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What Is the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (CGRS) is one of the most prestigious and competitive government-funded awards available to graduate students studying in Canada. The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship is administered jointly by Canada’s three federal granting agencies — the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship exists in two streams: the Master’s level (CGRS M) worth $27,000 for 12 months, and the Doctoral level (CGRS D) worth $40,000 per year for up to 3 years. Each year, the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship supports thousands of talented researchers across health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. If you are a graduate student in Canada — or planning to be — the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship is the single most important funding opportunity you need to apply for.
Both the Master’s and Doctoral streams of the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship are currently open for applications annually and are part of the broader Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS) — a harmonized tri-agency framework that streamlines funding for the next generation of Canadian researchers. Whether you are completing a thesis-based Master’s degree or pursuing a full PhD, this scholarship is designed to reduce financial barriers so you can focus entirely on your research. Each year, the CGRS M alone supports up to 3,298 students nationwide, making it one of the most widely accessible prestigious research scholarships in the country. If you are wondering whether this award is for you, keep reading — this guide covers everything from eligibility to winning strategies.
CGRS Master’s vs. CGRS Doctoral: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | CGRS M (Master’s) | CGRS D (Doctoral) |
|---|---|---|
| Award Value | $27,000 (12 months) | $40,000/year (up to 3 years) |
| Duration | 12 months (non-renewable) | Up to 36 months |
| Total Potential Value | $27,000 | $120,000 |
| Who Administers It | CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC | CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC |
| Application Deadline | Annually — December 1 | Annually — September/October |
| Number of Awards | ~3,298 per year | Competitive national quota |
| Eligible Study Levels | Master’s (thesis-based) | PhD / Doctoral (thesis-based) |
| Max Applications Allowed | 1 per year | Maximum 3 times total |
| International Students Eligible? | Limited | Yes — capped at 15% per agency |
| Results Announced | April 1 annually | April 30 annually |
| Renewable? | No | No (but covers 3 years) |
| Held Abroad? | No | Up to 20% of awards eligible |
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — Master’s (CGRS M): Full Overview
What Is the CGRS M?
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — Master’s program is designed to help develop research skills and support the training of highly qualified personnel in Canada. It is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional potential to contribute to Canadian research — not just through grades, but through research experience, character, and leadership.
Each year, eligible Canadian institutions are assigned a quota of awards they may offer, and selection is carried out at the institutional level before results are finalized through the Research Portal by April 1.
CGRS M Award Value
- $27,000 paid over 12 months
- Non-renewable (you can only hold it once)
- Paid in installments through the Research Portal at your home institution
CGRS M Eligibility at a Glance
- Must have a first-class average (defined by each institution, often 3.5 GPA or 80%+) in the last two completed years of full-time study
- Must be enrolled in, or have applied to, an eligible research-based Master’s program (thesis-based)
- Must apply to up to 3 institutions using the Research Portal
- Must submit a Canadian Common CV (CCV)
CGRS M Application Deadline
Applications are due annually on December 1 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. If the deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the following business day applies. Late applications are never accepted, so plan early.
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — Doctoral (CGRS D): Full Overview
What Is the CGRS D?
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — Doctoral program recognizes and supports the next generation of outstanding innovators, creative thinkers, and researchers at the PhD level. It is one of the most generous doctoral scholarships available in Canada, and it is currently open for applications through participating Canadian institutions and directly via the tri-agency portals.
As of the latest update, the CGRS D replaced the former CGS-D, NSERC PGS-D, and SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships under the new harmonized CRTAS structure — meaning applicants now follow a single streamlined set of criteria regardless of which agency they apply through.
CGRS D Award Value
- $40,000 per year for up to 36 months (3 years)
- Total value: up to $120,000
- Paid in installments; start date is typically May 1 or September 1
- Up to 20% of CGRS D awards may be held at eligible international institutions
CGRS D Eligibility at a Glance
- Must be enrolled in or intending to enroll in a thesis-based doctoral (PhD) program
- Must have completed no more than 36 months of full-time doctoral study by December 31 of the application year
- Must not have previously received a doctoral-level scholarship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC (including Vanier CGS)
- Must not hold a tenure or tenure-track appointment concurrently
- International students: must be enrolled in a Canadian PhD program at the time of application
- Maximum of 3 applications allowed to the CGRS D in total
Eligibility Requirements You Must Meet
Both CGRS streams share a core set of eligibility principles. Below is a combined breakdown to help you determine your status quickly.
Academic Standing
- A first-class average is required at the Master’s level (definitions vary by institution — check your university’s specific GPA cutoff)
- For doctoral applicants, strong academic history throughout undergraduate and graduate studies is expected
- Special circumstances may be considered if you don’t meet the first-class average; you must disclose these in your application
Citizenship and Residency
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act are always eligible
- International students may apply to the CGRS D only (capped at 15% of awards per agency), and must be registered in a doctoral program at the time of application
Program Type
- Must be a predominantly research-oriented program
- Must lead to a thesis, major research project, dissertation, scholarly publication, performance, recital, or exhibit
- Joint professional programs (e.g., MD/PhD, JD/PhD, DVM/PhD, MBA/PhD) are eligible if they have a significant autonomous research component
Enrollment Timing
- CGRS M: You must apply before completing too many terms — consult your institution’s exact rules
- CGRS D: You must have completed no more than 36 months of full-time doctoral study by December 31 of the application year
- For fast-track students (master’s to PhD without completing the master’s), the doctoral months are counted from the transfer date
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Identify the Right Agency
Choose between CIHR (health sciences), NSERC (natural sciences and engineering), or SSHRC (social sciences and humanities) based on your primary research discipline. Submitting to the wrong agency can result in disqualification.
