BestUniversitiesCanada
Partial PhD / Doctorate

SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship

Government of Canada (Tri-Council)

Award

CAD 20,000/yr for up to four years

Awards

Eligible

International & Canadian students

Deadline

04 Nov 2026

Overview

The SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship is a partial-funding award offered by Government of Canada (Tri-Council), tenable at participating universities in Canada. Funding for high-calibre doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities at Canadian universities. In value terms, it provides CAD 20,000/yr for up to four years. It is intended for international & canadian students undertaking phd-level study. The number of awards varies year to year, and selection is competitive, so submit a strong, complete application. Because eligibility rules, award values and deadlines change from year to year, treat the figures here as indicative and always confirm the current details on the official website before you apply.

Eligibility

Strong research potential and academic record in an eligible SSHRC discipline.

Benefits

CAD 20,000/yr for up to four years

How to apply

Applications are made through the Government of Canada (Tri-Council) website, and most awards require you to already hold an offer or be enrolled at an eligible Canadian institution. In general, the process looks like this: (1) confirm you meet every eligibility criterion, including any nationality, level-of-study or nomination requirement; (2) secure admission to an eligible programme, since most scholarships require an offer or active enrolment; (3) prepare your supporting documents and, if a nomination is needed, contact your school or department early; (4) complete and submit the application before the published deadline, keeping copies of everything; and (5) monitor your email for interview requests, references or verification. Some awards are considered automatically at admission, while others need a separate application — check which applies before you start.

Documents required

Typical supporting documents include: academic transcripts and certificates; proof of English-language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo); a personal statement, essay or statement of purpose; one or more letters of recommendation; a copy of your passport / identification; proof of admission or enrolment (where required). Requirements differ by award, so use the official checklist as the final word, and prepare documents well ahead of the deadline as some (such as transcripts and reference letters) take time to obtain.

Please note: scholarship values, the number of awards, eligibility and deadlines change from year to year and are indicative here. Always confirm the current details on the official provider or university website before applying, and beware of any third party asking for payment to “secure” a scholarship.

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