while CGRS D targets research excellence across health, NSE and SSH fields.

• You’ll find programs that welcome interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary proposals.
• CIHR also funds trainees via awards and through grants and initiatives across institutes health research.
• Institutional selection follows agency guidance to match applicants with the right panel and stream.

These pathways widen your opportunities and funding options, and they emphasize equitable access during application and award stages. Map your graduate studies plan to the most suitable stream to maximize support and outcomes.

Canada postgraduate research grants for graduates: programs at a glance

Start with a clear snapshot of each award to decide where your experience fits best.

CGRS Master’s (CGRS M): overview and scope

Amount: $27,000 for 12 months (non‑renewable).

Apply: Research Portal with a Canadian Common CV; institutional selection applies and the deadline is December 1 by 8:00 pm ET.

Tenure: Awards must be held at eligible Canadian institutions only.

CGRS Doctoral (CGRS D): overview and scope

Amount: $40,000 per year for up to 36 months.

Apply: Submit via CIHR ResearchNET, NSERC Online or the SSHRC platform, or through your university under its quota. Agency deadline is October 17 by 8:00 pm ET.

Tenure & eligibility: Awards are mainly tenable at eligible Canadian institutions; up to 20% may be held abroad if citizenship and previous degree conditions are met. Results typically release by April 30.

Direct and indirect trainee support via CIHR

CIHR gives both direct training awards and indirect support through grants and initiatives across health disciplines.

This expands your funding opportunities beyond scholarships and helps align proposals with agency priorities.

• Quick side‑by‑side: one year at $27,000 (master’s) vs up to three years at $40,000/year (doctoral).
• Check institutional quotas early and pick the right application route to avoid missed deadlines.
• International applicants: up to 15% of doctoral awards are available if enrolled at an eligible institution by the deadline.

Use this concise list of facts and next steps to match your degree plan to the correct program and begin your application with confidence.

Funding value, duration, and tenure locations

Knowing the award value and where you can hold it will shape your study timeline and budget.

Master’s: CGRS M offers $27,000 for 12 months. This one‑year, non‑renewable boost is aimed at intensive master’s study and must be held at an eligible Canadian institution.

Doctoral: CGRS D provides $40,000 per year for up to 36 months. That multi‑year support gives you stability to complete a full doctoral program and related training.

"Match award length to your degree plan so milestones and budgets stay realistic."

• CGRS M: single year, in‑country tenure only.
• CGRS D: up to three years; eligible to be held abroad when you are a citizen, permanent resident or protected person by the deadline and have a prior Canadian degree (up to 20% of awards tenable internationally).
• Up to 15% of CGRS D awards may go to international applicants enrolled at an eligible Canadian institution at application.

Use these figures to map funding to your research schedule and to discuss timelines with your supervisor. For more on eligibility and selection, see the graduate merit scholarships overview.

Are you eligible? Master’s and doctoral requirements simplified

Before you start, check a few core rules that decide if your application passes the first screen. Eligibility hinges on status, program type, months of study and prior award history. Read each bullet and confirm with your faculty of graduate studies.

Citizenship and residency status

CGRS M applicants must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person by the deadline and be entering or enrolled in an eligible, research‑oriented master’s program at an institution with an allocation.

Months of study and program stage thresholds

CGRS D applicants must have no more than 36 months of full‑time equivalent doctoral study by Dec 31. Fast‑track and joint timelines can alter month counts, so calculate early and check with your faculty.

First-class average and institutional discretion

“First‑class average” is set by each host institution. Some schools may accept candidates below that threshold at their discretion. Contact your faculty to confirm local definitions and exceptions.

Program of study: thesis and major project criteria

Programs must be predominantly research‑oriented, with a thesis or major project. Course‑only master’s are usually ineligible unless the institution verifies a significant autonomous research component. Joint degrees (MD/PhD, JD/MA, etc.) qualify when the research element is substantial.

