The NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS) is a prestigious scholarship awarded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), a federal agency that supports research and innovation in natural sciences and engineering. NSERC plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation in Canada.
The purpose of the scholarship is to support outstanding graduate students in natural sciences and engineering fields. The scholarship helps to foster research excellence and encourage students to pursue advanced studies.
As a recipient, this allows you to dedicate your full focus to your academics and connect with top-notch research mentors in your respective disciplines.
Eligibility for NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS)
To qualify for the application, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency in Canada, or Protected Person status under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) by the application deadline.
- Have completed no more than 24 months of full-time study in your doctoral program or the Ph.D. segment of your joint professional undergraduate/Ph.D. program (e.g., MD/Ph.D., JD/Ph.D., DVM/PhD) by December 31 of the application year, if previously enrolled in a graduate program.
- Have completed no more than 36 months of full-time study in your doctoral program by December 31 of the application year, if transitioning directly from a bachelor’s to a Ph.D. program without prior enrollment in another graduate program.
- For direct-entry applicants, be actively enrolled in your doctoral program at the time of application.
- Have completed no more than 36 months of full-time study in the PhD segment of your joint professional undergraduate/PhD program (e.g., MD/PhD, JD/PhD, DVM/PhD) by December 31 of the application year, if you have not previously enrolled in another graduate program.
- If not previously enrolled in another graduate program, be enrolled in your joint MD/PhD program at the time of application.
- Have completed no more than 36 months of full-time study in your joint program by December 31 of the application year, if enrolled in a joint graduate program (e.g., MA/PhD, MSc/PhD, MBA/PhD).
- If falling into this category, have access to the 36-month study window regardless of prior enrollment in a master’s program.
Scholarship benefits
The NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS) offers generous financial support to recipients, including:
- Stipend for living expenses.
- Research allowance to support their research activities.
- Travel funds for conferences and research-related travel.
- Prestigious recognition within the academic and research community.
Application Deadline for NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS)
The application deadline for NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS) varies depending on the specific program within NSERC. Generally, the deadlines are in the fall for the following academic year. Applicants must check the NSERC website or contact their university’s research office for the exact deadlines.
How to apply for NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS)
To apply, you need to fill out the application for the agency that best matches your research topic. This ensures that your application is assessed by experts in fields closely related to your area(s) of study. For detailed guidance, check the information on selecting the appropriate federal granting agency here.
To complete the application process, follow the instructions provided on the respective agency’s application website:
- NSERC: Online system and guidelines
- CIHR: ResearchNET platform and instructions
- SSHRC: Online system and guidance
Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered for the competition.
You must submit your application either through a Canadian institution or directly to the relevant agency, depending on your registration status. Submitting through the incorrect channel will lead to rejection of your application.
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