Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s (CGS M) Program

The Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s (CGS M) program is a prestigious initiative by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) that aims to support high-caliber scholars who are engaged in eligible master’s or, in some cases, doctoral programs in Canada. This comprehensive guide provides you with the necessary information to understand the program and navigate the application process.

Overview of the CGS M Program

The CGS M program provides financial support to scholars, allowing them to fully concentrate on their studies in their chosen fields. The program supports up to 3,000 students annually in all disciplines and is administered jointly by Canada’s three 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 selection process and post-award administration are carried out at the institutional level under the guidance of the three agencies.

The CGS M program offers a scholarship value of $17,500 for 12 months, non-renewable. The application deadline is December 1, and the application procedures are outlined on the program’s website. The application platform, Research Portal, opens in late August or early September.

Eligibility Criteria

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

• 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.
• Be enrolled in, have applied for, or will apply for full-time admission to an eligible graduate program at the master’s or doctoral level at a Canadian institution with a CGS M allocation.
• Have completed, as of December 31 of the year of application, between 0 and 12 months of full-time studies (or full-time equivalent) in the program for which they are requesting funding.
• Not have held or be currently holding a CGS M scholarship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.
• Have achieved a first-class average, as determined by the host institution, in each of the last two completed years of study (full-time equivalent).

Application Procedures

The application process for the CGS M program is rigorous and involves several steps:

• Identify Area of Research: Applicants must identify their research area and the institution at which they want to hold the fellowship.
• Prepare Application: Applicants must prepare their application package, which includes a research proposal, applicant’s CV, and letters of reference.
• Institutional Endorsement: Applications must be endorsed by the institution at which the fellowship will be held.
• Submission of Application: Completed applications must be submitted through the ResearchNet application system.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Academic Excellence (50% weight): This is assessed based on the quality of the applicant’s academic record, scholarships and awards held, duration of previous studies, type of program and courses pursued, course load, and relative standing (if available).
• Research Potential (30% weight): This is evaluated based on the quality and originality of contributions to research and development, relevance of work experience and academic training to the 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, and research experience and achievements relative to expectations of someone with the applicant’s academic experience.
• Personal Characteristics and Interpersonal Skills (20% weight): This is assessed based on 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, and involvement in academic life, volunteerism/community outreach.

Notification of Results and Conditions of the Award

Offers of awards will be available in the Research Portal as of April 1. Alternate offers may be made up until January 31 of the next calendar year. It is the responsibility of the applicant to regularly check the Research Portal between April 1 and January 31 for results of the competition.

Awards must be held at the institution where the offer of award originates. Awards are not intended to be portable; however, at the discretion of the host institution and with agency approval, exceptions may be made in certain circumstances.

The award is subject to final approval by the relevant agency before funds can be released. The awardee cannot be concurrently holding another CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC award, with the exception of the Michael Smith Foreign Studies Supplement (MSFSS). The agencies reserve the right to interpret and enforce the policies and guidelines for their funding opportunities set out in their published materials.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The tri-agency is committed to achieving a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive Canadian research enterprise. This principle informs the commitments described in the tri-agency statement on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

Contact Information

The first point of contact for the CGS M program is the faculty of graduate studies or its equivalent at the institutions where you intend to hold the award. You can also contact any of Canada’s three granting agencies for information about this program. You should communicate with the agency whose mandate corresponds to your field of research.

In conclusion, the CGS M program is a fantastic opportunity for high-caliber scholars to receive financial support for their master’s or doctoral studies in Canada. By understanding the program’s objectives, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and selection process, prospective applicants can navigate the application process and increase their chances of success.