• Do not have a prior master’s‑level tri‑agency scholarship if applying to CGRS M, or a prior doctoral‑level tri‑agency award if applying to CGRS D.
• Submit only one tri‑agency application per academic year; institutions retain the first eligible application.
• Remember: CGRS M awards are tenable only in Canada, while CGRS D may allow domestic or limited international tenure under specific conditions.

For more detailed eligibility guidance and to compare related merit awards, see the merit‑based scholarships overview. Use that information to align your degree plan and your application before you submit.

Choosing the right agency: CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC

Choosing an agency is a strategic step that decides which experts will read and assess your application. Pick the best match and you give reviewers the right context to evaluate your proposal.

Matching your subject matter to an agency

CIHR covers health-focused topics. NSERC handles natural sciences and engineering. SSHRC reviews social sciences and humanities work.

Label your project clearly. If your phd spans fields, state the dominant aim and methods so reviewers know the primary lens.

Interdisciplinary work and relabelling

Institutions may relabel subject matter to fit agency rules. Consult NSERC’s health addendum and SSHRC guidance to refine your fit.

Submitting to the wrong program risks removal. Ask your supervisor and faculty which program and review stream best align with your topic.

• Use agency resources to strengthen your framing and information.
• Describe methods so reviewers across disciplines can fairly assess contribution and support.
• Contact agencies directly if you remain unsure.

Deadlines and timelines you must meet

Knowing exact cut‑offs gives you the edge when preparing an application. Use clear dates to build a realistic plan and avoid last‑minute portal issues.

Master’s competition cycle and December 1 submission

Mark December 1 before 8:00 pm ET for the CGRS M deadline. Late files are not accepted.

Portal traffic peaks near the cut‑off, so submit early. Offers usually appear in the portal on April 1, with alternate offers running until January 31.

Doctoral agency deadline in October and institutional cut‑offs

The CGRS D agency window closes on October 17 before 8:00 pm ET for direct submissions. If you apply through your school, watch for earlier institutional cut‑offs.

Plan reviewer materials and referee confirmations well ahead of these dates to protect your file.

Results windows: April releases and alternate offers

Expect final decisions by April 30 for doctoral program results. Check your portals often between April and January in case an alternate offer appears.

• Build a timeline for drafts, transcripts, certified translations and referee letters.
• Factor months‑of‑study cut‑offs as of December 31 when choosing between programs.
• Adopt a “submit application early” mindset to reduce stress and allow time for verification.

How to apply through the correct portal and channel

Knowing which platform to use is the first practical step in a compliant application. Confirm your route before you prepare files so you follow the right instructions and meet any internal quotas.

Research Portal and Canadian Common CV for CGRS M

To apply to the master’s program, open a Research Portal account and build a Canadian Common CV (CCV).

Follow step‑by‑step instructions to complete profile fields, attach transcripts and letters, and name files exactly as the portal requires.

Agency platforms for CGRS D

For doctoral-level applications, use the correct agency platform: CIHR’s ResearchNET, NSERC Online, or the SSHRC portal.

Decide early whether you will submit directly or through your school. If you are registered and the institution has a quota, your faculty may nominate you.

Institutional quotas and when to apply directly

Quotas limit how many applications each school can forward. Check with your faculty of graduate studies to learn internal cutoffs and verification steps.

• Confirm submission channel (institutional nomination or direct agency) before preparing final files.
• Prepare documents ahead of deadlines and follow portal file type and page‑limit rules.
• After you submit, track status in the portal and reference that record when following up with faculty or agency support.

Step-by-step application checklist for graduates

A clear timeline and a short task list are the best defence against portal errors and missed deadlines. Follow this checklist so you gather the right files and can submit application with confidence.

Prepare transcripts, references, research proposal, and CV

Get official transcripts early and confirm grading scales. If translations or certified copies are needed, request them now.

• Brief referees on the program and share your draft proposal and key dates.
• Write a concise proposal with a clear question, methods, and significance that match agency aims.
• Update your CCV or agency CV with publications, talks, teaching, and engagement.

