Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)
Created to attract and retain world-class doctoral students broadening their research horizons
Tri-Agency Update
The tri-agencies have announced increased award values for all current and new master’s and doctoral student scholarships effective September 1, 2024, and have begun to release details regarding the increase in funding.
As individual student funding details are received, the Awards team will update the student, supervisor, and program.
**Please note: Given the volume of awards to adjust, this may take some time to advise each individual student.
For more information, please refer to the press release from the Government of Canada.
If you have questions regarding this update, please contact the Graduate Award Office.
Vanier Scholars demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSHRC), Natural Sciences and/or Engineering (NSERC) and Health (CIHR).
At a glance
Preparing your application
You are encouraged to apply for awards when you have submitted your admissions application and received your University of Calgary student number (UCID). You are not required to meet the eligibility requirements in the terms of reference of an award when you apply, but if successful, you must meet the eligibility requirements at the time the award is paid.
Please ensure that you have completed the following two steps before submitting your application:
Read the terms of reference
Awards are based on merit. It is important to read and understand the award terms of reference listed on this page and/or on the agency, or donor website.
Know your eligibility
Read our guide to discover the polices and regulations that determines a student's award eligibility at the University of Calgary.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the current 2024-2025 competition is based on the total number of months of graduate studies you expect to complete by May 1, 2025. The Vanier website is expected to be updated in Summer 2024.
Tri-agency Recipient Eligibility
The Tri-agency research training award holder’s guide governs eligibility for CGS-M, CGS-D, PGS-D, and Vanier funding offered through CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.
If you are a recipient of Tri-agency funding, you must review this guide prior to making any changes to your registration, employment etc. Contact gsaward@ucalgary.ca to inform the Faculty of Graduate Studies of any potential changes that may impact your funding.
Application
Eligible applicants must first submit a Preliminary Assessment Form (PAF) to the Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarship Office.
Only students who have been successful at the PAF stage may apply to the main competition.
The 2025 Vanier PAF is closed. The 2026 competition will open Spring 2025.
Did you know? Successful students who submit their PAFs early will have more time to complete the full application and also be invited to the Vanier workshop hosted by the Associate Dean (Scholarships).
Vanier: Instructions for completing the Preliminary Assessment Form (PAF)
Vanier: Instructions for completing the Application Form (following successful PAF)