If you are looking to pursue your PhD in Canada, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) program is an incredible opportunity. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship offers fully-funded PhD scholarships worth $50,000 per year for three years. This prestigious program, open to both Canadian and international students, aims to attract world-class doctoral candidates to Canadian institutions and support their studies in areas like natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and health research.
Launched by the Canadian Government in 2008, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is designed to retain talented students who exhibit exceptional leadership skills and academic excellence. The application process is highly competitive, with candidates needing to be nominated by a Canadian university. If you meet the eligibility criteria, this scholarship can be your gateway to advanced research and career development in one of the top academic environments in the world.
Details of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship:
- Host Country: Canada
- Host Institution: Any Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota
- Program Level: PhD (Doctoral)
- Scholarship Duration: 3 years
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Benefits of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship provides the following benefits to successful applicants:
- A generous funding of $50,000 per year for three years to cover tuition, living expenses, and research costs.
- The opportunity to pursue a PhD in one of Canada’s top institutions.
- Networking with world-class researchers and gaining access to cutting-edge resources in your field of study.
- Boosting your academic and professional career through leadership development and advanced research training.
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Eligibility Criteria for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
To be eligible for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or an international student.
- Must be pursuing your first doctoral degree (PhD or combined programs like MD/PhD, DVM/PhD, JD/PhD).
- Must not have completed more than 20 months of full-time doctoral studies by May 1, 2024.
- Must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota.
- Must have achieved a first-class average in each of the last two years of full-time study.
- Must not hold a doctoral-level scholarship or fellowship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC to undertake or complete a PhD.
How to Apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
The application process for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship follows these steps:
- Research Canadian institutions with a Vanier CGS quota through the Universities Canada website.
- Contact the faculty of graduate studies at your chosen institution to express your intent to apply.
- Submit your application through the ResearchNet system before the institution’s internal deadline.
- The institution will nominate selected candidates for the scholarship.
- Nominated applications must be submitted by the institution to the Vanier-Banting Secretariat by November 1, 2024.
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Documents Required
To apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, you will need the following documents:
- ResearchNet application form
- Two reference letters
- A Common CV (CCV)
- A one-page document outlining your research contributions
- A two-page Personal Leadership Statement
- Two Leadership reference letters
- A two-page research proposal
- Academic transcripts and certificates
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Application Deadline
- Institution Internal Deadline: Each institution has its own internal deadline, which will appear on ResearchNet. Check with your institution for specific dates.
- Program Deadline: The final program deadline for institutions to submit nominations is November 1, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can international students apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?
Yes, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is open to international students, along with Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
How much is the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship worth?
The scholarship provides $50,000 per year for three years.
Can I apply directly for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?
No, students must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota. You cannot apply directly to the program.
What is the main focus of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?
The scholarship supports PhD students in fields like natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and health research.
What is the deadline for Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship applications?
The deadline for institutions to submit nominations is November 1, 2024, but each institution will have its own internal deadline.
Are there specific requirements for part-time students?
Yes, part-time students can apply but must provide proof of special circumstances, such as disability or family commitments.
Can I apply for other scholarships while applying for Vanier CGS?
Yes, but if selected for multiple awards, you must choose one scholarship.
What documents do I need for the application?
You need reference letters, a research proposal, academic transcripts, a CV, and more. Check the detailed list under “Documents Required.”
When will the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship results be announced?
Results will be announced in April 2025.
What research areas are supported by the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?
The scholarship supports research in natural sciences, engineering, health research, social sciences, and humanities.