Subject‑matter alignment and internal deadlines

Confirm which agency matches your topic and adjust wording so reviewers see the fit. Check departmental cut‑offs; they may predate agency deadlines.

Final submission, verification, and portal readiness

Proof every file against portal instructions: page limits, formats, and filenames. Test uploads early and plan to submit at least 48–72 hours ahead of the deadline.

• Save final PDFs and the confirmation receipt.
• Keep a simple task list with dates so you track each item and avoid last‑minute issues.

Selection criteria: how your application is assessed

Reviewers use predictable criteria, so structure your file to match what they must assess. Clear headings and concise evidence help reviewers complete each review efficiently.

Master’s weighting

Your CGRS M file is judged mainly on academic excellence (50%), with research potential at 30% and personal/interpersonal skills at 20%.

Show transcripts, relevant awards, and proof of originality. Use short examples of leadership and communication to demonstrate fit with the program.

Doctoral weighting

The CGRS D review splits 50/50 between research potential and relevant experience and achievements.

Balance a strong proposal with evidence of training, collaborations, and honours. Include activities that show you can carry a phd‑level project to completion.

What strong proposals and records look like

Present a clear question, sound methods, feasible timelines, and ethical conduct. Emphasize how your knowledge and prior training support methods and outcomes.

• Value diverse outputs: datasets, reports, creative work and knowledge translation, consistent with DORA.
• Frame teaching, mentoring and community engagement as part of your profile.
• List awards with context so reviewers can judge prestige and duration.

Follow instructions exactly. When each criterion is easy to find, reviewers can score your file faster and your chance of funding or program support improves.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations

EDI commitments shape how applications are assessed and which students gain priority access to supports. Voluntary self‑identification can unlock consideration for targeted awards and priority funding opportunities for underrepresented groups.

How self‑identification informs priority funding opportunities

You can choose to self‑identify and consent to have that information used in selection. When you do, the data may qualify you for designated funds or supplemental awards.

Provide concise context about interruptions or barriers you faced. Clear, thoughtful statements help reviewers apply equitable measures during the review process.

DORA‑aligned assessment of diverse research outputs

Agencies are DORA signatories and value a wide range of research outcomes. Present datasets, policy briefs, creative works, and community products alongside publications.

Frame your portfolio to reflect collaboration, knowledge translation, and community impact so reviewers see the full scope of your contribution.

EDI guidance and institutional responsibilities explain how information is used and how inclusive review practices are applied.

Priority supports for Indigenous and Black student researchers

Targeted supports now give priority access to Indigenous and Black student researchers during selection.

Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements: values and policy

Indigenous CGRS M recipients may receive a $5,000 Indigenous Scholars Supplement on top of the standard award. Alternates can be offered the $27,000 award plus the $5,000 supplement when funding allows.

Doctoral applicants who self‑identify as Indigenous can be considered beyond institutional quotas. CIHR and SSHRC let you flag Indigenous‑focused work so it receives appropriate review attention.

Additional CGRS awards reserved for Black student researchers

Each agency holds reserved places to boost access. Up to 20 extra CGRS M awards and up to 10 CGRS D awards may be available to Black student researchers who self‑identify and consent.

• Prepare documentation under the Tri‑agency Policy on Indigenous Citizenship and Membership Affirmation if applicable.
• Describe community engagement and lived experience clearly to strengthen your file.
• Contact advisers experienced in equity supports early to shape your application strategy.

Plan your timing with these supports in mind. They complement standard criteria, so your proposal and transcripts still need to show strong merit.

Conditions of the award and award holder guidance

Know how your award is managed from day one so you avoid surprises later.

Where awards are held and when tenure changes are approved

Awards are normally held at the institution that issued the offer. If you need to change location, ask your graduate office early.

Approval is possible for clear reasons such as parental or medical leave, family needs, or exceptional supervision issues. Both your institution and the agency must accept the request.

