If you’re a graduate student looking for financial aid to support your research, the Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Program might be the perfect opportunity for you.
This program is designed to provide funding to students who demonstrate a high level of achievement in their undergraduate and early graduate studies.
Successful candidates are awarded a scholarship valued at $17,500 for up to 12 months of study, and is also available to international students.
If you’re interested in applying for the Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Program, you should start by reviewing the eligibility criteria and application process.
With the right qualifications and a strong application, you could be on your way to receiving a scholarship to support your graduate studies.
Overview of Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Program
If you are a highly qualified student who has demonstrated a high standard of achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies, the Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Program (CGS M) might be the perfect opportunity for you to develop your research skills and receive financial support for your graduate studies.
The objective of the CGS M program is to help train highly qualified personnel by supporting students who show a high standard of achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies.
This program is funded by three federal granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
The CGS M program offers non-renewable scholarships worth $17,500 for one year to eligible applicants pursuing a master’s degree in any field of study.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Graduate Scholarships (Master’s Program)
To be eligible for the Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program (CGS M), you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a Protected Person under subsection 95 (2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) as of the application deadline date. International students can also apply, but must be enrolled to a full-time Master’s program.
- You must have achieved a first-class average, as determined by the university issuing the transcripts, in the last two completed years of study (full-time equivalent).
- You must be enrolled in a full-time admission or have a commitment to full-time admission from an eligible Canadian institution with a CGS M allocation.
- You must not have already received a scholarship or fellowship from the Canadian government to undertake or complete a master’s or doctoral degree.
- You must not be concurrently holding any other SSHRC, NSERC or CIHR award, fellowship or scholarship valued at $17,500 or more per year.
If you are a part-time student, you may still be eligible for the CGS M program if you can demonstrate that you are carrying out research on a full-time basis. However, you will need to provide evidence of this in your application.
If you are not eligible for the CGS M program, there are other scholarship programs available for international students in Canada.
If you are not eligible for this program, there are other scholarship programs available to study in Canada (with different requirements).
Application Process
To apply for the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS M) program, you must follow a few steps. The application process consists of two parts: the online application and the submission of supporting documents.
First, you need to create an account on the Research Portal, which is the system used by the Canadian government to manage research funding applications. Once you have an account, you can access the online application form for the CGS M program.
The online application form will ask you to provide some basic information, such as your contact details, academic history, and research interests. You will also need to provide the names and contact information of two referees who can provide letters of recommendation.
As part of the online application, you will be required to complete the Canadian Common CV (CCV). The CCV is a standardized format for presenting your academic and professional accomplishments, including education, publications, awards, and work experience. You can create and manage your CCV on the Research Portal.
After you have completed the online application, you will need to submit supporting documents to your institution’s scholarship office. The supporting documents include your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any other materials required by your institution.
It is important to note that each institution has its own internal deadline for submitting supporting documents. You should check with your institution’s scholarship office to find out the specific deadline for your application.
The application deadline for the CGS M program is December 1st at 9:00 p.m. AST. It is recommended that you submit your application well in advance of the deadline to avoid any technical issues or delays.
Important Documents
To apply for the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program, you will need to gather a few important documents. Here are the key documents you will need to submit:
Transcripts
You will need to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended. These transcripts should be up-to-date and show your grades for all completed courses.
If you are currently completing a degree, you can submit transcripts that show your grades up until the point of application, but you will need to provide updated transcripts once your final grades are available.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is an important part of your application. It is your chance to explain why you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree and how this program will help you achieve your academic and career goals.
Be sure to highlight any relevant experience or accomplishments that demonstrate your potential to succeed in graduate school.
Other Documents
In addition to transcripts and a personal statement, you may be required to submit other documents depending on the specific requirements of the program you are applying to. For example, you may need to provide letters of reference or a research proposal.
Be sure to carefully review the program description and application instructions to ensure you are submitting all required documents.
Overall, it is important to carefully review the application requirements and ensure you are submitting all necessary documents. This will help ensure your application is complete and has the best chance of being considered for funding.
Research Component
When applying for the Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Program, it is important to note that an eligible graduate program must have a significant research component. This means that the program should have original, autonomous research that leads to the completion of a thesis, major research project, dissertation, scholarly publication, performance, recital, and/or exhibit that is merit/expert-reviewed.
The research component of the program is crucial as it helps develop research skills and assists in the training of highly qualified personnel. It allows students to gain hands-on experience in conducting research and developing new knowledge in their field of study.
To ensure that your graduate program meets the research component requirement, it is important to work closely with your supervisor and the program coordinator. They can provide guidance and support in identifying research opportunities and developing a research plan that meets the program’s requirements.
As a graduate student, you will be expected to conduct research independently, analyze data, and communicate your findings effectively. This requires a strong foundation in research skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Overall, the research component of the Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Program plays a vital role in developing highly skilled researchers who can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field.
