Canada has launched the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards, a government-funded programme aimed at attracting international research talent to Canadian universities. This initiative will support recruitment for the 2026–2027 academic and research cohort and is a significant funding opportunity for international PhD and postdoctoral candidates.
The article outlines the awards’ details, including eligibility, financial and academic offerings, priority research areas, the nomination process, and the application timeline to help candidates prepare.
Get Up to $100,000 Student Loan for Your Master in US or Canada.
Read Also:
- How To Register For JAMB UTME in 2026 | Application Guide
- BUA Cement Scholarships Offers ₦40m Scholarship Awards to 200 Students in Host States
- Apply for the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) 2026 | Win ₦12,000,000 in Business Support
- Airtel Africa Fellowship / Airtel Fellowship Program 2025 for 100-level Undergraduate Students (Full tuition fees & Accommodation)
- NIPES Engineering and Science Scholarship 2026 for STEM Undergraduates in Universities & Polytechnics
- University of Birmingham Islam Scholarship 2026 UK (100% of Tuition Fees)
When is the Application Deadline:
- Phase 1: Early 2026 (initial results announced by April 1, 2026)
- Phase 2: Begins April 1, 2026 (for redistribution of unused nominations and adjustments)
Tell Me About The Award:
The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards are fully funded doctoral and postdoctoral research awards designed to attract top international talent to Canadian universities. They provide recipients with the financial support needed to focus on high-impact research in strategic areas without financial pressure.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Research projects must align with one or more of the following priority areas:
- Advanced digital technologies (AI, quantum, cybersecurity)
- Health and biotechnology
- Clean technology and resource value chains
- Environment, climate resilience, and Arctic research
- Food and water security
- Democratic and community resilience
- Manufacturing and advanced materials
- Defence and dual-use technologies
Type:
Fully Funded Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research Awards
Who can Apply?
- International doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, including Canadian citizens currently residing abroad
- Applicants cannot apply independently; they must be recruited and nominated by a Canadian researcher holding an active grant from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC
- Final eligibility is subject to institutional nomination limits and agency-specific rules
How are Applicants Selected?
- Nomination-based: Canadian institutions receive a set number of nominations
- Researchers holding active grants recruit candidates aligned with priority research areas
- The institution submits the nomination to the relevant agency for eligibility review
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries (international students, including Canadians abroad)
Where will the Award be Taken?
At participating Canadian universities where the nominated researcher holds an active grant
How Many Awards?
- 600 Doctoral Scholarships
- 400 Postdoctoral Research Awards
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Doctoral Scholarships: CAD 40,000 per year for up to 3 years
- Postdoctoral Research Awards: CAD 70,000 per year for up to 2 years
- Full-time research focus without financial burden
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Doctoral Scholarships: Up to 3 years
- Postdoctoral Awards: Up to 2 years
How to Apply:
- Applicants cannot apply directly
- Must be recruited and nominated by eligible Canadian researchers with active grants
- Institutions submit nominations to the appropriate funding agency for review
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards – NSERC
