Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship 2025 For International Students
Apply for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship 2025, which provides $50,000 annually for three years to exceptional PhD students. Enhance your research.

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) is a prestigious opportunity for high-achieving graduate students pursuing doctoral studies in Canada. Launched in 2008 by the Government of Canada, the program aims to attract and retain top talent, fostering leadership and scholarly excellence.
Named after Major-General Georges P. Vanier, the first francophone Governor General of Canada, the scholarship awards up to 166 students annually. Recipients receive $50,000 annually for three years, making it one of Canada’s most generous doctoral scholarships.
Details about the Vanier Canada Scholarship
- Country: Canada
- University: depends on the scholarship program
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Program: MA/PhD, MD/PhD)
Deadline: October-30-2024
Who is Eligible For Vanier Canada?
To be eligible for the Vanier CGS 2025, you must:
- Be nominated by only one Canadian institution, which must have received a Vanier CGS quota.
- Be pursuing your first doctoral degree (or combined MA/PhD, MD/PhD).
- Have completed no more than 20 months of doctoral studies as of May 1, 2025.
- Have achieved a first-class average in each of the last two years of full-time study or equivalent.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a high standard of scholarly achievement.
Financial Benefits in Vanier Scholarship
- Generous Annual Stipend: $50,000 per year for up to three years, covering tuition, living expenses, and research costs.
- Multi-Year Support: Guaranteed funding for three consecutive years, providing stability throughout your doctoral studies.
- No Work Requirement: Allows full focus on research without the need for part-time work or teaching assistantships.
- Flexibility in Spending: Funds can be used for tuition, travel, conferences, books, supplies, and personal living costs.
- International Collaboration: Financial freedom to engage in global research projects, attend conferences, and build a professional network.
- Long-Term Career Impact: Enhances your academic profile, leading to better career opportunities and higher earning potential in the future.
Eligible Areas of Study In Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Health Research
- Medical sciences
- Public health
- Epidemiology
- Biomedicine
- Mental health
- Other related fields
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Earth sciences
- Engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, etc.)
- Environmental science
- Computer science
- Mathematics
- Other related fields
Social Sciences and Humanities Research
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Political science
- History
- Law
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Cultural studies
- Anthropology
- Education
- Linguistics
- Other related fields
Program Types Supported
- PhD Programs: Students must be pursuing a doctoral degree in one of the eligible areas of study.
- Combined Programs: The Vanier CGS also supports combined programs such as MA/PhD, MD/PhD, or JD/PhD, provided the program leads to a PhD degree.
List of Universities For CGS
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) can be held at a wide range of Canadian universities that have a Vanier CGS allocation. Here’s a list of some of the prominent universities in Canada where you can pursue your doctoral studies with the Vanier CGS
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- McGill University
- University of Alberta
- Université de Montréal
- University of Ottawa
- University of Waterloo
- Western University
- Queen’s University
- McMaster University
- Simon Fraser University
- Dalhousie University
- University of Calgary
- Université Laval
- York University
- University of Manitoba
- University of Victoria
- Carleton University
- University of Saskatchewan
- Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
- Concordia University
- Université de Sherbrooke
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- University of Guelph
- University of New Brunswick
- Brock University
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- Ryerson University
- Lakehead University
Required Documents in Vanier Graduate Scholarship
Application Form
- Completed through the ResearchNet online portal.
Research Proposal
- Detailed description of your research project, including objectives, methodology, and potential impact.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- An updated CV that outlines your academic background, research experience, publications, awards, and relevant activities.
Transcripts
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary academic records. These should be provided by each institution you have attended.
Letters of Reference
- Two reference letters from individuals who can speak to your academic achievements, research potential, and leadership qualities. These referees should be able to provide detailed and specific insights into your qualifications.
Personal Leadership Statement
- A statement highlighting your leadership skills and experiences, including how you have demonstrated leadership in academic, professional, or community settings.
Institutional Nomination
- You must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota. This requires working closely with your chosen institution to ensure they submit your application on your behalf.
Proof of Citizenship
- Documents proving your Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or international status, depending on your background.
How to Apply Vanier Scholarship 2024
Applying for the Vanier CGS is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and preparation. Here’s a brief overview:
- Choose Your Institution: You must be nominated by a Canadian institution with a Vanier CGS quota. Research institutions that align with your academic goals and have faculty members whose research interests match yours.
- Prepare Your Application Package: Your application will include several components, such as your CV, academic transcripts, two letters of reference, and a personal leadership statement. You will also need to write a detailed research proposal outlining your project’s objectives, methodology, and potential impact.
- Submit Through ResearchNet: All applications must be submitted through the ResearchNet online portal. Be sure to follow the guidelines carefully and submit all required documents before the deadline.
- Institutional Review: Your chosen institution will review your application and decide whether to nominate you for the Vanier CGS. If nominated, your application will be forwarded to one of the three federal granting agencies for final evaluation.
- Final Selection: The final selection of Vanier Scholars is made by the Vanier CGS selection committee, which assesses candidates based on their academic excellence, research potential, and leadership abilities.