The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards 2026 are a newly launched, fully funded opportunity by the Government of Canada to recruit international PhD students and postdoctoral researchers into Canadian universities. This one-time initiative supports both doctoral scholarships and high-paying postdoctoral research jobs in Canada, making it highly attractive for global researchers seeking funded PhD positions or postdoc jobs with salary support. Backed by Budget 2025, the program targets priority research areas such as AI, clean technology, health, and advanced materials, while offering competitive stipends and long-term career pathways in Canada. With 600 doctoral scholarships and 400 postdoctoral research awards, the program offers generous funding, long durations, and access to world-class research environments.

Canada Impact+ Research Scholarship-Overview

Host Country: Canada
Administering Agencies:
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Degree Levels: PhD (Doctoral), Postdoctoral
Total Awards: 1,000 (600 PhD + 400 Postdoc)
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Official Program: Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS)
Nomination Deadline: March 4, 2026 (8:00 PM Eastern Time)

Priority Research Areas

Your proposed research must align with at least one of the following eight priority areas. These areas are interpreted broadly, allowing interdisciplinary and cross-sector research.

Advanced digital technologies (AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity)
Health and biotechnology
Clean technology and resource value chains
Environment, climate resilience, and Arctic research
Food and water security
Democratic institutions and community resilience
Manufacturing and advanced materials
Defence and dual-use technologies

These themes reflect Canada’s strategic research and innovation priorities and are highly attractive for global researchers seeking long-term impact.

Click Here for Detailed Canada Priority Research Areas for International Impact Researcher Awards

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply (Nominees)

Any nationality, including international applicants and Canadian citizens
Must be currently studying or working outside Canada
Must not have a current academic affiliation with a Canadian institution

For PhD Applicants

Eligible to enroll in a doctoral program at the nominating Canadian institution by the award start date

For Postdoctoral Applicants

Qualified to undertake postdoctoral research at the nominating institution

There is no eligibility window, meaning no restriction based on how long ago you completed your degree.

Application Process

This is a nomination-based program for Canada postdoctoral fellowships and fully funded PhDs in Canada, not a direct individual application. Follow these steps to successfully submit your Canada Research Awards.

Step 1: Identify a Canadian Supervisor: Find a professor or researcher in Canada who holds an active Tri-agency grant (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC).

Click Here for More Details about Canada Research Awards for International Students

Step 2: Contact the Host Institution: Express your interest and confirm whether the institution has nomination allocations.

Step 3: Secure Institutional Nomination: The institution selects nominees and prepares the nomination package.

Step 4: Institution Submits Application: The full nomination is submitted to the appropriate funding agency.

Important: Applications sent directly by individuals are not accepted.

Click Here for Detailed Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards to Study and Research in Canada

Financial Benefits & Coverage

The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards are fully funded, making them one of the most generous research funding programs in Canada.

What the Award Covers

Full annual stipend (PhD or Postdoc level): Doctoral Scholarship: CAD 40,000 per year for 3 years and Postdoctoral Fellowship: CAD 70,000 per year for 2 years
Stable multi-year funding
Paid parental leave (as per Tri-agency rules)
Access to Canada’s top research facilities and labs
Strong institutional and supervisory support

While the award does not include relocation or travel allowances, the stipend level is designed to comfortably support living costs in Canada.

Apply Now—Study in Canada for Free

Begin reaching out to Canadian universities and supervisors now to secure a nomination. Competition will be intense, and institutions have limited slots.

Click Here to Explore Official Call for Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards 2026

Also Check: List of Open International PhD and Research Fellowships Worldwide 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this program offered every year?
No. This is a one-time initiative announced under Budget 2025.

Can I apply if I am already in Canada?
No. Applicants must be currently affiliated with an institution outside Canada.

Can Canadian citizens apply?
Yes, if they are currently studying or working abroad and plan to return to Canada.

Is the award portable?
After one year, the award may be transferred to another Canadian institution, subject to conditions.

Does this award fast-track immigration?
No. Standard study or work permit processes still apply.

Also Check Latest Scholarships Below:

HEC Scholarship
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