The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s (CGRS M) offers an excellent opportunity for eligible graduate students to receive $27,000 for 12 months while pursuing a research-focused master’s degree at an eligible Canadian institution. The scholarship is part of Canada’s Canada Research Training Awards Suite and is jointly administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
The programme supports outstanding graduate students across a wide range of disciplines and aims to strengthen Canada’s research capacity by developing highly qualified researchers, innovators and knowledge workers.
Applications are submitted through the Research Portal, with the main application deadline set for December 1 before 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
The CGRS M supports up to 3,298 students annually across eligible research fields. Successful applicants receive financial support for 12 months and undertake their studies at an eligible Canadian institution with a CGRS M allocation.
The programme covers research areas within health, natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities. Interdisciplinary research can also be supported where the proposed work spans multiple fields.
Unlike scholarships aimed primarily at taught postgraduate programmes, the CGRS M is specifically designed for programmes with a substantial research component.
What the Scholarship Provides
Successful CGRS M recipients receive:
- $27,000 in scholarship funding
- 12 months of financial support
- The opportunity to conduct research at an eligible Canadian university
- Support for graduate-level research training
- Access to a nationally competitive Canadian research scholarship programme
- Potential access to additional supplements and designated funding, where applicable
The scholarship can support students working across a broad range of academic disciplines, subject to the eligibility and research-area requirements of the relevant granting agency.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet specific citizenship, academic and programme requirements.
To be eligible, applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada or Protected Persons under subsection 95(2) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act as of the application deadline.
Applicants must also be registered in, have applied for, or intend to apply for admission to an eligible graduate programme at a Canadian institution with a CGRS M allocation.
As of December 31 of the application year, applicants generally must have completed between 0 and 12 months of full-time study or equivalent in the programme for which funding is requested. Specific provisions apply to direct-entry doctoral programmes, fast-track programmes and certain master’s-to-doctoral pathways.
Applicants are also expected to have achieved a first-class average during each of their last two completed years of study, although individual institutions may have discretion regarding this requirement.
Applicants must not have previously held or currently hold certain master’s-level scholarships or designated awards administered by CIHR, NSERC or SSHRC.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
The programme must be predominantly research-oriented. Eligible programmes should normally involve a thesis, major research project, dissertation, scholarly publication, performance, recital or exhibition that is evaluated through an appropriate expert review process.
Master’s programmes based exclusively on coursework are generally not eligible because they do not contain the required significant research component.
Joint programmes involving professional degrees may qualify if they contain a substantial autonomous research component. Clinically oriented programmes may also be eligible where they satisfy the programme’s research requirements.
Applicants should therefore confirm programme eligibility directly with the faculty of graduate studies at their intended Canadian institution.
How Applications Are Evaluated
The CGRS M selection process places strong emphasis on academic performance, research ability and broader personal achievements.
Applications are assessed using three major criteria:
Academic excellence – 50%
This includes academic records, scholarships and awards, previous studies, courses completed and relative academic standing where available.
Research potential – 30%
Reviewers consider the applicant’s research history, proposed research project, originality, potential contribution to knowledge, relevant experience, critical thinking, initiative and ability to apply research skills.
Personal characteristics and interpersonal skills – 20%
This category considers work experience, leadership, project management, communication abilities, academic involvement, volunteerism, community outreach and collaboration.
Applicants should therefore present a balanced application that demonstrates not only strong grades but also meaningful research experience, leadership and community or professional engagement.
How to Apply for the CGRS M Scholarship
Eligible students must complete their application through the Research Portal. Applicants may submit an application to up to three eligible institutions where they intend to hold the award.
Before submitting an application, candidates should:
- Identify an eligible Canadian research-based master’s programme.
- Confirm that the institution has a CGRS M allocation in the applicant’s research field.
- Check the institution’s internal admission and scholarship deadlines.
- Prepare the required research proposal and supporting information.
- Complete the application through the Research Portal.
- Carefully follow all application instructions before submission.
The official deadline is December 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours because heavy traffic on the Research Portal may cause delays. Late applications are not accepted.
Additional Funding Opportunities
The CGRS M framework includes opportunities for certain supplements and designated funding. These include research travel supplements and selected discipline-specific or strategic supplements.
The Government of Canada has also provided additional funding for Black student researchers, with each granting agency able to reserve additional CGRS M awards for eligible meritorious applicants who self-identify as Black and provide the required consent.
Additional support may also be available for eligible Indigenous student researchers under specific initiatives.
When Will Applicants Receive Results?
Successful applicants can expect award offers to become available through the Research Portal from April 1. Alternate offers may continue to be made until January 31 of the following calendar year.
Applicants are responsible for regularly checking the Research Portal for updates during the notification period.
Final Thoughts
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s provides a significant opportunity for eligible graduate researchers to receive $27,000 in funding for 12 months while developing their research careers at an eligible Canadian university.
Because the competition assesses academic excellence, research potential and personal achievements, prospective applicants should begin preparing well before the deadline. Strong academic results, a clearly defined research project and evidence of research, leadership and community involvement can strengthen an application.
Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements and contact the graduate studies office of their intended institution before submitting an application.
Application deadline: December 1 before 8:00 p.m. ET.
Funding: $27,000 for 12 months.
Study level: Master’s and eligible graduate research pathways.
Study location: Eligible institutions in Canada.
