Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D) 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Jul 16, 2025
- 3 min read
If you're an ambitious doctoral candidate seeking prestigious funding in Canada, the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D) 2026 is an exceptional opportunity. Valued at $40,000 per year for up to 36 months, this scholarship supports full-time research PhD students at Canadian universities, including international scholars, enabling you to focus entirely on your doctoral research.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Any eligible Canadian (or eligible international) institution
Host agencies: CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC (Tri‑Agency CRTAS program)
Study level: Doctoral (PhD) leading to thesis/dissertation or equivalent research output
Fields of study: Health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, including interdisciplinary research
Award value: $40,000 CAD per year (taxable)
Duration: Up to 36 months total
Application deadline: Through institutions—typically Sep 2025; direct agency deadline October 17, 2025 (8 p.m. ET)
Results announced: April 30, 2026
Eligible to: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons; international students (max 15% of awards) if enrolled at a Canadian institution by deadline
✨ Scholarship Overview
Established in 2025 as part of the new Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS), the CGRS D supports research excellence across disciplines. It's designed to enable doctoral scholars to concentrate on their studies, work with top-tier supervisors, and contribute significantly to Canada's research ecosystem. The award is competitive and emphasizes both research ability (50%) and relevant experience /achievements (50%) .
🎁 Benefits
Financial security: $40K/year for up to 3 years to support research efforts and living expenses
Research flexibility: Open access to all research‑oriented doctoral programs at eligible Canadian universities
Professional legitimacy: National recognition signaling academic excellence and research leadership
Extra supports: Potential special allowances (foreign study supplement, Indigenous or Black researcher supplements, discipline‑specific priority areas)
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Doctoral enrollment: Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a thesis-based PhD at an eligible Canadian institution by the application deadline. International applicants must already be registered by then
Study timeline: No more than 36 months of full-time doctoral study (or equivalent combined programs) completed by Dec 31, 2025
Application limits: Submit only one CGRS M, CGRS D, or CPRA application per agency per year; CGRS D can be applied for a maximum of three times
Award history: Cannot have previously held a doctoral-level tri-agency scholarship (incl. Vanier CGS)
Employment: Not employed in a tenure-track or similar appointment during funding
📝 Application Procedure
Choose your agency (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC) based on discipline. Details here
Apply via your institution if you’ve been registered in a PhD program in 2025 within their quota; otherwise, apply directly to the agency
Prepare application: research proposal, transcripts, CV, references, self-ID for equity components, etc.
Submit before deadline: typically institutional in early-mid Sept 2025, or direct to agency by Oct 17, 2025 (8 p.m. ET)
Await results: April 30, 2026; awards begin May, September, or January following results
🔎 Selection Criteria
Research potential (50%): originality, methodology, impact, clarity, ethics
Relevant experience (50%): academic performance, publications, leadership, outreach activities
✨ Final Tips & Additional Info
Check quotas: Early coordination with your institution’s grad office is essential
Plan early: Research proposal and reference letters take time
Prepare equity ID: If you self-identify as Indigenous or Black, complete self-ID for additional funding consideration
Consider supplements: Foreign study or joint initiative opportunities may be available
Keep updated: Refer to agency websites and research office memos for any 2026‑specific changes
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
