Applications are now open for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (CGRS) 2027, one of Canada’s most prestigious government-funded research scholarship programmes for graduate students.
The scholarship is designed to support outstanding students pursuing Master’s and Doctoral degrees at eligible Canadian universities. It provides generous financial support that allows scholars to focus on their research while contributing to innovation and academic excellence in Canada.
Scholarship Summary
- Scholarship: Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (CGRS) 2027
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Level: Master’s and Doctoral
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded Research Scholarship
- Funding Agencies:
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Eligible Institutions: Participating Canadian universities
- Eligible Applicants: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible international students (depending on the award stream and institution)
- Application Deadline: Varies by institution and scholarship stream.
About the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (CGRS) aims to develop the next generation of researchers by providing financial support to highly qualified graduate students.
The programme helps scholars:
- Develop advanced research skills.
- Work with leading researchers.
- Contribute to scientific discovery and innovation.
- Build successful academic and professional careers.
The scholarship is administered through Canada’s three federal research funding agencies (SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR), depending on the applicant’s field of study.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive generous funding depending on the award category.
Master’s Scholarship (CGRS-M)
- Scholarship worth CAD $27,000.
- Funding for 12 months.
- Non-renewable award.
Doctoral Scholarship (CGRS-D)
- CAD $40,000 per year.
- Funding for up to three years.
The funding enables students to concentrate fully on their graduate studies and research.
Eligible Fields of Study
The scholarship supports research across a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Health Sciences
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Arts
- Interdisciplinary Research
The appropriate funding agency depends on the applicant’s area of research.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must generally:
- Apply for or be enrolled in an eligible Master’s or Doctoral programme at a participating Canadian institution.
- Demonstrate excellent academic achievement.
- Show strong research potential.
- Meet the admission requirements of the chosen university.
- Satisfy the eligibility requirements of the relevant funding agency.
- Meet any institutional deadlines, which may be earlier than the national deadline.
Required Documents
Applicants may be required to submit:
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- Completed scholarship application.
- Academic transcripts.
- Research proposal or statement of research interests.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement.
- Proof of admission or enrolment.
- Any additional documents requested by the university or funding agency.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Academic excellence.
- Research ability and potential.
- Leadership qualities.
- Quality and significance of the proposed research.
- Recommendations from academic referees.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Identify a participating Canadian university offering your preferred graduate programme.
- Apply for admission to an eligible Master’s or Doctoral programme.
- Determine which funding agency (SSHRC, NSERC, or CIHR) applies to your field of study.
- Complete the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship application through the appropriate application portal or university process.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit your application before your university’s internal deadline or the relevant agency deadline.
- Await the outcome of the scholarship selection process.
Important Dates
Master’s Competition
- Competition opens: September 2026
- National application deadline: 1 December 2026 (for the CGRS-M competition).
Doctoral Competition
- National deadline (direct SSHRC applications): 19 October 2026.
- Applicants applying through Canadian institutions should check their university’s internal deadline, as it is often earlier.
Why You Should Apply
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship is among the most prestigious graduate funding opportunities in Canada. Beyond providing substantial financial support, it gives scholars access to world-class research facilities, leading academic mentors, and opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research. Whether you are pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree, the CGRS can significantly strengthen your academic profile and future career in research, academia, industry, or public service.
