CGRS D Preliminary Assessment Form (PAF)
Supporting Information
Review this information carefully before completing the Canada Graduate Research Scholarships - Doctoral Preliminary Assessment Form (CGRS D PAF) to ensure you are informed regarding the most frequently asked questions
General Information:
The deadline to submit the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral Preliminary Assessment Form (CGRS D PAF) is August 11, 2025.
Only students who have been successful at the CGRS D PAF stage will be invited to apply to the main competition.
Full applications are evaluated and selected on 2 criteria weighted equally:
- Research Potential (50%)
- Relevant Experience and Achievements obtained within and beyond academia (50%)
Instructions for completing the CGRS D PAF
There are 3 sections of the CGRS D PAF. All sections must be completed successfully for your application to be considered.
Section 1: Applicant Information
Time in Program Eligibility
Canadian Indigenous
Agency Selection
Section 2: Research Potential
Previous Research Contributions
Section 3: Relevant Experience and Achievements
GPA Calculations
Awards and Other Recognitions
Allowable Inclusions
Section 1: Applicant Information
Time in Program Eligibility
- Review the CGRS D website for Eligibility
- Months in program are calculated from the beginning of the entering term: January, May, July, or September
- When calculating total number of months of graduate studies include ALL time registered in graduate studies whether or not you received any credentials.
- ALL prior doctoral-level studies started in Canada or abroad, are considered in the evaluation of eligibility
Canadian Indigenous
The three agencies have implemented measures to support Indigenous research and First Nations, Inuit and Métis graduate students.
If you identify as Canadian Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit), please indicate this in the PAF.
Applicants should be prepared to provide documentation that meets the criteria of both the University and the tri-agencies.
Agency Selection
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarships — Doctoral (CGRS D) are offered through three federal (national government) research funding agencies. Collectively these granting bodies are referred to as the Tri-Agencies. Each agency offers scholarships based on their priority area of research. Select the research agency which aligns closest to your research area. Consult with your supervisor and/or your program if unsure.
- If successful at the PAF stage, you will be invited to submit a full application. Your application will be adjudicated by a committee specific to the funding agency.
Section 2: Research Potential (50%)
Previous Research Contributions
- Use this section to highlight any research contributions you have, e.g., publications in peer reviewed journals, presentations (posters, oral presentation) at conferences/events (local, provincial, national, international), other forms of knowledge transfer.
- Check NSERCs guide for other forms of research contributions: NSERC - Guidelines on the assessment of contributions to research, training and mentoring (nserc-crsng.gc.ca)
- Other examples of Contributions that may be relevant include alternative forms of knowledge translation such as magazine articles, podcast episodes, Indigenous mentorship/ spiritual guidance, community outreach presentations, etc.
Section 3: Relevant Experience and Achievements (50%)
GPA Calculations
Applicants are required to calculate their grade point average for the last two years of full-time studies. Review the Self-Calculated GPA Information and Resources for more information.
Awards and Other Recognitions
- Sources of funds:
- Federal – national government funding
- Provincial – regional/state/territorial/district/sectoral/zonal government funding
- University – Institutional or program-based awards
- Non-Profit – funds from a charity or research organisation to support your studies
- Other – any funds that would not be categorised in the other areas
- For multi-year scholarships indicate the value of the scholarship stipend received per year
Allowable Inclusions (Optional)
Use this section to provide information about special circumstances that may have affected your research, professional career, record of academic or research achievement or completion of degrees. For example:
- Describe interruptions to your academic career or leaves of absence (which may include administrative responsibilities, maternity/parental leave, childrearing, illness, disability, cultural or community responsibilities, socio-economic context, trauma and loss, or health-related family responsibilities)
- Describe additional training taken outside of a degree-granting program, relevant work experience, co-ops and internships, etc.
- Part-time studies should be outlined in this section. If you have been enrolled part-time during your PhD studies, specify which semesters. The information must be reflected in the transcripts.
- Describe if you are registered in a joint program (e.g., MD/PhD, MA/PhD), provide a timeline of your undergraduate/graduate versus doctoral program studies, broken down by semester. This calculation must be consistent with the transcripts provided. For purposes of this calculation, the undergraduate/graduate portion will not count towards the number of months completed.