Are you thinking about doing a PhD in natural sciences or engineering in Canada? Then you’ll definitely want to know about the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and its funding opportunities.
As Canada’s main research funding body, NSERC offers some seriously generous financial support through its PhD programs. We’re talking $40,000 per year for three years through their CGS D and PGS D programs.
But, let’s be honest, securing this funding is competitive. There are a lot of requirements, deadlines, and procedures to navigate. Don’t worry, though – that’s what this guide is for. We’ll break down everything you need to know so you can put your best foot forward.
What to expect in this guide
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from eligibility and application steps to deadlines and success rates. We’ll look at:
- What exactly the NSERC PhD funding program is
- What the eligibility requirements are
- The step-by-step application process
- The value of the funding and how it’s distributed
- Key elements of a successful application
- Important deadlines and timelines
- Reporting requirements and conditions
- Competitiveness and success rates
So, if you’re ready to learn how to get your hands on this career-defining funding, keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- NSERC offers $40,000 annually for three years through CGS D and PGS D programs, supporting PhD research in natural sciences and engineering.
- Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents with less than 24 months of doctoral study completed by December 31.
- Applications require research outlines, bibliographies, and contributions statements, submitted through NSERC’s online portal by October deadlines.
- Success rates average 40-50% for PGS D applications, with 740 total awards available for 2024 across both funding streams.
- Recipients must maintain continuous registration at eligible Canadian institutions and submit regular progress reports to maintain funding.
What is NSERC PhD funding (and what does it cover)?
Okay, so what’s the deal with NSERC PhD funding?
Basically, NSERC Doctoral Scholarships provide a huge amount of funding for PhD students doing research in natural sciences and engineering.
There are two main funding streams you need to know about:
- Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral Program (CGS D)
- NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships-Doctoral Program (PGS D)
Both of these offer $40,000 per year for three years. That’s a whopping $120,000 to support you during your doctoral studies!
Here’s the interesting part: when you apply through the NSERC Form 201 online system, you’re automatically considered for both programs. The CGS D is just for study at Canadian universities and is for top-ranked applicants, while the PGS D lets you study either in Canada or internationally (if you’ve earned a relevant Canadian degree).
So, you don’t need to submit separate applications. One form puts you in the running for both.
The goal of NSERC is simple: to support your advanced training and research so you can become a fantastic researcher in your field.
NSERC PhD funding – what are the eligibility requirements?
Now, to be eligible for this funding, there are a few key criteria you need to meet:
- You’ll need to be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a Protected Person when you apply.
- You must be pursuing full-time doctoral studies in natural sciences or engineering at an eligible institution.
Timing is also super important. If you’ve already done some graduate studies, you can’t have completed more than 24 months of full-time doctoral study by December 31. But, if you’re coming straight from a bachelor’s degree or doing a joint program like an MD/PhD, that extends to 36 months.
You’ll need to hold your scholarship at an eligible Canadian university. That said, you can study abroad if you’ve already earned a degree from a Canadian institution.
Your research proposal needs to fit within NSERC’s mandate. And, obviously, you can’t have any outstanding debts or ethical breaches with NSERC.
Remember that when you complete Form 201, you’ll automatically be considered for both the NSERC CGS D and PGS D funding.
How to apply for NSERC PhD funding (step-by-step)
So, you’re ready to apply? Great! Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the application process. It actually starts several months before the deadline, so be prepared!
First, you’ll want to let your department know that you’re planning to apply. Then, start putting together your application package.
Here’s a timeline to give you an idea of how it works:
Phase | Timeline | Key Actions |
Preparation | 2-3 months before | Notify department, gather transcripts |
Documentation | 1-2 months before | Write research outline, contributions |
Review | 2-3 weeks before | Submit for department feedback, revise |
Your complete application package needs to include:
- A two-page research outline
- A five-page bibliography
- A two-page contributions statement
You’ll also need all your academic transcripts and, if it applies to you, a one-page eligibility justification.
Once you’ve made revisions, submit your application through NSERC’s online portal by the deadline (usually around early October). Your university’s CGS Awards Committee will then choose which applications move forward to NSERC for the final evaluation.
NSERC looks at both your research ability/potential and your relevant experiences/achievements, weighing them equally. You’ll hear back about the results in the spring.
NSERC PhD funding – what’s it worth and how is it paid out?
Let’s talk money. Starting September 1, 2024, doctoral scholars can get a substantial amount of financial support.
As we mentioned before, there are two main funding streams: CGS D and PGS D scholarships. Both are valued at $40,000 per year for three years.
So, you’ll get a total of $120,000 over your three-year funding period, paid out annually.
- Each scholarship gives you $40,000 per year, so you can focus on your research without stressing about money.
- The money is distributed through an annual payment system. This means you’ll have steady support throughout your doctoral studies.
- Your scholarship type (CGS D or PGS D) is decided during the national adjudication process, based on your application ranking and eligibility.
The CGS D scholarship is awarded to top-ranked applicants and can only be held at eligible Canadian universities. But, if you’re selected for the PGS D scholarship, you’ll have more flexibility in where you study. It can be used at any eligible Canadian or foreign university.
Remember: When you submit your NSERC Form 201, you’re automatically considered for both. No need to apply separately! The selection committee will figure out which scholarship best matches your profile during the national competition process.
NSERC PhD funding – what makes a successful application?
There are five critical elements that can make or break your application:
- Your research proposal: This needs to be a well-planned, long-range program. It should have clear objectives, hypotheses, and methodologies. You’ll need to show how your work will impact natural sciences or engineering and how it relates to NSERC’s mandate.
- Your qualifications as a researcher: Show off your research ability, potential, and achievements. Give lots of detail about your academic background and research experiences.
- Your contribution to training highly qualified personnel (HQP): Explain how you’ll help develop students and researchers. What specific skills will they learn under your guidance?
- Your budget justification: Be realistic and detailed. Clearly explain how you’ll use the funds efficiently.
- Your compliance with eligibility requirements: Make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria and follow NSERC’s guidelines. Submit all the required documents on time!
Don’t forget: You also need to address how you’re integrating diversity into your research design and methods. And, very important, clearly explain how your project is different from other funded work to avoid any duplication.
NSERC PhD funding – deadlines and timelines you need to know
The NSERC PhD funding cycle has a strict timeline with several deadlines.
First up are the institutional deadlines, which are usually in late September or early October.
Here’s how it works:
- Your institution will review applications internally and select candidates based on departmental quotas assigned in early October.
- Internal review committees evaluate applications from mid-October to mid-November. Then, institutions submit their final selections to NSERC by late November.
You’ll get initial results from your institution first (McMaster notifies by late November). But NSERC’s final decisions won’t come until April.
The whole process takes 17-28 weeks from the internal deadlines to the final decisions. If you’re successful, you’ll get that sweet funding of $40,000 per year for three years.
So, you’ve got the funding – congrats! But there are a few crucial reporting requirements you need to meet to keep it: Your funding support is limited to a maximum of 4 years (48 months). This includes any previous SSHRC or CIHR graduate-level funding you’ve received. And if you’ve had master’s level funding, that will affect how long you’re eligible for doctoral support. To make sure your payments continue smoothly, you’ve got to consistently meet these conditions and submit your reports on time. Let’s be real, competition for NSERC PhD funding is fierce. Looking at recent data, the overall success rates vary a lot across funding types and research fields. PGS D has historically shown higher rates than other programs. You’re looking at roughly 40-50% success for PGS D applications. Fields like ecology and evolution have about a 44% acceptance rate. For 2024, there are 740 awards available (400 PGS D and 340 CGS D) from a pool of 1,790 applications. Starting September 2024, both awards will offer $40,000 annually, up from the previous amounts of $21,000 and $35,000. Here’s what you should know about competition levels: Knowing these success rates can help you set realistic expectations and prepare accordingly. The recent increase in award values shows NSERC’s commitment to supporting graduate research in Canada. It’s a great opportunity, so make the most of it!NSERC PhD funding – reporting requirements and conditions
How competitive is NSERC PhD funding (and what are the success rates)?