About the programme
Part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite, this doctoral scholarship supports students in research-oriented doctoral programs to focus on their studies and choose strong research mentors. Applicants must apply through their Canadian institution or directly to the agency depending on their registration status. Priority research areas and Indigenous and Black student funding streams are available.
Duration: 36 months
Eligibility
- Completed no more than 36 months of full-time equivalent doctoral study by December 31 of the application year
- Enrolled in an eligible predominantly research-oriented doctoral program that requires a merit-reviewed thesis or equivalent
- Not already holding a doctoral-level scholarship from CIHR, NSERC or SSHRC, including a Vanier CGS
- International applicants must be registered in an eligible Canadian doctoral program by the deadline (up to 15% of awards)
- Applicants may apply to only one CRTAS program per academic year and at most three times to CGRS D
- Sign in to check these against your background.
What they look for
- Holding a doctoral award abroad requires Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or protected person status and a prior Canadian degree (up to 20% of awards)
- Indigenous applicants (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) and Black student researchers may be considered for dedicated funding streams
Needs your university. Applicants registered at a Canadian institution with a doctoral quota must apply through that institution, which sets earlier internal deadlines.
What you receive
- $40,000 per year
- Up to 36 months of funding
- Possible Indigenous Scholars Supplement of $5,000 for one year
- Possible additional awards for priority research areas
How to apply
- Check registration status to determine whether to apply through your Canadian institution or directly to the agency
- Submit the application electronically via the relevant agency platform before the deadline
- Ensure references submit letters through the agency system before the deadline
- Results notified by April 30
Applications are submitted on Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), with CIHR and SSHRC’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.
From people who applied
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Source and verification
- Official source
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), with CIHR and SSHRC · Application
- Last checked
- 10 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page
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