Fully Funded Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) 2026

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Canada is one of the top destinations for doctoral studies, offering world-class research facilities, multicultural environments, and strong support for international students. The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) is one of the most prestigious and fully funded awards in the world. It supports outstanding doctoral students who show exceptional leadership skills and high academic achievement.

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The Vanier CGS provides $50,000 per year for three years during PhD studies (or combined programs like MD/PhD, where only the PhD portion is funded). The program is highly competitive – only the best candidates are selected. It is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students.

What Is the Vanier CGS?

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program was launched in 2008 by the Government of Canada. It aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and position Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning.

Vanier Scholars demonstrate:

  • Leadership skills
  • High academic achievement
  • Strong research potential

Awards are given in three broad areas:

  • Natural sciences and/or engineering
  • Social sciences and humanities
  • Health research

The scholarship is administered by three federal agencies: CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.

Eligibility Criteria

You qualify if you meet all of these:

  • You are pursuing your first doctoral degree (including joint programs like MD/PhD, DVM/PhD, JD/PhD – only the PhD portion is funded)
  • You have completed no more than 20 months of doctoral studies as of May 1, 2026
  • You are nominated by only one Canadian institution (with a Vanier CGS quota)
  • You intend to begin full-time doctoral studies in the summer or academic year following results (September 2026 or January 2027)
  • You have achieved a first-class average in each of the last two years of full-time study (as defined by your institution)
  • You are not holding (or have not held) a doctoral-level scholarship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC to complete a PhD

Eligible applicants include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students.

Strong opinion: The 20-month rule is strict – early PhD students have the best chance. Leadership and impact are as important as grades.

Scholarship Benefits

The Vanier CGS is valued at $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies.

Benefits include:

  • Full financial support for tuition, living expenses, and research
  • No additional tuition fees required
  • Renewable based on satisfactory progress (no automatic renewal – progress reports required)

This award is portable – you can take it to any Canadian university with a quota.

Programs You Can Pick

Vanier CGS supports any doctoral program at a Canadian institution with a quota. Broad areas include:

  • Natural sciences and engineering
  • Health research
  • Social sciences and humanities

You can pursue PhD (or combined programs) in any field, including:

  • Engineering & Technology
  • Medicine & Health Sciences
  • Life Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Humanities
  • Business & Management
  • Environmental Studies
  • Computer Science & AI

Choose a university with a Vanier quota (list available on the Vanier-Banting website).

Required Documents

You prepare the application, but the university nominates you. Main components:

  • ResearchNet application form (includes two reference letters)
  • Common CV (CCV) – limited entries
  • Research contributions (max 1 page)
  • Personal leadership statement (max 2 pages)
  • Special circumstances (optional, max 0.5 page)
  • Two leadership letters of reference (max 2 pages each)
  • Research proposal (max 2 pages)
  • Project references (max 5 pages)
  • Official transcripts

All in English or French.

If you need help, you can check our guides below:

How to Apply for Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships?

You cannot apply directly, you must be nominated by a Canadian institution.

Steps:

  1. Research Canadian universities with Vanier CGS quotas (check vanier.gc.ca).
  2. Contact potential supervisors and departments early (start now).
  3. Inform the faculty of graduate studies that you wish to be considered for Vanier CGS.
  4. Prepare your full application in ResearchNet (opens mid-June 2026).
  5. Submit to your nominating institution by their internal deadline (usually late September/early October 2026).
  6. Institution selects and nominates candidates to the Secretariat by November 1, 2026.
  7. Results announced in early April 2026.

Tip: Start contacting supervisors and building your profile now. Strong leadership and research impact are crucial.

Official Website

Why Study in Canada with Vanier CGS?

World-class research universities. Multicultural environment. Strong funding and support. Excellent post-study work options.

Canada is safe, welcoming, and full of opportunities. Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal – all great student cities.

Contrarian: Very competitive (only top candidates win). But the prestige and funding are unmatched. Reviews: “Life-changing award, opens many doors.”

More Scholarships

Tools I Recommend

  • vanier.gc.ca – Official Vanier CGS site
  • numbeo.com Ottawa/Toronto – Living costs CAD 1,800 single
  • scholarshipportal.com – Canada
  • studyincanada.com – Living/visa
  • fastweb.com – General
  • goingmerry.com – Clean

Application Checklist

  • Research universities with quotas
  • Contact supervisors early
  • Prepare strong research proposal
  • Build leadership evidence
  • Get strong references
  • Complete CCV
  • Submit to institution early
  • Track nomination

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without nomination (invalid). Weak leadership statement. No research fit. Missing internal university deadline. Incomplete CCV.

PAA: Fully funded? Yes, $50,000/year for 3 years. Deadline? Institution internal (Sept/Oct 2026). Open to internationals? Yes.

Living Costs in Canada

Single CAD 1,800–2,800/month (Numbeo Jan 2026). Rent CAD 1,000–1,600 shared. Food CAD 400. Vanier stipend covers very well.

Numbeo honest: Higher in Toronto/Vancouver, lower in smaller cities.

Strong opinion: Vanier CGS is one of the most prestigious doctoral awards globally. It opens doors to top research and careers. Apply if you have leadership, strong academics, and research potential.

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