Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D) 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇨🇦 Canada · Offered by NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR (Government of Canada) · For PhD applicants.

Updated 10 November 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇨🇦 Canada
Provider: NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR (Government of Canada)
Degree levels: PhD
Funding: CAD 40,000 per year for 3 years (replaced Vanier and CGS-D).
Deadline: 2027–28 competition: university internal deadlines mid-Sep to early Oct 2026 (closed). Next competition expected around Sep–Oct 2027.
Expected opening: Expected Jul–Aug 2027
Duration: 3 years.
Professor contact: Required: you need a professor's acceptance before or during the application.

Official website

About the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship

Replaced the Vanier CGS and the old CGS D. International students enrolled in a doctoral programme at a Canadian university can receive a limited share of the awards. You apply through your Canadian university, which forwards applications to the agency.

Eligibility

Who can apply

International students may hold up to 15% of awards but must ALREADY be enrolled in a doctoral programme at a Canadian institution when applying (incoming students are not eligible).

Academic requirements

Enrolled in a PhD at an eligible Canadian university; excellent academic record and research potential; no previous CGRS D or Vanier.

Language requirements

University requirement (already met by enrolled students).

What the scholarship covers

CAD 40,000 per year for 3 years (replaced Vanier and CGS-D).

Tuition: Not separately; the award is a stipend (universities often add tuition support).
Stipend and benefits: CAD 40,000 per year (CAD 120,000 total).
Duration: 3 years.

Deadline and opening date

2027–28 competition: university internal deadlines mid-Sep to early Oct 2026 (closed). Next competition expected around Sep–Oct 2027.

Expected opening: Expected Jul–Aug 2027.

Required documents

Research proposal
CCV / research contributions
Transcripts
Two referee assessments
University nomination

How to apply

Apply through your Canadian university's graduate office during the competition after you have started a PhD there.

Find a professor for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?

International students may hold up to 15% of awards but must ALREADY be enrolled in a doctoral programme at a Canadian institution when applying (incoming students are not eligible). Enrolled in a PhD at an eligible Canadian university; excellent academic record and research potential; no previous CGRS D or Vanier.

What does the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship cover?

CAD 40,000 per year for 3 years (replaced Vanier and CGS-D). CAD 40,000 per year (CAD 120,000 total).

What is the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship deadline?

2027–28 competition: university internal deadlines mid-Sep to early Oct 2026 (closed). Next competition expected around Sep–Oct 2027. Expected opening: Expected Jul–Aug 2027.

Is IELTS required for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?

University requirement (already met by enrolled students).

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?

Required: you need a professor's acceptance before or during the application.

How do I apply for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship?