Study in Canada — Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships 2026 (Doctoral Level)

(Fully Funded)

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) 2026 are among Canada’s most prestigious awards for doctoral studies, supporting top-tier PhD students—both international and Canadian—with generous funding to conduct research at leading Canadian universities.

About Vanier CGS

Vanier Scholars are selected on the basis of academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills. The program is a flagship initiative jointly administered by Canada’s three federal research councils: CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients will receive:

CAD 50,000 annually (taxable) for three years

Access to world-class research environments

Institutional mentorship and academic training

Eligible Fields of Study

PhD-level research is supported across disciplines, including:

Natural Sciences and Engineering

Health Sciences

Social Sciences and Humanities

Participating Institutions

Any Canadian university with Vanier nomination quotas, including:

University of Toronto

University of British Columbia

McGill University

University of Waterloo

Western University and many others

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Hold a master’s degree (or an exceptional bachelor’s degree in some cases)

Demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and research promise

Be nominated by a recognized Canadian university

Application Process

Secure a nomination from a Canadian university by mid-2025

Complete the Vanier CGS application via the university or research council

Submit required documents: CV, research proposal, transcripts, references, leadership statement

Await final selection by the tri-council committee

Important Dates

Nomination period: Mid-2025

Notification of winners: Early 2026

Programs start: Fall 2026

Official Source

See full details on the Vanier CGS Official Website

Final Thoughts

For PhD aspirants seeking world-class education and generous funding, the Vanier Scholarship offers a career-defining opportunity. With substantial financial support and Canadian research excellence, this award is recognized globally as a top-tier academic achievement.