The Government of Canada is excited to announce the 2023 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships for international students. These scholarships are like special awards for really smart students who want to study in Canada. They are designed to help these students with money and support while they pursue their higher education at Canadian schools. The Vanier Scholarships are a big deal because they give recognition to students who are super smart, show leadership potential, and want to make important discoveries in their chosen subjects.
Benefit Of The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Generous Funding: Each year, selected scholars receive an impressive $50,000 grant, providing financial support throughout their three years of doctoral study. This funding allows students to focus on their research and academic pursuits without the burden of financial stress.
- Fully Funded Doctoral Studies: The Vanier CGS covers the full cost of doctoral studies for the entire three-year duration. This includes tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs. It relieves scholars from the financial pressures often associated with pursuing a Ph.D., enabling them to dedicate themselves fully to their studies.
- Research at Top Canadian Universities: Recipients of the Vanier CGS have the opportunity to conduct their research at prestigious Canadian universities known for their academic excellence and research facilities. They can work alongside renowned professors, access state-of-the-art laboratories, and participate in vibrant intellectual communities, enriching their research experience.
- Networking Opportunities: Being part of the Vanier community opens doors to connect with other talented doctoral students from across Canada and around the world. This network serves as a valuable platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional networking. Scholars can expand their academic and social circles, fostering lasting relationships with fellow scholars who share similar research interests.
- Skill Development: The Vanier CGS offers more than just financial support; it also focuses on the holistic development of scholars. Through the program, students gain valuable skills and experiences that will contribute to their future success. They receive mentorship opportunities, engage in interdisciplinary workshops, and participate in academic conferences, enhancing their research abilities and critical thinking skills.
- Impact in the Field: By providing scholars with financial resources, networking opportunities, and a supportive academic environment, the Vanier CGS empowers recipients to make significant contributions to their respective fields. Scholars are encouraged to push the boundaries of knowledge, innovate, and drive advancements in their chosen areas of study, leaving a lasting impact on their disciplines.
Eligibility Of The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
To be considered for a Vanier CGS (Canada Graduate Scholarships) opportunity, here are the things you need to keep in mind:
- You must be nominated by only one Canadian institution, and that institution should have a quota for the Vanier CGS.
- You should be working towards your first doctoral degree. This includes joint programs like MD/PhD, DVM/PhD, or JD/PhD, MBA/PhD, as long as there is a significant research component.
- Your plan should be to pursue full-time doctoral studies and research at the institution that nominates you, either during the summer semester or the academic year following the announcement of the results. For joint programs, only the PhD portion of the program is eligible for funding.
- By May 1, 2024, you should have completed no more than 20 months of full-time study in your doctoral program. This time is calculated starting from when you officially enrolled in the program.
- If you are enrolled in a joint graduate research program, like MD/PhD or MA/PhD, you can have up to 32 months of full-time study by May 1, 2024. The calculation for this timeframe begins from the date you registered in the joint program. If you went directly from a bachelor’s to a PhD program, the time is calculated from your doctoral enrollment date. And if you were previously in a master’s program but transferred to a doctoral program without completing the master’s degree, the time is calculated from your original master’s enrollment date.
- You should have achieved a first-class average in each of the last two years of full-time study or equivalent. What counts as a first-class average may vary, so it’s best to contact the institution you are interested in to find out their specific definition.
- Keep in mind that if you have already received a doctoral-level scholarship or fellowship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC to start or complete a doctoral program, you won’t be eligible for the Vanier CGS. Also, note that only the PhD part of a joint program is eligible for funding.
Documents You Need For The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- A CV/Resume
- Two reference letters
- A ResearchNet application form.
- The research contributions
- A personal statement
- Two leadership reference letters.
- A research proposal of a maximum of two pages.
- Project preferences of a maximum of five pages.
- Academic proofs, transcripts, and certificates.
- Proof of special circumstances in case of a part-time student. The proof may not exceed 0.5 pages.
How To Apply For The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- You cannot apply directly to the Vanier Scholarships. Instead, you need to apply to a Canadian institution that has been allocated a Vanier CGS quota.
- Once you’ve chosen the institution you want to apply to, you’ll need to submit your application to them. It’s important to note that the institution itself will nominate candidates for the Vanier CGS.
- Make sure to be aware of the internal submission dates set by each institution. These dates determine when you need to submit your application to the institution for nomination.
- Once the institution receives the applications, they will review them and select candidates to nominate for the Vanier CGS. It’s crucial to submit your application before the internal submission dates to be considered.
- After the institution has made their nominations, they will send the selected nominees’ applications to the Vanier CGS program before the closing date set by Vanier.
Application Process
- Use ResearchNet: Applicants must prepare, finalize, and submit their applications using the ResearchNet platform. This online system is where you will complete and submit all the necessary application components.
- Stick to page/character limits: Ensure that all information provided in your application fits within the specified page or character limits. Any information exceeding these limits will be removed from the application without prior notification.
- Preview your application: Before finalizing and submitting your application, it’s crucial to preview all components to ensure that everything is complete. This step helps you catch any missing or incomplete sections that need to be addressed before submission.
- Self-identification as Indigenous applicant: If you identify as an Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis) applicant and would like to self-identify to your Canadian institution, you can complete the Vanier CGS Voluntary Self-Identification Form for Indigenous Applicants. Upload this form to your application. Please note that the selection committee members will not be informed of the applicants who have self-identified as Indigenous.
- Consent and Submit: The Vanier-Banting Secretariat legally cannot accept your application until you complete the “Consent and Submit” task on ResearchNet. Make sure to finalize this step to ensure your application is considered.
Scholarship Deadline
For the 2023-2024 competition of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, it is important to be aware of two important deadlines:
- Institution Internal Deadline: Once you have indicated your chosen institution for doctoral study in ResearchNet (Task 10), you will notice an additional deadline displayed at the top of each page. This deadline refers to the date and time by which you must submit your application to the institution through ResearchNet. It is crucial to note that this deadline is determined and controlled by each individual institution. It is essential to meet this specific deadline, as you will not be able to submit your application after this date and time.
- Program Deadline: Institutions are required to submit their selected nominations to the Vanier CGS program by November 1, 2023, at 20:00 Eastern Time. This deadline is applicable for institutions to forward their chosen nominees’ applications to the Vanier CGS program for further review and consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships?
To apply for the Vanier CGS, you must first be nominated by a Canadian institution that has a Vanier CGS quota. You cannot apply directly. Once you have chosen the institution, you need to submit your application through ResearchNet, following the provided guidelines and instructions.
How much funding does the Vanier CGS provide?
The Vanier CGS offers a generous funding amount of $50,000 per year for three years of doctoral study. This financial support helps cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs, allowing recipients to focus on their studies without financial burdens.
Can international students apply for the Vanier CGS?
Yes, the Vanier CGS is open to both Canadian and international students. However, international students must first secure a nomination from a Canadian institution that has a Vanier CGS quota.
How are the Vanier CGS recipients selected?
The selection process involves a rigorous evaluation of applicants based on their academic achievements, research potential, leadership qualities, and the potential impact of their research. The nominations are reviewed by a selection committee consisting of experts in various fields.
When will I know if I have been awarded the Vanier CGS
The Vanier CGS results are typically announced in the spring of each year. Applicants will be notified of the results by the nominating institution or the Vanier-Banting Secretariat.
References
- https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/news-nouvelles/2023/2023-06-22.aspx?lang=eng
- https://scholarshipscorner.website/vanier-canada-graduate-scholarship/
READ ALSO
