Provides a $50,000 CAD per year stipend for three years of doctoral study. 3 years doctoral (non-renewable)
ProviderGovernment of Canada
CountryCanada (North America)
Host university / institutionCanadian universities with a Vanier CGS quota
Degree levelsPhD
Fields of studyHealth Sciences, Natural Sciences & Engineering, Social Sciences & Humanities
Funding typeStipend Only
Application feeFree
DeadlineNational competition deadline in early November; institutional internal deadlines earlier. Note: transitioning to the Canada Graduate Scholarship - Doctoral; verify current program status.
IntakeSeptember (Fall)
Applications openVaries
CompetitionVery High
Programme duration3 years doctoral (non-renewable)
Pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian institution
Must be nominated by the institution where you intend to study
Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign citizens
Assessed on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership
Must attain an average score of at least 3.1 in each of the three criteria
Institution must have an available nomination quota
Benefits and coverage
$50,000 CAD per year for three years
Prestigious nationally recognized doctoral award
Supports study at any Canadian institution with a Vanier quota
Open to Canadian and international students
Recognizes leadership alongside academic and research excellence
Required documents
Personal Leadership Statement (max 2 pages)
Research Proposal (max 2 pages)
Academic transcripts
Letters of reference / referee assessments
Canadian Common CV
Voluntary Self-Identification Form for Indigenous applicants (optional)
How to apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
National competition deadline in early November; institutional internal deadlines earlier. Note: transitioning to the Canada Graduate Scholarship - Doctoral; verify current program status. Submit a complete application before the November deadline.
Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.
Amount / coverageProvides a $50,000 CAD per year stipend for three years of doctoral study.
LevelsPhD
Frequently asked questions
Pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian institution Must be nominated by the institution where you intend to study Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and foreign citizens Assessed on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership Must attain an average score of at least 3.1 in each of the three criteria Institution must have an available nomination quota
$50,000 CAD per year for three years Prestigious nationally recognized doctoral award Supports study at any Canadian institution with a Vanier quota Open to Canadian and international students Recognizes leadership alongside academic and research excellence
Personal Leadership Statement (max 2 pages) Research Proposal (max 2 pages) Academic transcripts Letters of reference / referee assessments Canadian Common CV Voluntary Self-Identification Form for Indigenous applicants (optional)
National competition deadline in early November; institutional internal deadlines earlier. Note: transitioning to the Canada Graduate Scholarship - Doctoral; verify current program status.
No — applications for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are free.