Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program Apply Online 2026
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
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**Review Eligibility & Program Guidelines:** Carefully read the official CGRS M program description and instructions on the NSERC website to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including academic requirements and citizenship status.
- 2
**Select Granting Agency:** Determine which of the three federal granting agencies (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC) is most appropriate for your research field. Consult the 'Selecting the Appropriate Federal Granting Agency' guidelines if unsure.
- 3
**Apply for University Admission (if applicable):** If you are not currently enrolled in your intended graduate program, submit an application for admission to your chosen Canadian university/program by their internal deadline, which may coincide with the CGRS M application deadline.
- 4
**Create/Update Canadian Common CV (CCV):** Complete and validate your Canadian Common CV (CCV) for the correct funding agency. Obtain the confirmation number, which will be needed for your scholarship application.
- 5
**Access Research Portal:** Log in to the online Research Portal (or create an account if you don't have one). This is the single platform for submitting your CGRS M application.
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**Complete Application Form:** Fill out all sections of the online application, including personal identification, summary of your research proposal, and activity details. Select up to three eligible Canadian institutions where you wish to hold the award.
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**Prepare and Upload Documents:** Upload your proposed research outline (1 page) and bibliography (1 page) as PDFs. Ensure all up-to-date undergraduate and graduate transcripts (including the transcript key/legend) are uploaded.
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**Request Reference Assessments:** Invite two referees through the Research Portal to complete and submit their reference assessments by an early deadline you communicate to them, as your application cannot be submitted until these are linked.
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**Submit Application:** Ensure all sections are complete, documents are uploaded, and references are submitted. Submit your application through the Research Portal by the national deadline, typically December 1 (8:00 PM ET).
- 10
**Monitor Results:** Regularly check the Research Portal for your application status and award offers, typically from April 1 onwards.
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**Accept/Decline Offer:** If offered an award, you will have 21 days to accept or decline it in the Research Portal.
FAQs for Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
Q.Who is eligible to apply for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s (CGRS M)?
The CGRS M program is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or Protected Persons under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada). Applicants must be pursuing or intending to pursue a master's or, in some cases, a doctoral degree at an eligible Canadian institution and meet specific academic achievement criteria, typically a first-class average.
Q.What is the scholarship amount and duration?
The scholarship provides a non-renewable grant of $27,000 CAD for one year. This funding is designed to allow recipients to focus on their research and studies.
Q.Can I apply if I am an international student?
No, the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s (CGRS M) is specifically for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons. International students are not eligible for this program.
Q.What is the application deadline for the 2026/2027 academic year?
The national application deadline is typically December 1, 2026, by 8:00 PM (ET). If December 1 falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deadline is the following business day. It is crucial to submit your complete application, including referee assessments, by this date.