Study at McGill University with a CAD $27,000 Government-Funded Master’s Award
Graduate students hoping to build a research career in Canada have a new opportunity to secure substantial financial support for their studies. Applications are now open for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Master’s (CGRS M) 2027, a prestigious federal funding program that awards CAD $27,000 to outstanding students pursuing eligible research-based graduate degrees.
The scholarship supports talented researchers across a broad range of disciplines, including health sciences, engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. One of the program’s biggest advantages is its centralized application system, allowing candidates to apply once while being considered by multiple Canadian universities, including McGill University and other participating institutions.
If you’re planning to begin a research master’s program in Canada, this funding opportunity could significantly reduce your education costs while strengthening your academic profile.
Scholarship Overview
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Canada |
| Scholarship | Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Master’s (CGRS M) |
| Funding Value | CAD $27,000 |
| Funding Duration | One year |
| Administered By | NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR |
| Study Level | Research-based Master’s and selected doctoral pathways |
| Application Method | Online via Canada’s Research Portal |
| Deadline | December 1, 2026 (8:00 p.m.) |
Why the Canada Graduate Research Scholarships Stand Out
Unlike many graduate scholarships that require separate applications for different funding agencies or universities, the CGRS Master’s program offers a streamlined process.
Applicants complete a single online application through Canada’s Research Portal and may select up to three participating Canadian universities where they would like to hold the award.
The program is administered by Canada’s three major federal research agencies:
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
During the application, students simply choose the agency that best aligns with their proposed area of research.
This simplified approach saves applicants time while expanding their opportunities for funding.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful recipients will receive several valuable benefits, including:
- CAD $27,000 in graduate research funding
- Financial support for one academic year
- Recognition through a prestigious Canadian government scholarship
- Opportunity to conduct research at participating Canadian universities
- Enhanced academic credentials for future doctoral studies and research careers
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the 2027 Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Master’s competition, applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
Eligible applicants include:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents of Canada
- Protected persons recognized under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Students admitted to or intending to enroll full-time in an eligible graduate program at a participating Canadian university
- Applicants with a first-class academic average during the final two completed years of study
- Students who have never previously received a CGRS Master’s scholarship
- Candidates who meet the program’s graduate study eligibility limits
Applicants may submit only one application during each competition year.
Eligible Research Areas
The scholarship supports research across numerous academic disciplines, including:
- Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Medicine
- Health Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Interdisciplinary Research
Applicants proposing interdisciplinary research should carefully determine which federal funding agency best matches their research focus before submitting their application.
Additional Support for Indigenous Scholars
Eligible Indigenous applicants may also benefit from the Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements Initiative.
Depending on available funding, successful applicants may receive:
| Award | Funding |
|---|---|
| Indigenous Scholars Award | CAD $27,000 |
| Indigenous Scholars Supplement | CAD $5,000 |
These awards are available to qualifying applicants whose scholarship applications receive either Offered or Alternate status.
Additional Opportunities for Black Student Researchers
To encourage greater diversity in graduate research, the Government of Canada has reserved additional scholarship funding for Black student researchers.
Applicants who voluntarily self-identify as Black during the application process and provide the necessary consent may be considered for additional scholarship awards if they achieve Alternate status during the competition.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through Canada’s official Research Portal.
Before starting your application, you should:
- Confirm your eligibility.
- Identify the appropriate federal research agency.
- Prepare all required academic documents.
- Select up to three participating Canadian universities.
- Submit your application before the official deadline.
Because this is one of Canada’s most competitive graduate funding programs, applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their documents well in advance.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Master’s (CGRS M) 2027 is:
December 1, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. (local time).
Late applications are generally not accepted.
If you’re planning to begin a research-based master’s degree in Canada, preparing a strong application early can improve your chances of securing this prestigious scholarship and advancing your academic career.
More Opportunities: