Canada Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 (Doctoral) — Step-by-Step Guide

The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGS-D) offers $40,000/year for 3 years to support PhD students—both domestic and international—conducting research at Canadian institutions.

🗂 Scholarship Summary:

• Host: Government of Canada

• Institution: Any recognized Canadian university

• Level: PhD (Doctoral)

• Duration: Up to 3 years (36 months)

• Funding: $40,000 per year

• Eligible Applicants: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons, and international PhD students

• Fields: Health, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities

• Deadline: October 17, 2025

• Language: No IELTS required

• Website: Apply Here (NSERC Portal)

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the CGS-D 2026, applicants must:

1. Be enrolled in or accepted into a full-time PhD program at a Canadian university.

2. Be:

   • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person OR

   • An international student currently enrolled in a PhD program in Canada.

3. Have completed no more than 36 months of full-time PhD study by December 31, 2025.

4. Be pursuing a research-based program with a significant thesis component.

5. Apply through one of three federal granting agencies:

   • NSERC (Natural Sciences/Engineering)

   • CIHR (Health)

   • SSHRC (Social Sciences/Humanities)

🎓 Benefits:

• $40,000/year for up to 3 years.

• Funding supports:

  • Tuition

  • Living expenses

  • Research materials

  • Fieldwork and academic travel

• Recognition and access to a vast Canadian research network.

📝 Required Documents:

• CGS-D online application form

• Research proposal (1-page summary + detailed plan)

• Transcripts (unofficial accepted at application stage)

• Two academic reference letters

• CV (following Canada’s Canadian Common CV format)

• Departmental ranking (if applying through your university)

• Proof of status in Canada (for international students)

🧭 How to Apply (Step-by-Step):

Option A: Apply through your Canadian University

If you are currently enrolled in a PhD at a Canadian university:

1. Contact your school’s graduate funding office for internal deadlines (earlier than October 17).

2. Complete the CGS-D application through the NSERC online system:

   • NSERC Online Portal

3. Select the appropriate funding agency based on your field of research:

   • NSERC → Sciences/Engineering

   • CIHR → Health-related fields

   • SSHRC → Social Sciences/Humanities

4. Upload all required documents and submit your application before your school’s internal deadline.

5. Your university will assess and forward selected applications to the federal agency.

Option B: Apply Directly to the Agency

If you are not currently enrolled in a Canadian university, or applying to begin your program in Fall 2026:

1. Apply directly to the appropriate agency (NSERC, SSHRC, or CIHR) by October 17, 2025.

2. Follow the online portal instructions to create an account and submit your application.

📌 Pro Tips:

• Start early: Internal university deadlines are often in August or September.

• Prepare your research proposal and reference letters well in advance.

• Tailor your application to the mission of your funding agency.

• Use the Canadian Common CV (CCV) format as required by NSERC/SSHRC/CIHR.

• If you’re unsure which agency fits your topic, use the Agency Selection Tool.

🔗 Apply Here:

👉 NSERC CGS-D Official Portal

📅 Deadline:

October 17, 2025 (institutional deadlines may be earlier).

If you need help choosing the right agency or preparing a strong research proposal or academic CV, I can help guide you. Let me know!