Graduate Students

Graduate Students: Applying for Scholarships or Fellowships

Applying for scholarships or fellowships is a vital endeavour for all graduate students to fund research or career goals.

To aid in this process, the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research divides such opportunities into these general categories:

Internal funding

  • funding opportunities provided by Saint Mary's University, available only to current SMU graduate students

External funding

  • funding opportunities from other institutions or agencies, which can be separated into two broad categories:
    • funding from Canadian institutions
    • funding from global institutions

Internal scholarship opportunities

(Available to enrolled, eligible SMU graduate students)

Durland Graduate Research Scholarship
~ The Durland Scholarships in Graduate Research are opportunities designed to attract and retain talented incoming students, within any of our PhD programs or research-based Masters programs, who show the highest potential to contribute to research supporting both the Major Research Thematic areas of the SMU Strategic Research Plan, and the research interests of SMU professors. The aim of the Durland Scholarships program is to build Saint Mary's University's strength, vitality, and reputation as a research enterprise. Application deadline - January 31, 2024 at 5:00pm (Atlantic)

Tribe Network Graduate Scholarship and Internship
~ Up to $10,000 for graduate students who self-identify as Black (Black Nova Scotian, Black Canadian, Black Immigrant) or Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) to apply for a scholarship which will financially support the student’s internship position. Application Deadline - July 31.  Decisions will be made prior to September.

Application for Conference Travel Funds
~ up to $500 awarded by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research for graduate students with confirmed conference presentations. Application Deadline - April 1 and October 1.

International Travel Funds for Graduate Student Thesis Field Research
~ up to $2,000 awarded by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research to help support graduate students travelling for field research. Application Deadline - March 15 and September 15.

Robin Rigby Trust 2024 - Call for Proposals
~ Proposals are invited from qualified individuals seeking financial support to undertake collaborative research projects that focus on understanding and implementing conservation and sustainable development in coastal areas.
- Enquiries may be sent to the Trust at robinrigbytrust@smu.ca
- Application Deadline - October 31, 2024

Vice-President Academic and Research (VPAR) International Mobility Award~ up to $1800 awarded by SMU’s Vice-President Academic and Research to help support graduate student travel.  Application Deadline - March 15 or November 1.

External scholarship opportunities

Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarship Competition for 2024-25

Two classes of Mackenzie King Scholarship are available to graduates of Canadian universities: the Open Scholarship and the Travelling Scholarship. Both are to support graduate study.

The Open Scholarship is available to graduates of Canadian universities who pursue graduate study in any discipline, in Canada or elsewhere.  One Open Scholarship is awarded each year. The value has recently been about $8500 but it is subject to change.

The Travelling Scholarship is available to graduates of Canadian universities who pursue graduate study in the United States or the United Kingdom in the areas of international relations or industrial relations.  Recently four scholarships of $10,500 each have been awarded annually, but the number and the amount are subject to change.

Internal Deadline to apply: February 1

Student Research Awards - Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia
~ The Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia is committed to supporting research into Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and acknowledging the work of people who have chosen to do research in this field. As a means of honouring this commitment, we are pleased to provide Phyllis Horton and Abe Leventhal Research Awards each year.

This year we are offering:

  • One graduate- or postdoctoral-level Phyllis Horton Research Award valued at $5,000
  • Two undergraduate-level Abe Leventhal Research Awards valued at $1,500 each

The deadline for application is Monday, April 15th, 2024. Applicants are welcome from any relevant discipline.

Laura Bassi Scholarship
~ The Laura Bassi Scholarship was established by Editing Press in 2018 with the aim of providing editorial assistance to postgraduates and junior academics whose research focuses on neglected topics of study, broadly construed, within their disciplines. The scholarships are open to every discipline and are awarded three times per year: December, April, and August. The value of the scholarships are remitted solely through editorial assistance as follows:

Master’s candidates: $750
Doctoral candidates: $2,500
Junior academics: $500

These figures reflect the upper bracket of costs of editorial assistance for master’s theses, doctoral dissertations, and academic journal articles, respectively. All currently enrolled master’s and doctoral candidates are eligible to apply, as are academics in the first five years of full-time employment. There are no institutional, departmental, or national restrictions. 

Deadline: There are several deadlines throughout the year.  Please see the website for more details.

Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) - Strategic Master's Award

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the Strategic Master's Award. This funding opportunity is led by CIHR in partnership with CIHR Centre for Research on Pandemic Preparedness and Health Emergencies, CIHR Institute of Genetics, CIHR Institute of Gender and Health, CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health.

The purpose of the CIHR Strategic Master's Award program is to provide financial support to scholars who are engaged in an eligible master's program in Canada and that are relevant to specific CIHR priority research areas. This support allows these scholars to concentrate on their studies in their chosen fields.