By ensuring that your graduate program meets the research component requirement, you can maximize your chances of success in the program and beyond.
Types of Scholarships and Awards
The Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Program is available to students undertaking research in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities.
If you are a high-calibre scholar engaged in an eligible master’s or doctoral program in Canada, you may be eligible for financial support through the Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Program.
There are several types of scholarships and awards available to students, including:
- CGS-M Scholarships: These scholarships provide financial support to high-calibre students engaged in master’s programs in Canada. The support allows these scholars to fully concentrate on their studies in their chosen fields.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to doctoral students who have demonstrated academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. The scholarships provide $50,000 per year for up to three years.
- Tri-Agency Research Training Award: This award is designed to help graduate students develop research skills and assist in the training of highly qualified personnel. The award provides financial support to students who demonstrate a high standard of achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: These fellowships provide funding to top-tier postdoctoral researchers, both nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to Canada’s economic, social, and research-based growth.
- Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements Pilot Initiative: This initiative aims to increase the number of Indigenous scholars in Canada by providing funding to Indigenous students pursuing graduate studies.
- H.L. Holmes Award for Post-Doctoral Studies: This award is given to post-doctoral students who have demonstrated exceptional research potential in the field of natural science or engineering.
- Doctoral Awards: These awards provide financial support to doctoral students who have demonstrated academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
- Royal Military College Scholarships and Awards: These scholarships and awards are available to students who are enrolled in programs at the Royal Military College of Canada.
- International Business Scholarships: These scholarships are available to students who are pursuing graduate studies in international business.
- Bursaries: These awards are designed to provide financial support to students who are experiencing financial hardship.
There are many different types of scholarships and awards available to students through the Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Program.
Whether you are pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, there are many opportunities to receive financial support for your studies.
Selection Process and Success
To be eligible for the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS M), you must have achieved a first-class average in the last two completed years of study. The selection process for the scholarship is highly competitive, and the awards committee looks for students who demonstrate a high standard of achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies.
If you are selected for the CGS M program, it is a great opportunity to develop research skills and assist in the training of highly qualified personnel. The program provides financial support to help you focus on your studies and research, rather than worrying about finances. This support can help you achieve success in your academic pursuits.
Success in the CGS M program requires leadership, performance, and dedication to your research. You will be expected to demonstrate leadership in your research area and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your field. Your performance will be evaluated based on the quality and impact of your research, as well as your ability to communicate your findings effectively.
If you are awarded the CGS M scholarship, it is a significant achievement and recognition of your hard work and dedication to your studies. It is also a valuable addition to your resume and can open up new opportunities for your future career.
Resources and Support
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program offers various resources and support to help you succeed in your studies. Here are some of the resources and support available to you:
Resources
The program provides financial support to high-caliber scholars who are engaged in an eligible master’s or, in some cases, doctoral program in Canada. This support allows these scholars to fully concentrate on their studies in their chosen fields. The CGS M Program supports 3,000 students annually in all disciplines and is administered jointly by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.
In addition to financial support, the program offers various resources to help you with your studies, including:
- Application deadlines and notification of results
- Policies and guidelines
- Award holder’s guides
- Resource videos
Contacts
If you have any questions or concerns about the program, you can contact the program administrators at your institution or contact the following:
- CIHR: [email protected]
- NSERC: [email protected]
- SSHRC: [email protected]
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the most of the resources and support available to you:
- Familiarize yourself with the program’s policies and guidelines to ensure that you are meeting all requirements.
- Use the resource videos to learn more about the application process and how to write a successful application.
- Contact the program administrators or the program administrators at your institution if you have any questions or concerns about the program.
Other Details
If you are awarded the Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s Program (CGS M), there are a few important details you should know.
Firstly, the scholarship is non-renewable, meaning that it is only awarded for one year. However, if you wish to continue your studies beyond one year, you can apply for the scholarship again in the following year.
Secondly, the scholarship is portable, which means that you can use it to study at any Canadian university that offers a Master’s program in your field of study. This is particularly useful if you need to move to a different city or province to pursue your studies.
Thirdly, the scholarship is a funding opportunity, which means that it provides financial support for your studies. The value of the scholarship is $17,500 for one year, which can help cover your tuition fees and living expenses.
If you are a meritorious Indigenous student, you may also be eligible for additional funding opportunities. To be eligible for these opportunities, you must self-identify as Indigenous and provide proof of your status.
Finally, if you have completed graduate-level courses at another Canadian university, you may be able to transfer credits towards your Master’s program. This can help you complete your degree more quickly and efficiently.
Overall, the Canada Graduate Scholarship – Master’s Program is a valuable opportunity for students who demonstrate a high standard of achievement in their undergraduate and early graduate studies. Whether you are pursuing a Master’s degree in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or humanities, this scholarship can help you achieve your academic and career goals.