The call for applications for the 2024-2025 academic year for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) Program is currently open. Canadian institutions are invited to submit applications on behalf of eligible candidates.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) Overview
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program was initiated by the Government of Canada in 2008 with the objective of enhancing Canada’s capacity to draw in and retain top-tier doctoral students, thereby establishing the country as a global hub for research and higher education excellence. Vanier Scholars are expected to exhibit leadership qualities and maintain a commendable level of scholarly accomplishment in graduate studies across various disciplines, including the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering, and health.
Scope:
- Up to 166 scholarships are awarded annually.
- A total of up to 500 scholarships are active at any given time.
Value:
- $50,000 per year.
Duration:
- 3 years (non-renewable).
Distribution:
- Scholarships are equally distributed among the three federal granting agencies:
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Selection Criteria:
- Academic Excellence
- Research Potential
- Leadership (potential and demonstrated ability)
Timelines:
- July – November 2023: Applicants seek a nominating institution, prepare and submit the application package.
- Internal Deadline (varies): Deadline to submit the application to the nominating institution. Contact the nominating institution for the specific date.
- November 1, 2023 (20:00 EDT): Deadline for institutions to submit nominations to the Vanier CGS program.
- November 2023 – March 2024: Review and evaluation of nominations.
- Early April 2024: Anticipated notification of results. Nominees will be notified by email when the results are available on ResearchNet.
- May 1, 2024, or September 1, 2024, or January 1, 2025: Payments begin.
Features:
- The Vanier CGS program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by supporting individuals who exhibit leadership skills and maintain a high standard of scholarly achievement in various graduate study disciplines, including the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering, and health.
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Eligibility Criteria for Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program.
The eligibility criteria for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program are as follows:
- Citizenship: Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and foreign citizens are eligible to be nominated for a Vanier CGS. The scholarships are open to both domestic and international students.
- Fields of Study: Candidates must be pursuing doctoral studies (Ph.D., Ph.D./Ph.D. combined, or a joint graduate research program, such as M.D./Ph.D., D.D.S./Ph.D., D.V.M./Ph.D.) in one of the following areas:
- Social sciences and humanities
- Natural sciences and/or engineering
- Health research
- Nominating Institution: Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution at which they plan to undertake their doctoral studies.
- Previous Nomination or Hold: Applicants who have previously been nominated for a Vanier CGS are not eligible for re-nomination, even if they have changed institutions.
- Academic Standing: Candidates must:
- Have achieved a first-class average, as determined by the host institution, in each of the last two years of full-time study or equivalent.
- Not hold, or have held, a doctoral-level scholarship or fellowship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC to undertake or complete a doctoral degree.
- Joint Ph.D. Program: If the doctoral program involves a combination of research training in Canada and another country, candidates must hold a Vanier CGS at the Canadian institution.
- Vanier CGS Tenure: The scholarships are tenable only at the nominating institution.
- Start of Eligibility: The start date of eligibility for the Vanier CGS is indicated in the nomination package provided to the nominating institution. It is based on the start date of the candidate’s doctoral studies.
It’s important for applicants to thoroughly review the official guidelines and instructions provided by the Vanier CGS program to ensure compliance with all eligibility criteria and submission requirements.
Application Process for Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program
The application process for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) involves several steps. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Seek Nominating Institution:
- Applicants must first seek a Canadian institution that is willing to nominate them for the Vanier CGS. The institution must have a process for internal review and nomination.
- Prepare Application Package:
- Work on preparing the application package, including required documents such as a research proposal, letters of reference, transcripts, and a personal leadership statement. The specific requirements may vary by institution.
- Internal Deadline:
- Submit the complete application package to the nominating institution by the internal deadline set by the institution. Institutions may have their own internal deadlines for the Vanier CGS nomination process.
- Nominating Institution Submission:
- The nominating institution reviews the applications and decides which candidates to nominate. They submit the nominations, including all required documents, to the Vanier CGS program by the program’s deadline.
- Review and Evaluation:
- Nominations received by the Vanier CGS program are reviewed and evaluated based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills. The review process takes place between November and March.
- Notification of Results:
- Anticipated notification of results is in early April. Nominees will be notified by email when the results are available on the ResearchNet platform.
- Payments Begin:
- Successful recipients will receive their Vanier CGS starting from May 1, September 1, or January 1, depending on the agreed-upon start date.
It’s crucial for applicants to closely follow the guidelines and timelines provided by both the nominating institution and the Vanier CGS program. Each institution may have its own specific procedures for internal review, and applicants should contact their chosen institution for institution-specific information.
Applicants should also refer to the official Vanier CGS program guidelines and instructions for detailed information on the application process, eligibility criteria, and required documentation.
FAQs– Vanier Graduate Scholarships CGS program
1. What is the purpose of the Vanier CGS program?
- The Vanier CGS program aims to attract and retain doctoral students who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies. It is designed to strengthen Canada’s ability to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and establish Canada as a global center of excellence in research and higher learning.
2. How much is the value of the Vanier CGS?
- The Vanier CGS provides a financial award of $50,000 per year for a duration of three years. The scholarship is non-renewable.
3. How many scholarships are awarded annually?
- Up to 166 scholarships are awarded annually across the three federal granting agencies: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
4. Can international students apply for the Vanier CGS?
- Yes, both Canadian and international students are eligible to apply for the Vanier CGS. However, they must be nominated by a Canadian institution.
5. What are the selection criteria for the Vanier CGS?
- The selection criteria include academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills (both potential and demonstrated ability).
6. When is the application period for the Vanier CGS?
- The application period typically runs from July to November. Applicants need to seek a nominating institution, prepare their application package, and submit it to the institution by the internal deadline.
7. How are the applications reviewed and evaluated?
- Nominations are reviewed and evaluated based on academic excellence, research potential, and leadership skills. The review process takes place between November and March.
8. When are the results of the Vanier CGS announced?
- Anticipated notification of results is in early April. Nominees will be notified by email when the results are available on the ResearchNet platform.
9. Can the Vanier CGS be renewed?
- No, the Vanier CGS is non-renewable. The scholarship is awarded for a duration of three years.
These are general FAQs, and specific details may vary. Applicants are advised to refer to the official Vanier CGS program guidelines and instructions for comprehensive information.