Applications for the 2024/2025 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Program (Vanier CGS) are now officially open.

Named in honor of the first francophone Governor General of Canada, Major-General Georges P. Vanier, the program assists Canadian institutions in attracting high-caliber doctoral students.
About the Vanier CGS
Launched by the Government of Canada in 2008, the Vanier CGS aims to reinforce Canada’s ability to retain and attract world-class doctoral students and establish the nation as a global center of excellence in research and higher learning.
Vanier Scholars embody high scholarly achievement and leadership skills in graduate studies in social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, engineering, and health.
The Application Process
The journey to a Vanier CGS begins with an application to a Canadian institution for doctoral studies.- Based on their quotas, each institution will forward a select number of nominations to the Vanier CGS program.
- With up to 166 Vanier Scholars chosen each year, the awards are divided among the three federal granting agencies, with an additional award rotated annually between NSERC and CIHR.
Areas of Research
The program embraces a broad spectrum of research areas:
- Health research
- Natural sciences and engineering
- Social sciences and humanities
Scholarship Value
The prestigious scholarship is valued at $50,000 annually for three years during doctoral studies.
Eligibility Criteria
Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and foreign citizens are eligible for a Vanier CGS.
The comprehensive eligibility criteria are detailed on the official program website and include criteria related to academic achievement, program enrollment, leadership, and previous funding.
Selection Criteria
Selection is based on the following criteria:
- Academic Excellence
- Research Potential
- Leadership (Potential and Demonstrated Ability)
These three factors are weighed equally, and the prestige of the Vanier CGS and the candidate’s academic stage and focus are considered.
Application Procedure
- The application involves several components, including a common Canadian CV (CCV), nomination letter, personal leadership statement, research proposal, and referee assessments.
- A complete nomination guideline is provided on the official Vanier CGS website.
For more information, please visit the official Vanier CGS website.
The application deadline is November 1, 2025.
Conclusion
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, offers an exceptional opportunity for doctoral students to pursue research in Canada under prestigious funding.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply and embark on an enriching journey of academic and personal growth.
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