Advice and tips for applying to NSERC postgraduate and postdoctoral programs

In July 2025, the Canada Research Training Award Suite of programs replaced the Tri-agency and NSERC funding opportunities at the Master’s, Doctoral and Postdoctoral levels. Because NSERC continues to use its existing submission platforms and application forms, the information contained in this video remains relevant except for the program names.

Time stamps:
[0:51] Important tips
[2:15] Research proposal
[7:27] Subject eligibility
[10:00] Contributions and statements
[13:48] Reports on the applicant
[16:59] Common errors/mistakes

Important Links:
NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships – Doctoral program: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/student...
Canada Graduate Scholarships — Doctoral program: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Student...
Postdoctoral Fellowships program: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/student...
Canada Graduate Scholarships — Master’s program: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/student...
Instructions for completing an application – form 201: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineS...
Selection committee guide for Postgraduate Scholarships—Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships programs: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/_doc/St...
NSERC guide on integrating equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in research: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NSERC-C...
Science.gc.ca Guidelines (Selecting the Appropriate Federal Granting Agency): https://science.gc.ca/site/science/en...
Addendum to the guidelines for the eligibility of applications related to health: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NSERC-C...
Instructions for completing a report on the applicant – form 201: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/onlines...
List of research subject codes for scholarships and fellowships: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/help-ai...
Selection Committees and Evaluation Groups: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NSERC-C...