Step 2 — Confirm Where to Submit
Depending on your current enrollment, you will apply either through your Canadian institution or directly to the agency. Use the official “Where to Submit” chart on the CGRS D or CGRS M program pages on the NSERC website.
Step 3 — Prepare Your Canadian Common CV (CCV)
Complete your Canadian Common CV on the CCV portal and upload the confirmation number to your application. This is mandatory for both CGRS M and CGRS D.
Step 4 — Gather Your Transcripts
Collect official, up-to-date transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended — including exchange programs. Transcripts must be dated in the fall term of the application year (even if no grades are available yet for that term).
Step 5 — Write Your Research Proposal / Personal Statement
This is your most powerful weapon. Be clear about your research objectives, methodology, significance, and impact. Review the evaluation criteria carefully — both streams assess research ability and relevant experience equally.
Step 6 — Secure Your References
For CGRS M, you need 2 reference assessments completed electronically. For CGRS D, you need sponsors or referees. Contact them at least 3 weeks before the deadline.
Step 7 — Submit Before the Deadline
Use the Research Portal (for CGRS M) or the agency-specific portals — ResearchNet (CIHR), NSERC Online System (NSERC), or SSHRC Online System (SSHRC) — to submit your application. Portals often slow down near the deadline due to high traffic. Do not wait until the last hour.
Selection Criteria: What Reviewers Actually Look For
Understanding the selection criteria is the single most important thing you can do to improve your application. Both CGRS M and CGRS D use similar evaluation categories:
1. Research Ability and Potential (50%)
This is the most heavily weighted criterion. Reviewers look at:
- Quality of your research proposal or research statement
- Demonstrated ability to design and execute research
- Previous research experience (publications, conference presentations, patents, etc.)
- Quality of your proposed or current research environment
- Letters of support from referees or sponsors
2. Relevant Experience and Achievements (50%)
This covers everything outside the research proposal:
- Academic excellence (GPA, awards, medals, dean’s list mentions)
- Leadership activities and community involvement
- Work experience relevant to your research
- Contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research
Insider Tip: Strong applicants treat the “Relevant Experience” section like a cover letter for a competitive job. Quantify everything you can. Don’t just say you “helped” on a project — say what you contributed, how it advanced knowledge, and what resulted from it.
Application Deadlines and Key Dates
| Milestone | CGRS M | CGRS D |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Open | Summer each year | Summer each year |
| Institutional Deadline | Varies by university (typically mid-November) | Typically September (varies by institution) |
| National Deadline | December 1 at 8:00 PM ET | October (direct applicants) |
| University Adjudication | December – March | October – November |
| Results Announced | April 1 (via Research Portal) | April 30 |
| Offer Acceptance Deadline | Approximately April 22 | As noted in offer letter |
| Award Start Date | May 1 or September 1 | May 1 or September 1 |
Important: Check your specific institution’s internal deadline, as many universities set earlier deadlines than the national one to allow time for internal ranking. Missing an institutional deadline means your application will not be forwarded to the national competition.
Special Supplements and Indigenous Scholar Awards
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship program includes several equity-focused supplements:
Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements
Each year, eligible Indigenous students (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) who self-identify in their application may receive:
- A $5,000 supplement on top of their CGRS M or CGRS D award
- Alternate-listed Indigenous CGRS M applicants may receive an Indigenous Scholars Award of $27,000 plus a $5,000 supplement — even if they didn’t win the main award
Support for Black Student Researchers
Each agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) reserves up to 10 additional CGRS D awards specifically for Black student researchers annually.
MINDS Scholarship for Indigenous Students
The Department of National Defence (DND), in partnership with SSHRC, offers the MINDS Master’s Scholarship as a supplement for Indigenous students whose research relates to defence and security. Apply through the MINDS module within the CGRS M application.
Foreign Study Supplement
Doctoral CGRS D holders may be eligible for a Foreign Study Supplement if they need to conduct research outside Canada. Up to 20% of all CGRS D awards may be held at eligible international institutions.
Tips to Write a Winning CGRS Application
These are the strategies that separate successful applicants from strong ones:
1. Align your research to national priorities. Frame your work in terms of its contribution to Canada’s research ecosystem. Show how your work addresses gaps that matter.
2. Write for a non-specialist reviewer. Selection committees are often interdisciplinary. Use clear, jargon-free language in your research proposal. Assume the reviewer is smart but not an expert in your niche.
3. Front-load your significance. The first paragraph of your research statement sets the tone. Lead with why your research matters — not how you will do it.
