Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship provides funding to doctoral students at Canadian institutions to attract and retain world-class research talent. It supports high-caliber students in health research, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
About the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship program aims to strengthen Canada's ability to attract and retain world-class doctoral students. It supports individuals who demonstrate both leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies.
The program is open to both Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and foreign citizens who are seeking to pursue a doctoral degree at a participating Canadian institution. Candidates must be nominated by a university that holds a Vanier CGS quota.
Funding is provided by the three federal granting agencies: 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 scholarship is valued at 50,000 CAD per year for a duration of three years. It is intended to support the student's doctoral research and living expenses during their period of study.
Selection committees evaluate candidates based on three equally weighted criteria: academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. Institutions are responsible for the internal nomination process before submitting applications to the federal level.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
High financial value of 50,000 CAD per year
Prestigious recognition for doctoral researchers
Support from Canada's three major federal research councils
Opportunity to conduct research at top-tier Canadian universities
Focus on leadership development alongside academic excellence
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
6 requirements
Documents Checklist
6 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Verify eligibility and confirm the university has a Vanier quota
Contact the proposed university to understand their internal deadline and nomination process
Prepare the application package including research proposal and reference letters
Submit the application through the ResearchNet system by the university's internal deadline
Wait for the university to nominate the application to the federal level
Federal selection committees review nominations and announce results
Application Timeline
June
Opening
Application system opens on ResearchNet
September - October
Internal University Deadline
Varies by institution
November
Federal Deadline
Final submission to federal agencies
April
Results Announcement
Successful candidates notified
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Start the application process early as universities have internal deadlines months before the federal deadline
Ensure your leadership statement provides concrete examples of impact rather than just a list of activities
Select referees who can speak specifically to both your research ability and your leadership qualities
Align your research proposal with the mandate of the specific federal agency (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC) you are applying to
Review the evaluation criteria carefully to ensure your application addresses academic excellence, research potential, and leadership equally
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
Yes, international students are eligible to apply provided they are nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier quota.
The scholarship provides 50,000 CAD per year for three years.
You must be nominated by a Canadian university. You should contact the faculty of graduate studies at your chosen university to learn about their internal nomination process.
Check the Official Website
This scholarship typically opens around June. Confirm the current cycle and deadline on the official portal.
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