Tri-Council

Tri-Council Masters Scholarships Guide

CIHR/NSERC/SSHRC Canada Graduate Research Scholarships - Master's

$27,000 for 12 months


Award Supplements

  • Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements Pilot Initiative - SSHRC and NSERC will provide financial support to meritorious Indigenous students who have applied to the CGS-M.
    • Indigenous Scholars Award - $27,500
    • Indigenous Scholars Supplement - $5,000

Joint Initiatives

  • MINDS and SSHRC masters scholarships for Indigenous Students - $17,500.
  • MINDS and SSHRC scholarship initiatives - $10,000. 

CHIR Strategic Awards Program

  • CIHR offers additional training programs, awards, and initiatives for students engaging in research in high-priority topics. These opportunities can be found through CIHR's Institute Initiatives website on the Multi-stage and Transition Awards / CIHR Institute Initiatives tabs. 

Canadian, permanent resident, or protected persons. Students must meet all the eligibility criteria.

Evaluation of CGRSM applications is based on the following criteria:

Criteria Description Weight
Academic excellence As demonstrated by past academic results, transcripts, awards and distinctions

Indicators of academic excellence:
  • academic record
  • scholarships and awards held
  • duration of previous studies
  • type of program and courses pursued
  • course load
  • relative standing (if available)
 50%
Research potential As demonstrated by your research history, your interest in discovery, the proposed research, its potential contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field and any anticipated outcomes

Indicators of research potential:
  • quality and originality of contributions to research and development
  • relevance of work experience and academic training to field of proposed research
  • significance, feasibility and merit of proposed research
  • judgment and ability to think critically
  • ability to apply skills and knowledge
  • initiative and autonomy
  • research experience and achievements relative to expectations of someone with your academic experience
 30%
Personal characteristics and interpersonal skills As demonstrated by your past professional and relevant extracurricular interactions and collaborations

Indicators of personal characteristics and interpersonal skills:
  • work experience
  • leadership experience
  • project management, including organizing conferences and meetings
  • ability or potential to communicate theoretical, technical or scientific concepts clearly and logically in written and oral formats
  • involvement in academic life
  • volunteerism/community outreach
 20%

Eligible students can apply to up to three institutions by completing and submitting an application within the Research Portal, and will include:
  1. a Canadian Common CV
  2. A completed application form (Research Portal)
  • Summary of proposal
  • Biliography and citations
  • Special Circumstances 
  • Transcripts (Official copies of all Post-Secondary transcripts is required)
  • References

For a detailed look at how to complete the application process, check out the program's resources and guides.


Up-to-date and official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate studies must be included in the application.

UNB students can order official copies online.


Deadline for applications to be submitted within the Research Portal is Dec. 1 annually. Students should refer to the timeline of events for additional details. 

Note: Results are released to all students on April 1 annually and can be viewed in the Research Portal.


NSERC has produced videos to assist all CGRSM applicants navigate the application process:

Guidelines for selecting the approriate Federal Granting Agency.