4. Quantify your track record. If you’ve published, say where, in what journal, and what the impact factor was. If you presented at a conference, name it. Numbers and specifics signal credibility.
5. Get your referees involved early. Your references carry significant weight. Brief your referees with specific examples you want highlighted — don’t leave it entirely up to them.
6. Apply to multiple institutions (CGRS M only). The Research Portal allows you to apply to up to 3 institutions. Each institution has its own allocation of awards, so applying to more than one increases your chances significantly.
7. Read past successful proposals. Some Canadian universities (including UBC and University of Toronto) share tips and sample sections from successful CGRS applications. Use their graduate studies websites as free resources.
8. Do not miss the fall transcript requirement. Even if no grades are available yet, you must include a transcript showing fall enrollment. This is a common reason applications are deemed ineligible.
What People Also Ask
What is the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (CGRS) is a federal Canadian government funding program administered by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC that supports Master’s and PhD students conducting research at Canadian universities. The Master’s stream pays $27,000 for 12 months, and the Doctoral stream pays $40,000 per year for up to 3 years.
Who is eligible for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
Eligibility requires enrollment in a research-based graduate program (thesis-based), a first-class academic average, and Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (for most streams). International doctoral students may apply with some restrictions.
How much is the Canada Graduate Scholarship worth?
The CGRS M is worth $27,000 for 12 months. The CGRS D is worth $40,000 per year for up to 3 years, for a maximum total of $120,000.
When is the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship deadline?
The CGRS M deadline falls annually on December 1 at 8:00 PM ET. The CGRS D institutional deadline is typically in September each year, with direct agency deadlines in October. Results for both are announced in April each year.
Can international students apply for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
International students may apply to the CGRS D (doctoral stream) only, but must be enrolled in a Canadian PhD program at the time of application. Awards to international applicants are capped at 15% per agency annually.
How competitive is the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
The CGRS is among Canada’s most competitive graduate scholarships. Each institution has a fixed quota of nominations it can forward to the national competition. At the national level, applications are reviewed by expert panels, and only the top-ranked candidates receive awards.
How many times can I apply for the CGRS D?
You can apply to the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — Doctoral a maximum of 3 times in total.
Can I hold the CGRS D at a university outside Canada?
Yes. Up to 20% of CGRS D awards may be held at eligible international degree-granting institutions, provided the holder meets specific conditions, including prior study at a Canadian institution.
Is the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship taxable?
Yes, CGRS awards are generally considered taxable income in Canada. Recipients typically receive a T4A slip. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
What is the difference between CGRS and Vanier?
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is the more prestigious, higher-value counterpart ($50,000/year for 3 years) reserved for the top doctoral candidates globally. The CGRS D is broader and more widely available. You cannot hold both simultaneously.
CGRS vs. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: Which Should You Apply For?
| Feature | Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (CGRS D) | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Value | $40,000 | $50,000 |
| Duration | Up to 3 years | 3 years |
| Number of Awards | Hundreds per year | ~166 per year |
| Target Applicant | Excellent doctoral researchers | World-class, future research leaders |
| Application Through | Institution or agency | Institution only |
| International Eligibility | Yes (15% cap) | Yes |
| Leadership Criterion | Moderate weight | Heavily weighted |
| Can You Apply to Both? | Yes (in same year) | Yes, but cannot hold both |
| Prestige Level | High | Extremely High |
| Deadline Period | September–October annually | September annually |
Bottom line: If you’re a strong doctoral candidate, apply to both. The Vanier is harder to win but not mutually exclusive with the CGRS D application cycle. If you win the Vanier, it supersedes the CGRS D.
Explore more scholarship opportunities on LicensureHub:
- All Canada Scholarships — Browse every Canada-based funding opportunity we’ve covered
- PhD Scholarships — Explore doctoral funding options across multiple countries
- Master’s Degree Scholarships — Find fully funded Master’s opportunities worldwide
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- Meta PhD Fellowship: 7 Powerful Benefits + How to Win It — Another elite doctoral funding opportunity worth adding to your application list.
- Monash University Fully Funded Scholarship: A Complete Guide — If you’re open to studying in Australia, this is a must-read.
- PhD Scholarships — The full collection of PhD funding opportunities covered on LicensureHub.
Is the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship Right for You?
If you are a graduate student in Canada — at the Master’s or Doctoral level — the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship is not just “right for you.” It may be the single most impactful application you submit during your academic career. With up to $120,000 available over three doctoral years, and more than 3,000 awards offered annually at the master’s level, the CGRS is both prestigious and broadly accessible.
The key is preparation: start early, understand your institution’s internal deadlines, choose the right agency for your discipline, and write a proposal that speaks both to reviewers in your field and to a general academic audience.
Applications open each summer, results are announced every April, and the cycle repeats. There is no reason to wait. Whether this is your first time applying or you’ve been shortlisted before, the strategies in this guide give you everything you need to submit a stronger, smarter application.
Bookmark this page — it is updated with the latest available information each cycle so you never have to start your research from scratch.
Last Reviewed: Latest available cycle | Source: NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC official program pages | For the most current deadlines and program details, always verify directly with your institution’s faculty of graduate studies or the relevant granting agency.