Research Areas

This funding opportunity will support projects relevant to the following research areas:

Anticipated Timelines:
Launch: Fall 2023
Webinar: End of October 2023
Application Deadline: Mid-December 2023
Funding Start Date: May 1, 2024

For more information, please see Notice of Upcoming Funding Opportunity: Strategic Master’s Award - CIHR (cihr-irsc.gc.ca).

Canada Graduate Scholarships (Master's) Program:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC); and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)

Deadline: National deadline December 1 (8:00pm ET) - Online application 

~ annual scholarships of $17,500 from CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC support and promote high-quality research in a wide variety of disciplines and areas. Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, and be enrolled in, have applied for, or will apply for full-time admission in a master's program.  

Nova Scotia Energy & Mines Innovation Grant
Deadline: June 16, 2023

~ Each year the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables offers up to 4 grants valued at $15,000 to master’s students pursuing an academic research program directly related to the development of Nova Scotia’s oil and gas industry, renewable energy resources, sustainable technologies, energy efficiency or earth sciences. 

Hearth & Stroke Foundation - Research Competition
Deadline: various deadlines
~ Heart & Stroke is proud to fund Canada’s best heart and brain health researchers. Please visit the link above for a comprehensive guide to our funding opportunities, application processes, peer review and more.

Personal Awards for Black Scholars competition
Deadline: May 22, 2024
Through these awards, Heart & Stroke is seeking to increase the representation of best-in-class Black researchers across heart and brain health research fields in Canada. By removing financial burdens, the awards aim to enable outstanding students to focus on their studies, undertake a program of research, and engage with mentors as part of their training and development. These awards will be offered to students accepted to or enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs in Canada who identify as Black and who are studying in an area specific to heart or brain health. These multi-year awards will function as salary stipends intended to enable trainees to focus on their studies and advance in their chosen field.   


The O'Brien Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: November 1
~ The award of a Fellowship is not based on financial need and is not restricted by age. Awards are made based on academic achievement and/or existing professional standing and character and integrity. The Committee may also give preference to students who intend to return to and remain in the Province of New Brunswick upon completion of their studies. To be eligible, applicants must be current or former residents of the Province of New Brunswick who have graduated from a University. 


Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship (NSGS)

Deadline:  Students must submit their application and supporting documents (merged as one document) to FGSR (Heather.Gray@smu.ca) by April 10. 

graduate scholarship program created by the Province of Nova Scotia to help advance the economic and social wellbeing of Nova Scotians by investing in graduate thesis research in defined priority sectors. Scholarships are valued at up to $10,000 per year for up to two years at the Master’s level, and up to $15,000 per year for up to four years at the PhD level.

Scotia Scholars Award
~ The Scotia Scholars Award provides financial support to students with exceptional potential who are or wish to be engaged in a health research project at participating institutions. Recipients will participate on a project supported by a research supervisor. This award will support the growth and retention of highly skilled individuals who are advancing and translating knowledge in disease detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, strengthening health care delivery systems, caring for vulnerable populations, and preventing negative impacts to health and wellbeing.

Research Nova Scotia pursues equity, diversity and inclusion in Nova Scotia’s research enterprise and integrates these values in designing and implementing its programs and services.

Funding for this award is provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.

Funding Amount and Duration
PhD: Up to $18,750/year, up to 4 years.
Master’s: Up to $12,500/year, up to 2 years.

Details of this competition can be found as follows: 
Master’s: https://www.researchns.ca/scotia-scholars-masters/
Doctoral: https://www.researchns.ca/scotia-scholars-doctoral/

Important Dates
The deadline for applications is April 25, 2024 at 1:00pm (ADT). Applications will not be accepted beyond this date and time.

All applicants will be notified of decisions in June 2024. Funding may begin September 2024.


MSSU Trainee Support Program

The Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit (MSSU) Trainee Support Program provides financial support to high-caliber trainees engaged in patient-oriented health research at academic institutions in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Patient-oriented health research is defined by CIHR as a continuum of research that engages patients as partners, focuses on patient-identified priorities and improves patient outcomes. This research, conducted by multidisciplinary teams in partnership with relevant stakeholders, aims to apply the knowledge generated to improve healthcare systems and practice.

Application Deadline: March 24, 2023, 2 p.m. AT

Visit the MSSU website for a program overview with more details, including links to the online application forms.


MITACS ACCELERATE FELLOWSHIP
Interested applicants can apply any time.
~ this fellowship provides a long-term funding and internship option for master’s and PhD students. Recipients can also access professional development training that helps them ensure project success and gain in-demand career skills. 

CANADA GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS: Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements Program
Internal Deadline to submit applications to FGSR:  June 1 and October 1
~ up to $6,000 available for a period of research study abroad. The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (CGS-MSFSS) support high-calibre Canadian graduate students in building global linkages and international networks through the pursuit of exceptional research experiences at research institutions abroad.


