CGRS Master's program
The program supports the development of research skills and the training of highly qualified personnel. It provides funding to students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies.
Awards are allocated annually to Canadian universities by the tri-agency council (, , ). Successful applicants must hold the award at the Canadian institution that offers it.
Resources
If you have any questions about applying for a CGRS-M scholarship, or would like any clarification on the information provided above, please contact our Scholarships Officer, Tammy Power-Taylor (gradawards@mun.ca).
Supplementary funding opportunities
Indigenous scholars awards and supplements
This initiative provides additional funding to Indigenous students who apply to CGRS-M and are deemed meritorious;
- Applicants must self-identify as Indigenous
- Successful candidates may be asked to provide documentation confirming Indigenous citizenship or membership
- Deadline: December 1, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. (EST)
Black student researchers
Additional funding is available to support Black student researchers;
- Applicants must self-identify and consent within the application
- A limited number of additional awards are available through each agency
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Person as of the application deadline
- Be enrolled in, applying to, or intending to apply for full-time admission to an eligible graduate program at a Canadian institution with a CGRS-M allocation
- Meet the admissions deadline of their chosen graduate program at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ University
- Have completed, as of December 31, 2026:
- Between 0 and 12 months of full-time study in an eligible graduate program, or
- Between 4 and 12 months in a master’s program that transitions into a doctoral program
- Not have previously held a tri-agency master’s-level scholarship (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC)
- Not have previously held an Indigenous Scholars Award and Supplement
- Have achieved a first-class average (e.g., A- or equivalent) in each of the last two completed years of study
- Submit only one tri-agency application per year
Program eligibility
Eligible programs must include a significant research component, such as:
- Thesis
- Major research project
- Dissertation
- Scholarly publication, performance, or exhibition
Programs that are course-based only are generally not eligible.
Application process
Applicants must:
- Complete the application through the
- Submit a
- Select up to three Canadian universities where they wish to hold the award
Applications must include:
- Completed online application (all sections)
- Research proposal outline
- All academic transcripts (combined into one PDF)
- CCV confirmation number
- Two academic reference assessments
Important notes:
- Applications are due December 1, 2026 at 8:00 PM (EST) (no extensions)
- Applications cannot be edited after submission
Transcripts
Applicants must submit:
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- A Fall 2026 transcript, even if no grades are available, – please note you need to request after the first day of classes September 9, 2026 to ensure your Fall registration appears on your official transcript
Guidelines:
- Transcripts must be complete, legible, and up to date
- Official e-transcripts must have encryption removed
- Unofficial transcripts are accepted but must include applicant and institution names
- All transcripts must be combined into a single PDF file
Applicants are responsible for ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Selection process
At ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ University:
- Applications are reviewed centrally through the tri-agency national process
- ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ University’s CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC committees adjudicate applications and select awards within the university’s allocated quota.
- Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, and personal achievements
Results
- Results are released through the on April 1, 2027
- Alternate offers may be made until January 31, 2028
Response Timeline:
- Applicants have 21 days to accept or decline an offer
- Failure to respond results in automatic decline