Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s Program (CGS M) 2025 | $27,000 Award

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: Overview

The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s Program (CGS M) supports outstanding graduate students in all disciplines who demonstrate strong research potential. Administered jointly by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), this program provides $27,000 for 12 months (non-renewable).

The award helps students develop advanced research skills, foster creativity, and contribute to Canada’s innovation and knowledge economy.

• Deadline: December 1, 2025
• Application platform: Research Portal (opens in September)

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship: Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Person under Canadian law.

• Be enrolled in, applied for, or planning to apply for a full-time master’s or doctoral program at an eligible Canadian institution.

• Have completed between 0–12 months of full-time studies (or equivalent) in their graduate program as of December 31 of the application year.

• Not have previously held a Master ”’s-level scholarship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.

• Not having held or currently holding an Indigenous Scholars Award and Supplement.

• Maintain a first-class average (as defined by their host institution) in the last two completed years of study.

• Submit only one postgraduate application per year across CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.

Benefits

• $27,000 CAD for 12 months of study (non-renewable).

• Available across all academic disciplines.

• Prestigious recognition as part of Canada’s largest research funding program for master’s students.

• Opportunity to strengthen research capacity and career pathways.

Program Components

The CGS M is part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS), which aims to:

• Support the next generation of innovators.

• Provide high-quality research training.

• Cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and leadership in research.

• Contribute to Canada’s research ecosystem, economy, and prosperity.

Application Requirements

• Submit an application via the Research Portal (opens early September).

• Create and attach a Canadian Common CV (CCV).

• Provide transcripts, research proposal, and supporting documents as outlined in the portal.

• Respect internal institutional deadlines (before the national deadline).

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed on:

1. Academic excellence – transcripts, awards, and scholarships.

2. Research potential – statement of proposed research, publications, presentations, and references.

3. Personal characteristics and interpersonal skills – leadership, teamwork, community engagement, project management.

Special consideration is given to:

• Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

• Indigenous student researchers.

• Black student researchers.

Application Process

1. Prepare early: Build a Canadian Common CV (CCV).

2. Apply online: Submit through the Research Portal once it opens in September.

3. Meet internal deadlines: Institutions may have earlier deadlines than the national ones.

4. Final deadline: December 1, 2025.

5. Results notification: Typically in April.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s Program (CGS M) 2025 | $27,000 Award