Canada Impact+ Scholarships 2026: Fully Funded Research Opportunities

Canada has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative for international researchers—the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards 2026. This program is one of the largest government-funded opportunities for doctoral and postdoctoral candidates, designed to attract top global talent to Canadian universities. With funding aligned to the 2026–2027 academic year, it’s a major step in strengthening Canada’s position as a global research leader.

   

What Exactly Is the Canada Impact+ Program?

The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards are fully funded scholarships introduced under Budget 2025 – Canada Strong. They are jointly administered by Canada’s three major research councils:

• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

Backed by a CAD 133.6 million investment over three years, the program aims to recruit international doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers into high-impact research areas that align with Canada’s innovation and economic priorities.

Funding and Benefits

The program offers 1,000 fully funded awards through the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS). Here’s what successful candidates can expect:

• Doctoral Scholarships (600 awards): CAD 40,000 per year for up to three years
• Postdoctoral Awards (400 awards): CAD 70,000 per year for up to two years

This level of support allows recipients to focus entirely on their research without financial stress, making it one of the most attractive scholarship packages globally.

Priority Research Areas

Applicants must be recruited into projects that fall under one of Canada’s eight national priority research areas:

• Advanced digital technologies (AI, quantum, cybersecurity)
• Health and biotechnology
• Clean technology and resource value chains
• Environment, climate resilience, and Arctic research
• Food and water security
• Democratic and community resilience
• Manufacturing and advanced materials
• Defence and dual-use technologies

These areas reflect Canada’s long-term goals of innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, candidates must meet the following conditions:

• Be international doctoral students or postdoctoral researchers (including Canadian citizens currently living abroad).
• Secure nomination from an eligible Canadian researcher with an active grant from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.
• Align their research with one of the eight priority areas.
• Have their host institution submit the application on their behalf.

Importantly, applicants cannot apply independently. Universities will manage nominations, subject to institutional limits and agency-specific rules.

How the Application Process Works

The awards follow a nomination-based model. Canadian universities receive a set number of nominations and internally select suitable candidates. Once chosen, the institution submits the application to the relevant funding agency for review.

This process ensures that candidates are matched with projects that directly support Canada’s strategic research priorities.

You can read the official announcement and apply here: Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards Launch.

Timeline and Deadlines

The program will roll out in two phases:

• Phase One: Nominations submitted by early 2026, with funding results announced by April 1, 2026.
• Phase Two: Begins April 1, 2026, redistributing unused nominations and adjusting allocations across agencies and research areas.

These timelines align with recruitment and research starts for the 2026–2027 academic cohort. Universities will receive detailed nomination instructions directly from the funding agencies.

Why This Matters

For international researchers, the Canada Impact+ Awards represent a rare opportunity: generous funding, access to world-class institutions, and the chance to contribute to projects that shape Canada’s future. For Canada, it’s about building a stronger research ecosystem and attracting talent that can drive innovation and resilience.

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the Canada Impact+ Awards? International doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, including Canadian citizens living abroad, can be nominated.

2. How much funding is available? Doctoral candidates receive CAD 40,000 annually for up to three years, while postdoctoral researchers receive CAD 70,000 annually for up to two years.

3. Can I apply directly? No. Applications must be submitted through a Canadian university by a nominating researcher with an active grant.

4. What are the priority research areas? Eight areas including AI, biotechnology, clean tech, climate resilience, food security, democratic resilience, advanced manufacturing, and defence technologies.

5. When will results be announced? The first round of results will be released by April 1, 2026.

This program is a game-changer for international researchers looking to build their careers in Canada. With full funding, strategic research areas, and a clear timeline, the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards 2026 are set to become one of the most competitive and prestigious opportunities worldwide.

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