The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D) Program is one of Canada’s most prestigious national awards designed to support high-achieving doctoral students conducting research at Canadian institutions. Funded by the federal government and administered by Canada’s three granting agencies—CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC—the program encourages innovation, knowledge creation, and academic excellence across diverse fields of study.
With funding of $40,000 per year for up to three years, CGS D empowers students to focus on impactful research that contributes to Canada’s academic, economic, and social progress.
Program Overview
What is the CGS D Program?
The CGS D program provides substantial financial support to students enrolled in full-time doctoral programs at eligible Canadian universities. It encourages original, high-quality research aligned with the priorities of one of the three federal granting agencies:
| Granting Agency | Research Focus |
|---|
| CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) | Health sciences, medicine, public health |
| NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council) | Engineering, physical sciences, computing |
| SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council) | Economics, sociology, education, law, arts |
Each agency handles the application and selection process for its respective field.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Annual Stipend | $40,000 CAD |
| Duration | Up to 3 years |
| Eligibility | Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students enrolled in eligible Canadian PhD programs |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Application Deadline | October 17, 2025 (direct applications) |
| Result Announcement | Spring
2026 |
| Fields Supported | Health, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities |
Objectives of the Program
To support high-caliber doctoral research across Canada
To encourage interdisciplinary and impactful studies in national and global contexts
To enhance Canada’s role in international academic and scientific leadership
To provide financial stability so students can dedicate themselves to research
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
Citizenship
Research Relevance
style="text-align: justify;" data-start="3438" data-end="3462">Language Proficiency
Benefits of the CGS D Program
Financial Security
Annual stipend of $40,000 for up to three years
Supports tuition, research-related expenses, and cost of living
Enhanced Research Opportunities
Access to top-tier research infrastructure, labs, and equipment
Ability to pursue long-term, high-impact projects
Career Development
National and International Networking
The CGS D program encourages research across a wide range of disciplines:
Health Sciences (e.g., biomedical, public health, epidemiology)
Natural Sciences and Engineering (e.g., robotics, clean energy, data science)
Social Sciences and Humanities (e.g., education, political science, human rights)
Interdisciplinary and cross-agency research proposals are welcome if clearly justified.
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify the Correct Granting Agency
Review your research topic and choose the agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) that aligns with your field. Applications must be submitted to the appropriate agency.
Prepare Required Documents
Research Proposal (max 2 pages)
Canadian Common CV (CCV)
Academic Transcripts
Letters of Reference (2–3)
Personal Statement outlining your motivation and career goals
Optional: Proof of citizenship or residency
Submit Application
If your institution administers CGS D internally, submit by their internal deadline (typically early October)
Otherwise, submit directly through the Research Portal by October 17, 2025
Review and Evaluation
Each agency conducts a merit-based peer review process. Applications are evaluated based on:
Step 5: Notification and Award Start
Research Impact and Career Opportunities
Graduates of the CGS D program are positioned for influential roles in academia, industry, and government. Common career paths include:
Academic Careers
Industry & Innovation
R&D roles in biotechnology, engineering, information technology, and sustainability
Consulting and data analytics
Government and Public Sector
Policy analyst roles in health, environment, and science
Research staff for federal and provincial government departments
Global Organizations
Research and development work in organizations such as WHO, UNDP, and NGOs
Roles in international policy and development
Timeline: Key Dates for 2025–2026
| Milestone | Date |
|---|
| Application Opens | Summer 2025 |
| Institutional Deadlines | September to October 2025 |
| Final Application Deadline (Direct) | October 17, 2025 |
| Result Notification | Spring 2026 |
| Program Start | Fall 2026 |
Contact and Resources
For details on CIHR or SSHRC-specific processes, visit their official websites.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Program Name | Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D) |
| Funding | $40,000/year, up to 3 years |
| Eligibility | Canadian citizens, permanent residents, international students (in Canadian programs) |
| Supported Fields | Health, Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities |
| Administered By | CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC |
| Application Deadline | October 17, 2025 |
| Result Announcement | Spring 2026 |
Final Thoughts
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D) Program represents a vital opportunity for PhD students to pursue world-class research with financial stability and institutional support. It plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of researchers, innovators, and leaders who will address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
If you are an aspiring researcher ready to contribute to Canada’s knowledge economy, now is the time to begin your application journey.
For more information, visit the official CGS D program page
Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGSD) FAQ
Is the CGS D open to international students?Yes, if the student is enrolled in an eligible full-time doctoral program at a Canadian institution.
Can I hold other scholarships while receiving CGS D?No, students may not simultaneously hold other Tri-Agency awards such as Vanier or agency-specific doctoral scholarships.
What happens after the three-year funding term?Students must secure other sources of funding or institutional support if their research exceeds the CGS D funding period.
How competitive is the CGS D program?Highly competitive. Applicants are assessed on academic excellence and research promise.
Do I need a confirmed supervisor?Yes, a supervisor must be identified as part of the research proposal and application.
