Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D) 2026

Host Country: Canada
Program: Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D)
Degree Level: PhD / Doctoral Research
Funding Amount: CAD $40,000/year (up to 3 years)
Application Deadline: October 17, 2025 (agency deadline)
Open To: Canadian & international students

Overview

The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D) Program 2026 supports top-tier PhD students pursuing research-intensive doctoral programs at Canadian universities. Funded by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, this nationally competitive scholarship provides CAD $40,000 per year for up to 3 years, helping emerging researchers lead innovation and contribute to Canada’s global research excellence.

Program Objectives

• Support the training of highly qualified doctoral students in Canada

• Advance Canada’s research capacity and innovation ecosystem

• Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in academia

• Encourage the next generation of research leaders in all disciplines

Eligible Programs of Study

The doctoral program must:

• Be research-based and lead to a thesis, major project, or scholarly work

• Be full-time at a Canadian university

• Include joint programs like MD/PhD, JD/PhD, or MA/PhD with a significant research component

Fields Covered:
All disciplines supported by CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC, including:

• Health Sciences

• Engineering & Physical Sciences

• Social Sciences & Humanities

• Environmental Science

• Law, Economics, and Interdisciplinary Fields

Scholarship Benefits

• CAD $40,000/year for up to 3 years (36 months)

• Total potential funding: CAD $120,000

• Recognition as a national research leader

• Potential to hold the award at top institutions in Canada and abroad (if eligible)

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Eligibility Criteria

You must:

• Be within the first 36 months of full-time doctoral study

• Not have previously held a doctoral-level award from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC

• Apply no more than 3 times to the CGS D program

• Not hold a tenure-track faculty position (with exceptions)

• Be enrolled at an eligible Canadian institution

For International Applicants:

• Must be registered at a Canadian university with agency quota

• Only 15% of awards go to international applicants

Application Procedure

Applicants must apply either:

• Through their Canadian institution (if the university holds a quota for the funding agency), or

• Directly to the agency (if not registered at a quota-holding institution)

Evaluation Criteria

1. Research Potential (50%)

   • Proposed project quality, originality, and feasibility

   • Publications, presentations, and other research outputs

   • Research experience

2. Academic Excellence & Leadership (50%)

   • Academic performance

   • Scholarships and awards

   • Community contributions, mentorship, and outreach

Priority Funding & Special Streams

• Indigenous Applicants: Considered beyond institutional quotas

• Black Student Researchers: Eligible for additional awards

• International Study Option: Up to 20% of awards can be held outside Canada, but only by:

  • Canadian citizens or permanent residents

  • Who completed at least one Canadian degree

Key Deadlines (2025–2026 Cycle)

Submit early to avoid system slowdowns on deadline day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can international students apply?
Yes—if enrolled at an eligible Canadian university with a CGS quota.

Q2. Can I hold this scholarship abroad?
Yes—but only if you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have completed one degree in Canada.

Q3. Can I apply to multiple programs?
No. Only one application per academic year across CGS D, CGS M, and postdoctoral awards.

Final Thoughts

The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D) program is a prestigious opportunity to receive up to $120,000 in funding, gain national recognition, and access advanced training and research resources. Whether you’re focused on health, innovation, environment, or society, this award can help you achieve lasting impact.

Start your application early and consult your university’s graduate studies office today.

Apply Now