Canada Graduate Scholarships 2026 - Doctoral (CGS D)
Description
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D) program is one of Canada's most prestigious awards for doctoral students. Designed to support high-achieving scholars across a variety of disciplines, it provides financial support and recognition to help students excel in research-intensive doctoral programs.
Degree Level
Canada Graduate Scholarships 2026 - Doctoral (CGS D) is available to undertake PhD, Research level programs at Canada Universities.
Program of Study Criteria
The doctoral program must be research-oriented and result in a thesis, major research project, or scholarly work that is reviewed at the institutional level. Joint programs that include professional degrees (e.g., MD/PhD) are eligible if they have a strong research component.
Available Subjects
Following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program.
- All Subjects
Benefits
- Value: $40,000 per year
- Duration: Up to 3 years (36 months)
Objective
The CGS D aims to nurture the next generation of Canadian research leaders by providing funding that supports advanced research training. The goal is to foster innovation, critical thinking, and impactful research outcomes across Canada’s academic ecosystem.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be in the first 36 months of full-time doctoral study (including joint programs like MD/PhD, JD/PhD, or MA/PhD).
- Must not have received a prior doctoral-level scholarship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.
- May apply a maximum of three times to the CGS D.
- Cannot concurrently hold a tenure or tenure-track position (exceptions apply).
For International Applicants
- Must be enrolled at an eligible Canadian institution by the application deadline.
Application Procedure
Applicants must apply through either:
- Their Canadian institution (if registered there with an agency quota), or
- Directly to the appropriate agency (if not registered at a Canadian institution with a quota).
Where to Apply
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons: Apply through the institution or directly to the agency, depending on your registration.
- International students: Must apply through a Canadian institution that holds a quota for the selected agency.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated using two core components:
- Research Potential (50%)
- Quality of the proposed research
- Originality and feasibility
- Research contributions (publications, presentations, community outputs)
- Experience and Achievements (50%)
- Academic record
- Awards and distinctions
- Extracurricular and community engagement
- Mentorship, leadership, and outreach
Priority Funding and Special Opportunities
- Indigenous applicants may be considered beyond institutional quotas.
- Black student researchers have access to additional awards under special funding initiatives.
- Up to 20% of CGS D awards can be held at international institutions—but only by Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have completed at least one degree in Canada.
Equity and Research Excellence
The program emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion as essential for innovation. Review processes consider lived experiences and encourage participation from underrepresented groups.
Important Deadlines
- Institutional Deadlines: Set by the graduate studies office at your institution.
- Agency Deadline (Direct Submissions): October 17, by 8:00 PM ET.
Applicants are advised to submit early due to high traffic on application portals near deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can international students apply for the CGS D?
Yes, international students enrolled at an eligible Canadian institution can apply. However, only up to 15% of the awards are allocated to international applicants.
Q2: Can I hold the scholarship abroad?
Yes, but only if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and have completed at least one degree in Canada. Up to 20% of scholarships can be held outside Canada.
Q3: Can I submit applications to more than one agency or program?
No. You may only submit one application per academic year for the CGS D, CGS M, or the Canada Postdoctoral Research Award. Submitting multiple applications will result in disqualification of all but the first.
