CIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (TRI-AGENCY), GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
full · phd
- ~CAD 40,000/yrAward value
- Up to 3 yearsDuration
- Doctoral (PhD)Study level
- Canadian institutionsWhere
- Tri-agency fundedCIHR/NSERC/SSHRC
- University-administeredApplication
At a glance
full
Funding
€27k
Max amount
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Canada (with eligibility per current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules)
Country
CIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Provider
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D) is part of Canada's reformed federal graduate scholarship system, funded by the three national research-granting agencies — the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). It supports outstanding doctoral students studying at Canadian institutions. The doctoral award is valued at around CAD 40,000 per year for up to 3 years, recognising students who combine a strong academic record with high research potential and leadership. It builds on the long-running Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS-D), which were reformed and renamed with increased values and broadened access. Students apply through their Canadian university (which manages internal quotas and nominations) or the relevant agency portal, by the national/institutional deadline (commonly around November–December). Selection is on academic excellence, research ability and potential, and communication/leadership, assessed by agency committees.
What's covered
- Annual stipend — Around CAD 40,000 per year toward living and study costs during the doctorate.
- Duration — Up to 3 years of doctoral funding.
- Research support — The award supports the scholar; tuition is handled separately and often supplemented by the institution.
How to apply
Apply through your Canadian university (and the relevant agency system) by the internal/national deadline, with your research proposal and academic record.
- Check eligibility & agency — Confirm your field's agency (CIHR/NSERC/SSHRC) and the current eligibility rules.
- Note the deadlines — Find your university's internal deadline (earlier) and the national deadline (~November–December).
- Prepare your application — Draft your research proposal, assemble transcripts, the Canadian Common CV, and references.
- Apply via the university/agency — Submit through your institution's process and the agency portal where required.
- Committee review — Agency selection committees assess academic merit, research potential, and leadership.
- Award — Successful applicants receive the doctoral scholarship for up to 3 years.
Eligibility
DegreeUndertaking or about to begin a doctoral (PhD) programme at a Canadian institution.
Academic meritA first-class / outstanding academic record.
Research potentialDemonstrated research ability and potential, with a strong research proposal.
Eligibility windowWithin the months-of-doctoral-study limits set by the agencies.
CitizenshipPer the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules (historically Canadian citizens/PRs; recent reforms broaden access — check current eligibility).
You apply through your Canadian university, which manages internal deadlines and nominations. The reformed Canada Graduate Scholarships increased values and adjusted access — confirm the current citizenship/eligibility rules.
Eligible countries
Canada (with eligibility per current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules)
Deadlines
2027 doctoral cohort (typical)2026-11-01
Selection
Agency committees (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC by field) assess applicants on academic excellence, research ability and potential (including the proposal), and personal characteristics such as communication and leadership. Universities manage internal selection and nominations within their allocations.
Verified sources
- Canada Graduate Scholarships (Tri-Agency)canada.caofficial
About the provider
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship is funded by the Government of Canada through its three federal research-granting agencies — CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. Part of a reformed national scholarship system, it supports outstanding graduate students and strengthens Canada's research capacity.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral?
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A federal doctoral scholarship funded by Canada's three research-granting agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC), supporting outstanding PhD students at Canadian institutions, valued at around CAD 40,000/year for up to 3 years.
How much is it and how long?
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Around CAD 40,000 per year for up to 3 years of doctoral study, as part of Canada's reformed graduate scholarship system.
Who is eligible?
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Doctoral students with an outstanding academic record and strong research potential at a Canadian institution, within the agencies' study-stage limits and per the current Canada Graduate Scholarships citizenship rules.
Can international students apply?
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Historically the Canada Graduate Scholarships were for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, but recent reforms broadened access; confirm the current eligibility rules for international students.
How do I apply?
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Through your Canadian university (which manages internal deadlines and nominations) and the relevant agency system, with a research proposal, transcripts, a Canadian Common CV, and references.
When is the deadline?
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Universities set earlier internal deadlines (~September–October) ahead of the national deadline (~November–December). Check your institution and the agency for exact dates.
Which agency reviews my application?
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The agency matching your field — CIHR (health), NSERC (natural sciences and engineering), or SSHRC (social sciences and humanities).
What are the selection criteria?
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Academic excellence, research ability and potential (including the proposal), and personal characteristics such as communication and leadership.
Does it cover tuition?
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The award is a stipend supporting the scholar; tuition is handled separately and is often supplemented by the university. Check your institution's arrangements.
How does this relate to CGS-D?
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It builds on the long-running Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS-D), which were reformed and renamed with increased values and adjusted access.
How competitive is it?
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Highly — universities can nominate a limited number, and agency committees select nationally on academic and research merit.
Is the stipend taxable?
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Scholarship income tax treatment in Canada depends on your circumstances; many full-time students' scholarship amounts are tax-exempt. Confirm current rules for your situation.