Compliance with the holder guide and key obligations

You must follow the award holder guide that governs activation, leave, reporting, and final approvals.

The award holder guide ensures consistent national standards for research training and outlines your reporting milestones. Keep records to meet those expectations.

Concurrent award restrictions and exceptions

You cannot hold another CIHR/NSERC/SSHRC award at the same time while on a CGRS, except the CGS‑Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement.

Plan timelines to avoid overlaps. Coordinate with your program and research office if you expect changes that affect tenure or funding.

Tip: Keep documents and timelines organised so any request to change tenure or report a leave is quick and well supported.

Related opportunities, supplements, and joint initiatives

Supplements and joint initiatives can turn a single award into a broader training package. You’ll find targeted options that add travel, fieldwork or specialist training to your plan.

Michael Smith Foreign Study supplement and agency add-ons

The CGS‑Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement helps fund short study stays abroad that complement your primary training award. It expands international collaboration without replacing your main tenure.

Sector‑focused supplements and partnerships

Agencies also offer sector‑linked options such as housing, defence (MINDS), atmospheric science, systematics, and impact assessment supplements. These add-ons often align with employer or partner priorities and open extra opportunities to apply skills.

• Scan the available funding opportunities early and check eligibility windows.
• Sequence applications so supplements do not conflict with your award conditions.
• Coordinate with your supervisor to confirm ethics, security and budget alignment.

Stay alert to new announcements from CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC during your award period. For official program information, check agency portals and your institution’s awards office.

Official languages, information use, and privacy

Submitting in English or French is your choice. Pick one when you start so your file is processed without delay. Any supporting document not in an official language must include a certified translation. Follow portal instructions to avoid administrative holds.

Submitting in English or French and translation requirements

Your institution will review files in the language you choose. If you submit material in another language, attach certified translations early. Clear files move through the review stream faster and reduce questions about your degree documents.

How your personal information is used and disclosed

Personal data helps agencies review applications, manage awards and check for overlapping funding. Some limited details, such as names and award summaries, may be published under federal access and privacy rules.

Agencies publish privacy statements that explain collection, retention and disposal. SSHRC shares limited information with FRQSC for administrative purposes. If you need clarity, consult the award holder guide and official program pages, and follow institutional privacy procedures when you submit extra materials.

Get support: faculty contacts and agency help desks

Getting timely support starts with the right contact at your institution or agency. Start by reaching out to your faculty of graduate studies for allocation, internal deadline and selection questions.

When to contact your faculty of graduate studies

Contact your graduate office early if you plan to apply through the institutional route. They handle quotas, internal cut‑offs and the administrative steps that must be completed well before agency deadlines.

Work with your supervisor and department to align your proposal and CV. Use shared checklists and keep records of all correspondence and submission confirmations.

Agency response times and peak‑period expectations

Direct technical portal issues to the Research Portal/CCV or the specific agency help desk. Send content or program questions to the listed program contact and include your application number to speed up replies.

• Agencies aim to reply within 48 hours, but expect longer delays between November and January.
• Build buffer time so you can clarify details without rushing at submission time.
• Leverage institutional writing centres and grant support units to strengthen your file before final upload.

Ready to submit your application and move your research forward

A timely, complete submission gives your proposal the best chance to be reviewed fairly. Finalize files, confirm eligibility, and submit application through the correct portal.

Use the Research Portal and CCV for CGRS M by December 1, or follow institutional or agency routes for CGRS D before October 17. Track portal receipts and note result windows (April 1 for master’s and April 30 for doctoral decisions).

Factor in EDI measures, Indigenous and Black student supports, and optional supplements such as the Michael Smith Foreign Study when you prepare your file. These can widen funding opportunities and strengthen your graduate scholarships profile.

Confirm referees, check quotas with your graduate office, and keep obligations of a training award holder in mind. Submit application early and monitor status so you can act quickly on any offers.

Now go ahead: lock in your documents, submit with confidence, and focus on the work that will advance your graduate research and doctoral program goals.

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