FULBRIGHT CANADA - Traditional Fulbright Student Awards 
Competition open from May 15 - November 15

 

IMFG Richard M. Bird Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Application Deadline: June 5, 2023

The $60,000 Richard M. Bird Post-Doctoral Fellowship supports researchers who have recently completed their PhD or will have completed it by September 1, 2023. Fellowship recipients will prepare two original research papers for publication by IMFG and present their research through two seminars. Depending on the recipient’s interests and IMFG’s research agenda, the recipient may also develop and organize IMFG conferences, events or roundtables and engage in various other research projects at the Institute.  

2023-2024 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program

The Government of Canada launched the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program in 2008 to strengthen Canada's ability to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Vanier Scholars demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering and health.

Eligible students who wish to be considered should send a message of interest and their CV to Research Grants Officer, Marlene Ramos (using rgo@smu.ca).

Internal Deadline - September 15, 2023

2023-2024 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships (PDF) program

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program is designed to support world-class postdoctoral researchers. The fellowship provides $70,000 per year for two years. The program is open to both Canadian and international researchers who have recently completed a PhD, PhD- equivalent, or health professional degree. Applications must be completed in full collaboration with the proposed host institution.

Eligible individuals who wish to be considered should send a message of interest and their CV to Research Grants Officer, Marlene Ramos (using rgo@smu.ca) by AUGUST 18, 2023

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Competition (DOCTORAL)
The PETF Scholarship offers a three-year leadership program designed to train Engaged Leaders, equipping doctoral candidates with the skills to translate their ideas into action, for the betterment of their communities, Canada, and the world.
Application deadline is December 1, 2023 at 5:00pm (Eastern)

2023 Betram Scholarships
Application Deadline - May 19, 2023

~ In recognition of the growing importance of good governance to all Canadian institutions, the Canadian Foundation for Governance Research is offering up to three annual Bertram Scholarship of $15,000 to PhD students registered at Canadian universities. The scholarship will support the work of students who are conducting research into governance as part of their doctoral research project.

To be eligible for the scholarship, the doctoral research project should focus on a topic directly related to governance, including for example:

  • The importance of effective boards in enabling good decision-making and improving the functioning of Canadian institutions;
  • Governance issues of interest to Canadian boards of public, private, government-agency and not-for-profit organizations;
  • The role of corporate governance in enabling positive societal impacts;
  • Governance best practices through the Canadian perspective.

CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC Doctoral Scholarships

SMU Internal Deadline NSERC and CIHR: Monday, October 16, 2023 - Online application – PLEASE UPLOAD COPIES OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS ONLY.

SMU Internal Deadline SSHRC:  Wednesday, October 25, 2023 – Online application – PLEASE UPLOAD COPIES OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS ONLY.

~ The Canada Graduate Scholarships - Doctoral (CGS D) program is a federal program of scholarships awarded through national competitions by the granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Agency-specific doctoral awards

In addition to the CGS D, each agency has its own doctoral awards.  Refer to the appropriate literature for CIHRNSERC and SSHRC for further details.

Meritorious CGS D applicants may also be eligible for agency-specific doctoral awards.  Applicants complete and submit one application to be considered for both a CGS D scholarship and an agency doctoral award. CGS D scholarships are offered to top-ranked eligible applicants.

IODE WAR MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Intent to apply deadline: October 1; Application deadline: November 1

The IODE War Memorial Scholarships support PhD scholars whose research makes important contributions to Canada and the world in medicine, science, business, politics, and academia.  Applicants are judged on academic excellence and potential.  Applicants must be Canadian citizens and in at least their second year of a doctoral programme at a Canadian or Commonwealth university.

PhD students who have been working towards their degree for at least a year are encouraged to apply for one of the three $15,000.00 scholarships offered across Canada. 


NSERC: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Postdoctoral Fellowships

~ The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) has established the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Foreign Researchers. A limited number of promising early-career researchers are given the opportunity to conduct research in Japanese universities and in designated research institutions and laboratories. NSERC is responsible for recommending Canadian nominees for JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships.
Application deadline is February 1


IMFG Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Application Deadline - May 1, 2023

~ IMFG offers a $60,000 Richard M. Bird Post-Doctoral Fellowship to support researchers who have recently completed their PhD or will have completed it by September 1, 2023. Fellowship recipients will prepare two original research papers for publication by IMFG and present their research through two seminars. Depending on the recipient’s interests and IMFG’s research agenda, the recipient may also develop and organize IMFG conferences, events or roundtables and engage in various other research projects at the Institute.

The recipient is expected to live in Toronto, Canada while pursuing their research, where they will have the opportunity to participate generally in the larger U of T community during the 2023-2024 academic year. IMFG is situated within U of T’s School of Cities, allowing the recipient to benefit from the broad network associated with the School and its affiliates.