Description

The Canada Graduate Scholarships — Master’s 2025 (CGS M) program is a prestigious scholarship initiative aimed at fostering the development of research skills and supporting the training of highly qualified individuals in Canada. This program provides financial support to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies. With a value of $17,500 for 12 months, the scholarship is non-renewable and is administered jointly by Canada’s three granting agencies: the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

Objective

The primary objective of the CGS M program is to aid in the development of research skills and contribute to the training of personnel by supporting students who have shown a high level of achievement in their academic pursuits. This financial support allows scholars to focus more on their studies and research within their chosen fields.

This comprehensive overview of the Canada Graduate Scholarships — Master’s program provides potential applicants with the essential information needed to understand the program's objective, eligibility criteria, application procedures, selection process, and the importance of equity and diversity within the Canadian research landscape.

About NSERC:

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is a federal agency that supports university-based research and innovation in the natural sciences and engineering fields. NSERC provides funding for research projects, partnerships, and scholarships to help develop highly qualified personnel and advance Canada's global leadership in science and technology. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, NSERC aims to drive scientific discoveries, promote innovation, and contribute to Canada's economic and social well-being.

Degree Level

NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarships - Masters Program 2025 is available to undertake Masters level programs at Canada Universities.

Available Subjects

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• All Subjects

Benefits

Value: $17,500 for 12 months, non-renewable

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is only open to domestic students.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CGS M program, applicants must meet several criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a Protected Person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act by the application deadline.
• Enrollment: Applicants must be enrolled in, have applied for, or plan to apply for full-time admission to an eligible graduate program at the master's or doctoral level that can be started within the eligible dates of the competition year at a Canadian institution with a CGS M allocation.
• Academic Progress: Must have completed between 0 and 12 months of full-time studies (or full-time equivalent) in the program for which funding is requested by December 31 of the year of application.
• Previous Scholarships: Should not have previously held or currently hold a CGS M scholarship from NSERC, CIHR, or SSHRC.
• Academic Excellence: Must have achieved a first-class average, as determined by the host institution, in each of the last two completed years of study.

Application Procedure

Steps to Apply:

• Research Portal: Create or access an application through the Research Portal.
• Canadian Common CV: Create a Canadian Common CV by logging in to the relevant website.
• Submission: Complete and submit the application before the deadline that is 1st December, 2024.

Selection Process and Criteria

The selection process for the CGS M program is coordinated by the faculty of graduate studies (or its equivalent) at each institution. The evaluation of applications is based on three main criteria:

• Academic Excellence (50%): Evaluated based on academic records, scholarships, awards, type of program and courses pursued, and relative standing.
• Research Potential (30%): Assessed by the quality and originality of contributions to research, relevance of work experience, and the significance of the proposed research.
• Personal Characteristics and Interpersonal Skills (20%): Demonstrated through past professional and extracurricular interactions, leadership experience, and the ability to communicate scientific concepts.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

The CGS M program emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion in its selection process. The program is committed to supporting a diverse range of scholars, including Black student researchers, by deploying additional funds to increase direct support. Applicants who self-identify as Black and consent to be considered for specific group funding may receive this support.

Notification of Results

Results are announced in the Research Portal starting from April 1, 2025. Alternate offers may be made until January 31 of the next calendar year. Applicants are responsible for regularly checking the portal for updates.