Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Master's

The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Master's (CGRS M) program is a federal program of scholarships awarded by the CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC granting agencies providing research funding for high-calibre master's students in all academic disciplines. 

The Tri-Agency Research Portal is now open to receive applications for the CGRS M program.

All relevant documentation has been updated and is available at the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Master's program resources webpage. More information about the CGRS M program can be found on the CGPS Awards Hub. 

The Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements Pilot Initiative runs along the CGRS M. Qualifying Indigenous applicants will receive a $27,000 award as well as a $5,000 supplement as part of the current Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Master's program. 

Applicants must submit all application materials by the December 1st, 2026 deadline. 

Please note that once an application has been submitted, the Graduate Awards and Scholarships team cannot provide feedback to students. 

Join CGPS for an informative workshop designed to support applicants preparing for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship—Master's (CGRS M) program.

The CGPS Scholarships and Awards Team will kick off the session with a brief presentation highlighting practical tips and strategies to strengthen your application. Following the presentation, the remainder of the workshop will be dedicated to an open Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance tailored to their individual circumstances.

USask students, support staff and faculty are welcome.

Session dates: 

  • Tuesday, October 13th, 10AM - 11AM (THORV 205A)
  • Wednesday, October 14th, 1PM - 2PM (THORV 124)

All sessions will be in-person and one hour in length. Limited seats available.

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral

The doctoral funding program has been renamed the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral (CGRS D). The CGRS D is a federal program for scholarships awarded by the CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC granting agencies providing research funding for high-calibre doctoral students in all academic disciplines. 

Notable changes to the CGRS D include: 

  • International students are now eligible to apply.
    • International students must be enrolled in a doctoral program of study at an eligible Canadian institution at the time of application. 
    • Up to 15% of all doctoral awards will be awarded to international students. 
  • Students beyond their 2nd year in program are now eligible to apply.
    • Students must have completed no more than 36 months of full-time equivalent study in the doctoral program that is requesting funding by December 31 of the calendar year of your application. 

USask’s internal deadline is Monday, September 28th, 2026.  Any applications submitted in the appropriate Tri Agency online portal after the deadline will not be considered.

For more information, visit the CGPS Awards HUB.

CGRS D Info Session Slides

Preparing your CGRS D application? The Graduate Awards & Scholarships team has developed a series of information sessions to help guide you through the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D) program. Explore the slides below for information on eligibility, the application and review process, selection criteria, and helpful application tips.

SSHRC Application Resources

Missed the SSHRC funding sessions? Review the slides from the presentation to learn more about SSHRC's many funding opportunities for master's students, doctoral students, postdocs, and more! 

Canada Postdoctoral Research Award

The Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA) program is a federal research talent investment program in the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS) administered 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).

The CRTAS aims to support the next generation of innovators by providing funding and high-quality research training, cultivating research skills, fostering creativity, and empowering awardees to make significant contributions to Canada's research ecosystem, economy and prosperity. 

  • Duration: 24 months
  • Value: $70,000 per year ($140,000 total)

Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements

The Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements (ISAS) Pilot Initiative provides financial support of a $5,000 supplement to eligible meritorious Indigenous students who have applied to the CGRS M, CGRS D and a $10,000 supplement to eligible CPRA award holders.

Get started

Each competition has unique eligibility criteria; potential applicants should refer to each scholarship program website for comprehensive eligibility information. 

I want to apply for:

Scholarship How do I apply
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral
I am currently registered in a graduate program at a university, or I was registered in a graduate program within the past 12 months Applicants must apply to the university* where they are currently registered or were recently registered within the past 12 months
I was registered in a graduate program more than 12 months ago. Applicants must apply directly to the appropriate Tri-Agency.
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s
I am currently registered in a graduate program at a university, or I was registered in a graduate program within the past 12 months Applicants must apply to the university* where they are currently registered.
I am currently registered in an undergraduate program or have not yet started a graduate program. Applicants may apply to up to three separate universities*.

Departments may have internal deadlines and/or preliminary review procedures in place. Contact your department's Graduate Chair to find out.

Scholarship recipients get a top-up!

This funding is made possible by the Government of Saskatchewan’s Innovation & Opportunity Scholarship program.

For Master's Students

The Honourary SIOS Master's Scholarship is available to graduate students holding CGRS M funding. Students will automatically be topped up by $6,000 in the first month that their CGRS M funding starts.

For PhD Students

The Honourary SIOS Doctoral Scholarship is available to graduate students holding CGRS D funding. Funding recipients will automatically be topped up each year they hold Tri-Agency funding by $7,500, up to the total number of years in the original award agreement. 

Questions?

For all questions and concerns, contact Graduate Awards Services.