Tricouncil Doctoral Scholarships

 

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Canada Graduate Research Scholarship  (CGRS)- Doctoral

Please note that the Tricouncil Agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) have recently made numerous, significant changes to their doctoral funding award, formerly known as the Canada Graduate Scholarship-Doctoral (CGS-D). The information about the program is still subject to change and may be updated for 2025. Please check with SGPS and on this website before the application deadline for any updates.

Value and Duration:

Value: $40,000/year
Duration: 36 months
Results: April 30, 2026

 

Key Dates:

  • Week of July 8-9:
    •        Online application portals open for all applications (SSHRC, CIHR, NSERC)
  •  Monday, September 22 (Noon – 12:00pm):
    •       Deadline for students to submit CGRS-D applications via the portal to Western (all agencies).
  • Wednesday, October 1 (9:00am):
    •       Faculties/programs review applications​
  • Friday, November 21:
    •       Deadline for SGPS to submit all quota applications to the agencies.

 

Key Resources:

The Faculty of Social Science is pleased to offer new supports for CGRS-D applicants in the 2025 application cycle. Our information session was held on July 21st. The recording is available for those who were unable to attend:

 

The slides can be found here: Social Science CGRS-D Session Slides

 

Virtual Office Hours:

The Faculty of Social Science Research Office will be holding virtual office hours in July and August for applicants who have questions about proposal development.  

Dates: Wednesdays - July 30th, August 6th, August 13th, August 20th

Time: 12:00-1:00 PM

Zoom Link: https://westernuniversity.zoom.us/j/99178034744

 

Proposal Development and Feedback: 

The Faculty of Social Science Research Office provides feedback and support to Faculty members submitting Tricouncil applications. We would be pleased to provide feedback to CGRS-D applicants for 2025 based on the following:

  1. You must be eligible to submit to the CGRS-D for this application cycle.
  2. You must provide a complete two-page draft. Due to time constraints, outlines and incomplete drafts will not be reviewed. 
  3. You must submit your draft on or before one of the two due dates (August 10th or August 17th).
  4. We will provide a single review for each applicant. Applicants are strongly encouraged to solicit feedback from their supervisor and another non-specialist in their field. 
  5. Your application must be forwarded to socsci-researchofficers@uwo.ca to the attention of Kelly Linton with your proposal attached in .doc format.

 

Due Dates: August 10th and August 17th by 11:59 PM

Submission: A word document should be emailed to socsci-researchofficers@uwo.ca. Applications received after August 17th will not be able to be reviewed.  

 

Key Website Links: 

CGRS-D Website 

SSHRC Portal

CIHR Portal

NSERC Portal

SGPS CGRS-D Page

 

FAQs:

Please note the information about the program is still subject to change and may be updated for 2025. Please check with your Department Administrator or SGPS, and check here prior to the application deadline for any updates. 

1. I am a doctoral student in the Faculty of Social Science. Do I apply through Western or directly to the Tricouncil?

If you are in a doctoral program you MUST apply through your institution.  

2. The Tricouncil portal has a different due date than the one at Western. Which date must I submit by?

You MUST submit your completed application in the portal by the Western deadline of September 22nd at noon. Late applications will not be accepted. 

3. I am a 4th year doctoral student who would like to apply for this opportunity, would I be eligible?

No. You must have completed no more than 36 months in a doctoral program to be eligible for this award. 

4. Will students be taxed on this funding?

The award is categorized as a fellowship and will be reported to the student on a T4A tax slip (non-employment income) at the end of the year. There are no statutory deductions required to be withheld from the payments.

5. Who should I ask to be a referee?

Typically your doctoral supervisor and someone else who can speak to your research capabilities (undergraduate thesis supervisor, someone from your doctoral committee, etc.). Please see the CGRS-D info session slides for more information on how and when to ask for a letter. 

6. When should I begin my application?

Now! Students are encouraged to begin their application in the portal as soon as possible and to begin drafting their proposal. CGRS-D's are very competitive and it takes time to create a strong application. 

7. How do I get a copy of my official transcript? 

Students can request a copy of their official transcript through their Student Centre. Login and choose   View and Order Documents>Order>Official Transcript>Make New Request.  Make sure popups are enabled as the popup blocker may prevent you from being able to complete your request. 

8. Can a student hold more than one Tricouncil CGRS-D?

No, a graduate student can only hold one CGRS-D award.

9. Where do I submit my application?

Applications must be submitted via the Tricouncil portal by Western's due date. The proposals are directed to SGPS for institutional review and adjudication before being forwarded to the Tricouncil.