The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) is a prestigious program launched by the Canadian government in 2008.
Its primary objective is to attract and retain outstanding doctoral students from around the world, establishing Canada as a global center for excellence in higher learning and research.
This blog post provides an overview of the Vanier CGS, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, and application process.
What is the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?
The Vanier CGS, also known as Vanier CGS Doctoral Scholarship, aims to support exceptional doctoral students who demonstrate leadership skills and scholarly achievements in various fields such as natural sciences and engineering, social sciences and humanities, and health.
This postgraduate scholarship program provides successful applicants with a financial award of up to $50,000 per year for a period of three years.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be considered eligible for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Nomination: Candidates must be nominated by a single institution in Canada that has been allocated a Vanier CGS quota.
- Doctoral Degree: Applicants should be pursuing their first doctoral degree, including joint undergraduate/graduate research programs like MD/Ph.D., DVM/Ph.D., JD/Ph.D., provided they have a significant and demonstrated research component.
- It is important to note that only the Ph.D. portion of a combined degree qualifies for funding.
- Full-time Research: Candidates must have the intention to engage in full-time doctoral research and studies at the nominating institution during the summer semester or the academic year immediately following the announcement of results. Again, only the Ph.D. portion of a combined degree is eligible for funding.
- Duration of Studies: As of May 1, 2021, applicants should have completed no more than 20 months of doctoral studies.
- Academic Excellence: Candidates must have achieved a first-class average, as determined by their institution, in each of the last two years of full-time study or its equivalent. The definition of a first-class average may vary, so it is advisable to consult the respective institution for clarification.
- Scholarship and Fellowship: Applicants must not have previously held or currently hold a doctoral-level scholarship or fellowship from NSERC, CIHR, or SSHRC to complete or undertake a doctoral degree.
Application Process:
To apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, candidates cannot submit their applications directly to the Vanier CGS program.
Instead, they must be nominated by the university where they wish to pursue their doctoral studies.
Interested individuals should contact their chosen institution for more information regarding the nomination process and deadlines.
Conclusion
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for both Canadian and international students to pursue doctoral studies in Canada while receiving financial support.
This program plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining exceptional doctoral students, bolstering Canada’s reputation as a global leader in higher education and research. If you meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to explore this prestigious scholarship and take the first step towards a remarkable academic journey in Canada.