The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS M) program plays a crucial role in nurturing research skills and providing financial support to exceptional scholars pursuing eligible master’s or doctoral programs in Canada. 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), the CGS M program allows scholars to focus entirely on their studies and research in their chosen fields.
Eligibility and Program Overview:
The CGS M program annually supports up to 3,000 students across all disciplines. Applicants must fulfill the following criteria, to eligible for this scholarship:
- Citizenship: Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or Protected Persons under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) within the application deadline.
- Enrollment: Enrolled in or have applied for full-time admission to an eligible master’s or Phdl program at a Canadian institution.
- Internal Deadline: Meet the internal deadline for admission application set by the selected Canadian institution.
- Previous Studies: Completed between 0 and 12 months of full-time studies in the program for which funding is requested, considering various scenarios.
- Scholarship Status: Not previously held or currently holding a CGS M scholarship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.
- Academic Excellence: Achieved a first-class average in each of the last two completed years of study.
- Application Limit: Submit a maximum of one scholarship or fellowship application per academic year to CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.
Program of Study Eligibility:
An eligible graduate program must include a substantial research component leading to the completion of a thesis, research project, dissertation, or scholarly publication that undergoes merit/expert review. Joint programs with a professional degree or clinically oriented programs are also eligible if they incorporate an autonomous research component.
Scholarship in Canada
Application Procedures and Allocations:
Applicants should submit their applications through the Research Portal to up to three institutions. Each institution has its allocation of awards from the three granting agencies, so candidates must ensure they apply to institutions aligned with their intended field of research.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
The Tri-agency is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Canadian research enterprise. These principles guide the selection process, which adheres to the Tri-agency statement on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
Deadline and Selection Process:
The deadline for CGS M applications is December 1 each year, before 8:00 p.m. (ET). The selection process is coordinated by the faculty of graduate studies or its equivalent at each institution, following the guidelines provided by the granting agencies.
Conclusion:
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s program (CGS M) offers a remarkable opportunity for outstanding scholars to develop their research skills and receive financial support while pursuing their master’s or doctoral studies in Canada. By fostering excellence and embracing diversity, the CGS M program significantly contributes to advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines. If you meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply for this esteemed program, embark on a transformative academic journey, and make substantial contributions to your chosen field of study.
