Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: A Guide for International Students

Scholarship Overview

The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship (CGRS) is a federal research funding program backed 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). It is designed to support high-achieving Master's and PhD students conducting research in health, sciences, engineering, and the humanities.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Yes, Pakistani students are eligible to apply for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship. The program is open to international students, provided they are enrolled in a doctoral program at an eligible Canadian institution by the application deadline. Because international students represent a competitive pool—with approximately 15% of awards reserved specifically for them—applicants should ensure their research proposals meet high academic standards.

Funding and Benefits

This is a major funding opportunity for international students in Canada:

• Master's Funding: Up to $27,000 for 12 months (non-renewable).
• PhD Funding: Up to $40,000 per year for up to 3 years.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility depends on the level of study and the specific agency (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC).

Master's Applicants:

• Must have completed the required level of study by December 31 of the application year.
• Must have achieved a first-class average in the last two years of full-time study.
• Cannot have previously held a Master's-level scholarship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.

PhD Applicants:

• Must have completed no more than 36 months of full-time equivalent study in their doctoral program.

Required Documents

While specific requirements vary by agency, you should generally prepare:

• An online application via the agency portal (ResearchNET, NSERC system, or SSHRC portal).
• Academic transcripts verifying a first-class average.
• A detailed research proposal or statement of intent.
• Letters of reference/support.

Application Timeline

• Master's: December 1
• PhD (Directly to agencies): October 17
• PhD (Through Canadian institutions): Varies; check with your university internal deadline.

How to Apply

1. Identify the correct agency (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC) based on your research field.
2. Review the specific guidelines for your chosen agency.
3. Complete the registration and submit your application through the agency's official portal.
4. Ensure all reference letters are submitted electronically before the deadline.

Pakistan-Specific Application Advice

Pakistani students often face challenges regarding document verification. Ensure all academic transcripts are officially translated if they are not already in English or French. Since the competition is highly selective for international candidates, focus on aligning your research proposal clearly with the objectives of the specific agency to which you are applying.

Important Terms and Limitations

• Incomplete applications are rejected.
• Applicants may submit a maximum of one postgraduate or postdoctoral application per academic year to any of the three agencies.
• Supporting documents in languages other than English or French require certified translations.