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Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Master's (CIHR, NSERC & SSHRC)
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Master's Program (CGRS M) supports Canadian students in all disciplines and is administered jointly by Canada's three federal granting agencies. This program was formerly known as the CGS M Program.
Download the PowerPoint Presentation ↓
The Tri-Agencies
The Tri-Agencies refer to the three federal granting agencies that support research in Canada:
- CIHR the Canadian Institutes for Health Research
- NSERC the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
- SSHRC the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Application Portal opens: SFU Deadline: Award Value: |
Candidate Eligibility:
International students are not eligible to apply. |
Note: applications must be complete and submitted by the deadline. Applications cannot be returned corrected or updated after December 1st.
Canadian Graduate Scholarships
Not sure where your research fits?
How to Apply
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Check eligibilityConfirm that you meet all the criteria below before you apply. Eligible programs must be predominantly research oriented and research must meet general guidelines for subject matter. |
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Review evaluation criteriaApplications are adjudicated, and available funds awarded, through a merit review process.Learn more about the evaluation criteria → |
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Prepare your applicationApplications are completed in the Research Portal and include a Canadian Common CV (CCV). The portal opens in September. Candidates can start completing a CCV anytime. You may be eligible for supplements and initiatives, which you can self-identify and apply for directly within the application. |
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Complete your applicationFollow the application instructions.Complete applications must be submitted no later than December 1st. No late applications will be accepted. View application instructions → |
Questions about eligibility or application process?
Watch a Session Recording, contact gradawards@sfu.ca or attend a CGRS-M drop in:
Wednesdays on Zoom, Nov 12 - 26, 10:30am - 12:00
Thursday, in-person MBC 1100, Nov 27, 2:00 - 3:00
Fridays in-person MBC 1100, Nov 7 - 28, 2:00 - 3:30
Transcripts
We recommend using official transcripts — they’re clearer, more complete, and make a better impression on reviewers.
SFU students may use an unofficial SFU transcript IF SFU is the only institution reviewing your CGRS-M application.
Competition Timeline (2025)
| December 1 5:00 PM (PST) |
Student deadline to submit the full application on Research Portal. If the deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, applications must be submitted before 5:00 p.m. (PST) the following business day. |
| February |
University Scholarship Selection Committee (USSC) deadline to make final decisions |
| March | Tri-agencies approve university nominations |
| April 1 | Students can access their application status on the Research Portal |
CGRS Master's Acceptance & Setup Process at SFU
1. Accept Award in Research Portal
- Awardees must accept within 21 days of receiving the award offer.
- Awardees must read the Tri-Agency Award Holder’s Guide for terms and conditions.
2. Notice of Award Sent to SFU
- SFU automatically receives your Notice of Award after you accept your award.
- Masters level award winners do not need to complete/send 1st installment forms.
3. SFU Sets Up Award Record
- Graduate award staff creates and sends an award payment offer through the Graduate Awards System.
- If you are new to SFU you will receive the offer approximately 1 month prior to your start term.
4. Accept SFU Payment Offer
- You must accept the award in SFU's system to receive payment. Notify the award team if you plan to change your start term.
5. Receive Payments
- Awards are paid according to the timing and process outlined on Payment & Policies