Overview
Starting in 2025, Tri-agency doctoral awards were harmonized into the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — Doctoral (CGRS-D) program (sometimes referred to as part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite). The program supports outstanding doctoral students across health, natural sciences & engineering, and social sciences & humanities with substantial funding (e.g., $40,000/year for up to 3 years). Eligibility and application are coordinated through eligible Canadian universities.
Who is eligible (high level)
- Doctoral (PhD) students meeting the Tri-agency’s eligibility rules. Many universities nominate candidates and administer the application on behalf of students. International students enrolled at eligible Canadian institutions may be eligible under the harmonized rules — check the CGRS-D program page at your institution. Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Key dates (example/most recent cycle)
- University internal deadlines vary (example: some institutions requested applicant forms by early September 2025; institutional nomination deadlines are often in September–October 2025 for the national competition). The national program page provides the competition window — check the Tri-agency site or your university’s graduate funding page. University of Waterloo
Step-by-step: How to apply (detailed)
- Read the national CGRS-D program web page
- The Tri-agency site lists eligibility, value, and competition rules. Understand whether you apply directly or via your university’s internal nomination process. sshrc-crsh.canada.ca
- Contact your graduate studies office / scholarship office
- Most universities require candidates to apply internally so the university can submit nominations to the Tri-agency competition. Find your graduate unit’s deadline and application form (these vary by institution). School of Graduate Studies
- Prepare application materials
- Typical items: research proposal, academic transcripts, supervisor support letters, CV, and any ranking forms. Follow your university’s checklist and the Tri-agency instructions.
- Submit to your university by the internal deadline
- Submit all materials to the graduate office early — universities have strict internal deadlines to meet the national competition date.
- University nominates and submits to Tri-agency
- If nominated, your university will forward the package to the national competition. Wait for national results as per the Tri-agency schedule.
Practical tips & warnings
- Check your university’s internal deadlines — missing those will disqualify you. Universities often set internal deadlines weeks before the national cut-off. University of Waterloo
- The competition is very competitive. Strong, clear research proposals and strong supervisor support letters are critical.
- If you are an international student, confirm eligibility under the harmonized rules; some changes in 2025 expanded eligibility for international students enrolled at Canadian institutions. Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Official source / apply link
Tri-agency CGRS-D program pages (SSHRC / NSERC / CIHR) and university graduate award pages. Begin your application here
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