BestUniversitiesCanada
Full PhD / Doctorate

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Award

CAD 50,000 per year for three years

Awards

166

Eligible

International & Canadian students

Deadline

09 Nov 2026

Overview

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships is a fully funded award offered by Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, tenable at participating universities in Canada. Canada’s flagship doctoral scholarship, awarded to world-class students demonstrating academic excellence, research potential and leadership. In value terms, it provides CAD 50,000 per year for three years. It is intended for international & canadian students undertaking phd-level study. Around 166 awards are offered in a typical cycle, so it is competitive — a strong, complete application matters. 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

Nominated by a Canadian university; pursuing a doctoral degree with an outstanding record.

Benefits

CAD 50,000 per year for three years

How to apply

Applications are made through the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships 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); evidence of financial need (for need-based awards). 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.

Related scholarships

Partial PhD / Doctorate

SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship

Government of Canada (Tri-Council)

CAD 20,000/yr for up to four years

International & Canadian students Due 04 Nov 2026