One of the most prominent fully financed doctorate scholarships in Canada is the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship-Doctorate (CGRS D), which is intended to assist exceptional students conducting top-notch research. The scholarship, which is jointly administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), offers significant financial support to allow recipients to concentrate fully on their research.
Only outstanding PhD candidates enrolled in qualified Canadian or specific foreign universities are eligible for the scholarship. Candidates must apply through the funding agency that corresponds with their field of study, such as SSHRC for social sciences and humanities, NSERC for natural sciences and engineering, or CIHR for health-related research.
Recipients of the award receive substantial funding to cover living expenses and tuition, enabling them to focus entirely on their research without worrying about money. In addition to offering financial aid, the CGRS D is a highly competitive exam that is acknowledged as a symbol of academic achievement, expanding employment options in professional, academic, and research domains. In addition to encouraging international collaboration for PhD scholars, the program supports creative research that advances Canada’s academic, scientific, and societal advancement.
Host Country: Canada
Administered By:
- The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
University: Canadian Universities
Opportunity Type: PhD
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded,
Eligibility Criteria:
- must be applying to or enrolled in a PhD program that emphasizes research.
- By December 31 of the application year, the candidate should have finished no more than 36 months of full-time PhD studies.
- must not have held:
- A fellowship for a PhD from SSHRC, NSERC, or CIHR
- The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
- Each academic year, only one application for a CGRS/tri-agency scholarship may be made.
- By the application deadline, foreign applicants must be enrolled at a Canadian institution that qualifies.
- A thesis, dissertation, or significant research project assessed at the institutional level must be a part of the doctoral program.
Benefits:
Annual Award: $40,000 per year
Duration: Up to 36 months (3 years)
Eligible Institutions:
- Canadian universities
- Selected international institutions (specific conditions apply)
Opportunities for Scholars:
- Full-time focus on research without financial distractions
- Mentorship and collaboration with leading research supervisors
- Development of strong academic and professional networks
- Enhanced career prospects in academia, industry, and policy sectors
Deadline: October 17, 2026
