Tri Council Scholarships (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR)
Tri-Agency scholarships are major federal funding opportunities offered by Canada’s three major research grant agencies including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS-D) 2026 Competition
| SGS internal deadline | September 17 at 12:00 p.m. (EST) |
| Value & duration | $40,000 per year (36 months) |
| Level of study | Doctoral |
| Eligibility status | Domestic and international students |
| Competition link | Government of Canada |
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Master’s Program (CGRS-M) 2026 Competition
| Student deadline | December 1, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. (EST) |
| Value & duration | $27,000 for one year |
| Level of study | Master’s, Doctoral (early-stage, direct-entry), and Professional Master’s |
| Required legal status | Domestic |
| Competition link | Government of Canada |
Tri-Agency policy on Indigenous citizenship and membership affirmation
The Policy's objective is to ensure that programs, funding opportunities, and/or appointments intended for First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicants are held by First Nations, Inuit and Métis applicants.
In 2025-26, this Policy has been implemented in selected programs within the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS) - i.e. the Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements (ISAS) Pilot Initiative (all agencies), the Department of National Defence MINDS Master's Scholarships for Indigenous Students (administered by SSHRC), and the NSERC Indigenous Student Ambassadors program.
The Policy and directive will support a wide range of affirmations. Supporting documents must fall under one of the following options:
- Option 1: Official documents issued by Indigenous or federal, territorial, or provincial governments
- Option 2: Personal statement with supporting documentation and reference
Award recipients are required to submit their affirmation documents before activating their award (by early October at the latest) to indigenous-autochtone@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca.
Tri-Council agencies
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
CIHR is the federal government's health research investment agency.
CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada. CIHR was created to transform health research in Canada by funding more research on targeted priority areas; building research capacity in under-developed areas such as population health and health services research; training the next generation of health researchers; and focusing on knowledge translation, so that the results of research are transformed into policies, practices, procedures, products and services.
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
NSERC is a federal research funding agency that aims to make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians.
The agency supports university students in their advanced studies, promotes and supports discovery research and fosters innovation by encouraging Canadian companies to participate and invest in post-secondary research projects. NSERC researchers are on the vanguard of science, building on Canada’s long tradition of scientific excellence.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
SSHRC is a federal research funding agency that promotes and supports post-secondary-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences.
SSHRC-supported research enhances our understanding of modern social, cultural, technological, environmental, economic and wellness issues. It raises profound questions about who we are as human beings, what we need in order to thrive in complex and challenging times, and where we are headed in the new millennium. By focusing on developing talent, generating insights and forging connections across campuses and communities, SSHRC strategically supports world-leading initiatives that reflect a commitment to ensuring a better future for Canada and the world.