Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program is one of Canada's most distinguished doctoral awards, designed to attract and retain world-class PhD students from Canada and around the globe. Established in 2008, it aims to position Canada as a global leader in research and higher learning.

Overview & Value

• Offers $50,000 per year for a duration of 3 years—totalling $150,000 CAD per scholar.

• Each year, up to 166 scholars are selected nationwide.

Selection Criteria
Candidates are evaluated on:

• Academic excellence (top grades and scholarly achievement)

• Research potential

• Leadership qualities (demonstrated and potential)

Eligibility

• Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students.

• Candidates must be nominated by a Canadian institution holding a Vanier quota; nominations are limited per institution.

• Must be pursuing their first doctoral degree (including certain joint programs), and have completed no more than 20 months of PhD studies (or 32 months in combined programs).

• Fields covered include health research, natural sciences & engineering, and social sciences & humanities.

Application Timeline

• Universities conduct internal reviews before submitting nominations.

• Official timelines vary, but typical deadlines occur in late fall (e.g., end of October/early November)

Why It Matters

• Among the most prestigious doctoral awards in Canada.

• The funding offers PhD candidates the freedom to focus fully on their research.

• Vanier Scholars join a renowned academic cohort, enhancing career trajectories, networking opportunities, and global recognition.