Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Scholarship: Your Ultimate Guide 2026
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) scholarships represent prestigious opportunities for students and researchers pursuing studies in natural sciences and engineering. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into undergraduate, postgraduate, and postdoctoral NSERC programs, eligibility criteria, application processes, and benefits.
Undergraduate Programs: NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
The NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) are designed to stimulate interest in research in the natural sciences and engineering fields among undergraduate students. Award recipients gain hands-on research experience under the guidance of faculty mentors, contributing to significant scientific advancements. Students selected for these awards typically work full-time over a 16-week period, providing practical research skills and valuable professional experience. Find detailed information and application guidelines for the NSERC USRA program.
Postgraduate Programs: NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships
NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships support graduate students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in natural sciences and engineering. The program offers several scholarship streams. Some of them include the following:
- Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS M): Provides funding to outstanding students pursuing a master’s degree for up to 12 months.
- Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D): Supports top-tier doctoral candidates for up to three years.
- Postgraduate Scholarships – Doctoral (PGS D): Offers financial support for exceptional doctoral students for up to three years.
Recipients are selected based on academic excellence, research potential, and communication skills. Follow the link to learn more about other NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships and application details.
Postdoctoral Programs: NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowships
The NSERC Postdoctoral programs support recent PhD graduates in natural sciences and engineering fields, providing opportunities to conduct advanced research. Specific awards include:
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: Prestigious two-year fellowships designed to attract and retain top-tier postdoctoral talent, fostering leadership potential and enhancing Canada’s economic, social, and research-based growth.
- Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA): Supports emerging leaders, innovators, and researchers, offering flexibility and funding to advance their research skills and enhance Canada’s competitiveness.
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Postdoctoral Fellowships – Short-term: Offers early-career researchers short-term research opportunities at designated Japanese institutions.
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Postdoctoral Fellowships – Standard: Provides opportunities for promising researchers to conduct extended research projects in Japan.
- NSERC Indigenous Student Ambassadors (NISA): Encourages Indigenous students and fellows to promote science and engineering within Indigenous communities.
- Postdoctoral Fellowships (PDF): Supports promising researchers to secure advanced scientific skills for roles in industry, academia, and government.
Supplements to the PDF Program:
- Alice Wilson Award
- Canadian Space Agency postdoctoral supplement
- DND/NSERC supplemental funding award
- NSERC and L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science supplement
- Supplement for Research in the Field of Impact Assessment
- Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP): Supports innovative research across biological complexities, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Learn more about NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowships and application details.
Eligibility Criteria for NSERC Scholarships
Eligibility criteria for NSERC scholarships include:
- You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a protected person under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada), as of the application deadline. (This excludes Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.)
- You must not currently be declared ineligible to apply for or hold funding from NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, or any other Canadian research funding organization due to breaches of ethics or integrity.
- Your accounts must be in good standing with NSERC, including having repaid any funds owed.
- NSERC uses the date of your degree completion to determine eligibility for certain programs; this includes the completion and submission of your thesis according to your institution’s regulations.
- Specific eligibility criteria vary by program. Always consult the detailed program descriptions provided by NSERC.
For interdisciplinary, health-related, psychology, anthropology, or other specific research queries, applicants must confirm eligibility with the appropriate federal agency (NSERC, CIHR, or SSHRC). Further details on eligibility, program guidelines, and specific research areas can be found on the NSERC eligibility page.
Check detailed NSERC eligibility criteria here.
How to Apply for NSERC Scholarships
NSERC has prepared tutorial videos summarizing the application process for various funding opportunities. These videos provide general guidance and an overview.
For detailed application instructions, refer directly to the specific program guidelines:
Deadlines
Application deadlines vary by program. For exact dates, refer to the Application deadlines and notification of results page.
If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the application is due the next business day. Institutions often have earlier internal deadlines, so contact your scholarship liaison officer for details. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Contact
NSERC scholarships and fellowships division
Email: schol@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
What Are the Benefits of NSERC Scholarships in Canada?
NSERC scholarships offer substantial financial support, ranging from tuition fees coverage to monthly stipends. Benefits include professional growth through research opportunities, mentorship from leading experts, and enhancement of career prospects in academia and industry.
Who Is Eligible for NSERC?
Eligible candidates include undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral researchers who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or international students enrolled in Canadian institutions.
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What Are the Odds of Getting NSERC Scholarships?
NSERC scholarships are competitive. However, thorough preparation, strong academic records, and impactful research proposals significantly enhance your chances.
What Does NSERC Stand For?
NSERC stands for “Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada,” a Canadian government agency providing scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities to foster research and innovation.
How Much Is the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada NSERC Grant?
NSERC grants vary significantly by program:
- Undergraduate USRA: Typically around CAD 6,000 for 16-week placements.
- PGS-M: Up to CAD 17,500 for one year.
- PGS-D: CAD 21,000 annually for up to three years.
Postdoctoral Fellowships: CAD 45,000 annually for up to two years.