Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
Government of Canada · All India
| Scheme Name | Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program |
| Provided By | Government of Canada |
| Eligibility Summary | Masters · No income limit |
About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
$27,000 (approx. ₹18.2 Lakh+)
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS M) provides CAD $27,000 for one year (12 months) of financial support. This amount is non-renewable. The scholarship is intended to allow recipients to focus fully on their studies. As of current approximate conversion rates, CAD $27,000 is approximately INR 1,633,500. Disbursement details are managed at the institutional level by the university where the award is held. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts is not applicable as this is a Canadian government scholarship for study in Canada.
- —
Citizenship:Must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a Protected Person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) as of the application deadline date.
- —
Degree Level:Must be enrolled in, have applied for, or will apply for full-time admission to an eligible graduate program at the master's or doctoral level that can be started within the eligible dates of the competition year at a Canadian institution with a CGRS M allocation.
- —
Study Progress:As of December 31 of the year of application, applicants must have completed between zero and 12 months of full-time studies (or full-time equivalent) in the master's program for which funding is requested. This also applies to direct-entry doctoral programs or master's programs transitioning to doctoral programs.
- —
Academic Achievement:Applicants must demonstrate a high standard of achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies, typically requiring a first-class average (e.g., approximately 80% or an A-/3.6 GPA equivalent) in each of the last two full completed years of study.
- —
Institution Application:Incoming students are often required to submit an application for admission to their intended Canadian university/program by the CGRS-M application deadline to be considered for the award.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Masters |
| Course / Stream | Masters |
| Minimum Marks | 80% |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Completed online application form via the Research Portal (including Identification, Summary of Proposal, and Activity Details sections)
- ✓Outline of proposed research (1 page)
- ✓Bibliography and citations (1 page)
- ✓Canadian Common CV (CCV) confirmation number
- ✓All up-to-date undergraduate and graduate transcripts (including transcript keys/legends)
- ✓Two reference assessments (completed by referees via an online form)
Selection Process
- —
Candidates are selected based on high academic achievement (first-class average in the last two years of study), strong research potential, and personal achievements
- —
Applications are reviewed by committee members aligned with the applicant's field of research (health sciences, natural sciences and engineering, or social sciences and humanities)
- —
The program supports up to 3,298 students annually
- —
Specific consideration is also given to meritorious Black student researchers and Indigenous scholars through designated funding initiatives.
Renewal Policy
- —
The Canada Graduate Scholarships
- —
Master’s Program is a non-renewable award, providing funding for a single 12-month period.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Review Program Details
Carefully read the official program description and application instructions on the NSERC website (or CIHR/SSHRC, depending on your field of research) to understand all requirements and eligibility criteria for the 2025-26 or 2026 competition.
- 2Create a Research Portal Account
All applications are submitted online via the Research Portal. Create an account if you don't already have one.
- 3Complete a Canadian Common CV (CCV)
A complete CCV must be created and linked to your CGS M application. Ensure all relevant information, including academic history, research contributions, and experience, is accurate and up-to-date.
- 4Obtain Official Transcripts
Gather official, up-to-date transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. These must be uploaded to your application. If transcripts are in a language other than English or French, certified translations are required. Ensure transcripts show Fall 2026 registration if applicable.
- 5
Prepare Research Proposal and Other Documents: Develop a clear and concise research proposal. The application will also require details on your proposed research, contributions, and referees.
- 6Complete the Online Application
Fill out all sections of the CGS M application on the Research Portal. You can select up to three eligible Canadian institutions where you intend to pursue graduate studies and hold the award. You must have applied for or intend to apply for admission to an eligible program at these institutions.
- 7Submit Application and References
Ensure all components, including reference letters (if required by the agency/institution), are submitted by the deadline. The typical application deadline is December 1st (8:00 p.m. ET) for the competition year. Late applications are not accepted.
- 8Track Application Status
Results are typically released around April 1st of the year following the application deadline. You can track the status of your application through the Research Portal. *Note*: Institutions may have their own internal deadlines and specific requirements in addition to the Tri-Agency guidelines. Always consult the graduate studies office of your chosen university.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program open to Indian citizens?
No, the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS M) is exclusively open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or Protected Persons under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) as of the application deadline date. Therefore, most Indian citizens who do not hold one of these statuses are not eligible for this specific scholarship. However, there are other scholarships available for international students, including Indian nationals, to study in Canada. You should explore university-specific entrance scholarships, provincial scholarships (like the Ontario Graduate Scholarship), and other private or institutional awards for international students.
What is the scholarship amount and duration for the CGS M program?
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS M) provides a scholarship of CAD $27,000 for a duration of 12 months. This award is non-renewable. As an approximate conversion, CAD $27,000 is currently around INR 1,633,500, though exchange rates fluctuate.
What are the minimum academic requirements to be considered for the CGS M program?
To be eligible for the CGS M program, applicants must have achieved a first-class average, as determined by the university issuing the transcripts, in the last two completed years of study (full-time equivalent). While the specific definition of a 'first-class average' can vary by institution, it generally translates to a high academic standing, often an A- or equivalent (e.g., 80% or a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale).
Plan your study abroad
Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.
Explore international scholarships →Similar Opportunities You Can Apply For Today
Khelo India Sports Scholarship Scheme
Applications OpenMinistry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students
Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India
ONGC Sports Scholarship Scheme
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Discover More
Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Government of Canada website before final submission.