Scholarship at a glance
Deadline: December 1 by 9:00 p.m. AST.
Value: $17,500 per year for one year
Scholarship type: Entrance or in-program
Degree level: Thesis-based master's
Available to: Canadian students
Renewable: No
Elegible students, discover the Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements at the bottom of the page.
Virtual information session
Recorded on September 8, 2021, this session provides an overview of the application process for Tri-Agency (SSHRC, NSERC and CIHR) scholarships at Dalhousie University. The session includes a panel discussion from experienced reviewers exploring lessons learned and best practices to consider when preparing your application to maximize your chances for success. Even though this recording is from last year, all of the reviewers’ recommendations are still relevant.
Description
The federal Tri-Agencies (Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Social Sciences and the Humanities Research Council) and their provincial counterparts are dedicated to the creation of new knowledge for the benefit of all Canadians. These agencies support master’s students through the Canadian Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program.
CGS-M scholarships are currently reviewed and awarded through Dalhousie University, with awards issued each year to applicants who, as of December 31 of the year of the competition, have not completed more than 12 months of full-time academic study in their master’s program.
Complete details on the CGS-M application process and eligibility criteria can be found on the Tri-Agency website. Applications are submitted through the Research Portal.
NSERC has produced two videos to assist applicants through the postgraduate application process.
CGS-M award results are announced in early April by the Tri-agency. Strong applicants are also encouraged to participate in the Harmonized Scholarship Process by opting in to use their CGS M application to be considered for other awards. Applicants who plan to opt-in to use their CGS M application for this purpose must do so in the FGS portal before December 1, 2023, 9:00 p.m. AST.
Acceptance of awards
Tri-agency master's awards (CGS-M) may be taken up in May, September or January in the year following the competition provided the applicant meets all eligibility criteria for the award. Master's students can indicate the desired starting term when accepting the award in the Research Portal.
Offered: Students who have been offered an award must accept or decline it in the research portal within 21 days of receiving the offer or it will be automatically declined. Students who have been offered an award but do not plan to take it up at Dalhousie are asked to decline the award in the portal as soon as possible.
Alternate: New award offers may be made to high-ranking students who have been marked as alternates as declines are recorded. These new offers will be made prior to the end of May.
Eligibility criteria
- You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
You must be enrolled in, have applied for or will apply for full-time admission to an eligible graduate program.
As of December 31 of the year you are applying for the scholarship, you must have completed between zero and 12 months of full-time studies in your graduate program.
Application overview
Submit your application through the Research Portal found on the Government of Canada’s website.
Upload official transcripts issued by the Registrar’s Office.
Ensure references and all other application materials are submitted by the deadline.
Contact prospective supervisors within the department before applying.
Write your research proposal in plain language.
Be sure to highlight your leadership, volunteer and professional activities.
Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements
Value: Up to $22,500 per year for one year
Scholarship type: Entrance or in-program
Degree level: Thesis-based master's
Available to: Indigenous students eligible to apply to the CGS-M program
Renewable: No
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) have launched a pilot funding initiative to further support Indigenous students pursuing master’s level studies.
Eligible students can submit their application using the same application process as the Canada Graduate Scholarships—Master’s (CGS M) program. For more information on the initiative, application process and eligibility requirements, consult the funding opportunity webpage.