- ~CAD 27,000 per yearAward Value
- ~24 monthsDuration
- Master's and eligible doctoral-entry programsStudy Level
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected personsEligible Applicants
- December 1, 2026Next Application Deadline
- ~Thousands of students each yearNumber of Awards
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Sep 7, 2027
Deadline
Canada
Country
Edugist
Provider
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s (CGRS M) provides significant financial support to graduate students pursuing research-based master's degrees at eligible Canadian institutions. Administered by Canada’s three federal research agencies—the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)—this program aims to cultivate advanced research skills and support individuals with strong academic and research potential. It provides an award of $27,000 per year for up to 24 months, benefiting thousands of students annually across diverse research fields. The CGRS M program, part of Canada’s broader research training awards, is designed to bolster national research capacity. It specifically targets talented graduate students, enabling them to develop sophisticated research methodologies and contribute meaningfully to Canada's scientific and academic communities. The program outlines specific eligibility criteria, including academic standing and residency requirements, ensuring that support is directed towards candidates best poised to excel. Applications for the CGRS M are typically assessed based on academic excellence, research potential, and personal attributes. The review process is managed by the Canadian institutions themselves, which receive an allocation of scholarships. For the upcoming 2026/2027 cycle, the application deadline is December 1, 2026. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Financial Support — An award of ~CAD 27,000 per year to cover living expenses and study costs.
- Duration of Funding — Funding is provided for up to 24 months, supporting the entire master's program.
- Research-based Study — Direct support for students undertaking research-intensive master's degrees.
- Skill Development — Opportunities to develop advanced research skills, crucial for academic and professional careers.
- Career Preparation — Training designed to prepare recipients for future academic, research, and professional roles.
How to apply
The application process for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s (CGRS M) involves reviewing eligibility, identifying a program, and submitting materials through the Research Portal.
- Review Eligibility — Thoroughly check the CGRS M eligibility requirements to ensure you meet all criteria for the 2026/2027 cycle.
- Identify Programs and Institutions — Find an eligible Canadian graduate program and institution that aligns with your research interests and has a CGRS M allocation.
- Confirm Deadlines — Verify the chosen institution’s internal admission and scholarship deadlines, which may precede the national CGRS M deadline.
- Prepare and Submit Application — Prepare all necessary application materials and submit your completed application through the Research Portal before the stated deadline. You may apply to up to three eligible institutions.
Eligibility
Nationality/ResidencyCanadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or Protected Person as of the application deadline.
Study LevelEnrolled in, applied for, or planning to apply for full-time admission to an eligible graduate program at a Canadian institution with a CGRS M allocation.
Academic StandingNormally achieved a first-class average during each of the last two completed years of study, according to the host institution’s standards.
Prior FundingMust not have held or currently hold a master’s-level scholarship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC, or an Indigenous Scholars Award and Supplement.
Application LimitSubmit no more than one eligible postgraduate or postdoctoral application per academic year to CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.
Applicants should carefully review the official program requirements, as eligibility can vary based on their academic situation and intended program. Confirm internal deadlines with your chosen Canadian institution.
Eligible countries
Canada
Deadlines
2026/2027 Academic Year2026-12-01
Selection
Applicants for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s are assessed based on their academic excellence, demonstrated research potential, and personal characteristics and interpersonal skills. The merit review process is conducted directly by the eligible Canadian institutions that have received an allocation for the program, ensuring alignment with institutional standards and priorities.
Verified sources
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (Master’s) 2027 | $27,000 Awardedugist.organnouncement
- Canada Graduate Scholarships—Master’s Programportals.cihr-irsc.gc.caofficial
About the provider
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship program is administered by Canada's three federal research agencies: CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. These councils were established between 1977 and 2000 to promote and support research and training in health, natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities, respectively.
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 – Master’s (CGRS M)?
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The CGRS M is a scholarship program that offers financial support to graduate students pursuing research-based master's degrees at eligible institutions in Canada. It aims to foster research skills and back students with strong academic and research potential.
What does the CGRS M scholarship cover?
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The scholarship provides financial support directly to the student for living expenses and study costs. It supports research-based graduate study and offers opportunities for developing advanced research skills and preparing for future careers.
What is the award value of the CGRS M scholarship?
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Successful applicants receive an award of ~CAD 27,000 per year. The funding is provided for a duration of up to 24 months.
Who is eligible to apply for the CGRS M scholarship?
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Eligibility is restricted to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or Protected Persons. Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to apply for a full-time eligible graduate program in Canada and typically need a first-class average in their last two years of study.
Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
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This scholarship is tenable only in Canada. Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons, and must be pursuing studies at an eligible Canadian institution.
Which study levels are supported by the CGRS M?
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The CGRS M primarily supports Master's degree programs. It may also apply to eligible doctoral-entry programs, depending on the specific program requirements.
What is the application deadline for the next cycle?
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The application deadline for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s for the 2026/2027 academic year is December 1, 2026, before 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
How do I apply for the CGRS M scholarship?
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Applicants should first review the eligibility criteria, then identify an eligible Canadian graduate program and institution. Applications are prepared and submitted through the Research Portal, following the official instructions.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents typically include academic transcripts demonstrating a first-class average, a research proposal, and proof of Canadian residency status. Further specific documents will be detailed within the Research Portal application.
How are recipients selected for the CGRS M?
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Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, and personal characteristics/interpersonal skills. The merit review process is conducted by the eligible Canadian institutions themselves, which are allocated scholarship spots.
What is the duration of the scholarship, and can it be renewed?
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The scholarship provides funding for up to 24 months. The scholarship is typically for the duration of the master's program, and renewal beyond the initial term is not generally specified.
Where can I confirm the latest details for the CGRS M scholarship?
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The most current and official details for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s should always be confirmed on the official websites of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), or Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).