The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship 2026–2027 is a fully funded scholarship for international students. It gives up to $27,000 for one year at master’s level and up to $40,000 per year for three years at PhD level. You can study health research, natural sciences and engineering, or social sciences and humanities at any eligible Canadian university. You must have strong academic results and plan good research. Apply through the right agency (CIHR, NSERC or SSHRC) by the deadline. This scholarship helps talented students do high-quality research and build their careers in Canada.
Quick Details About Canada Graduate Research Scholarship
| Host Country | Canada |
| Host Institution | Any eligible Canadian university |
| Degree Level | Master’s and PhD |
| Eligibility | Internationals |
| Benefits | Funded |
| Duration | 1 year Master’s or 3 years (PhD) |
| Application Fee | Free |
| Deadline | Dec 1 (Master’s), Oct 17 (PhD) |
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship Overview 2026–2027
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship is a federal program run by three agencies: CIHR for health, NSERC for science and engineering, and SSHRC for social sciences and humanities. It supports the best students who want to become researchers. You get money to focus on your studies and research without worrying about fees. The program wants to create new ideas and help Canada grow. You can study at any approved Canadian university. Many past winners have done important work and got good jobs later. It is a great chance for international students who have good grades and research ideas.
Scholarship Benefits
- For master’s: up to $27,000 for 12 months.
- For PhD: up to $40,000 per year for up to 3 years.
- Money helps pay your tuition and living costs.
- You can focus fully on your research and studies.
- The scholarship is non-renewable for master’s but can last three years for PhD.
- You get support to do high-quality research in your field.
Also See: Canada | York University Scholarships 2026–2027 (Fully Funded)
Eligibility Requirements for 2026 Intake
You can apply if you meet these rules.
- You are from any country in the world. This makes it open to international students.
- For master’s: You must have a first-class average in your last two years of study. Some universities may be flexible.
- For PhD: You must have completed no more than 36 months of full-time doctoral study by December 31 of the application year.
- You must not already hold a scholarship from CIHR, NSERC or SSHRC at the same level.
- You must choose the correct agency based on your research topic.
- You must show strong academic results and research potential.
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 Application Deadline
- For master’s: December 1 2026
- For PhD: Contact your university (often earlier) or apply directly by October 17 2026.
Required Documents
- Online application form filled through the correct agency system.
- Academic transcripts from your previous studies.
- Research proposal or study plan.
- Letters of reference from professors who know your work.
- Proof of your academic results and first-class average.
- Any other documents asked by the agency or university.
Also See: John Thompson Scholarship 2026 (Free Study in Ireland)
How to Apply for Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?
- Choose the right agency for your research field (CIHR, NSERC or SSHRC).
- Check the detailed guidelines on the agency website to make sure you are eligible.
- Prepare all your documents including transcripts and research ideas.
- Fill the online application in the correct system (ResearchNET for CIHR, online system for NSERC, or SSHRC system).
- Ask your referees to submit their letters before the deadline.
- Submit your complete application before the closing date.
- Wait for the result. The agencies review all applications carefully.
Official Website
For more details or deadlines visit the official Canada Graduate Research Scholarship website.