The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (CGS-MSFSS) are available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada or Protected Persons under subsection 95(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada) who hold a Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS) at the master’s or doctoral level, or a Vanier CGS at the doctoral level.
CGS-MSFSS Scholarship Description Details
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. By accessing international scientific research and training, CGS-MSFSS recipients will contribute to strengthening the potential for collaboration between Canadian and foreign institutions.
Supplements of up to $6,000 are available to active CGS (master’s or doctoral) or eligible Vanier CGS holders to help offset the costs of undertaking research studies outside Canada for a defined period. A total of 250 awards are available each year and are divided among the three 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 (SSHRC). This reflects the distribution of CGS and eligible Vanier CGS across the health-related disciplines, the natural sciences and engineering, and the social sciences and humanities (45 for CIHR, 80 for NSERC, and 125 for SSHRC). Additional supplements may be awarded should funds become available.
CGS-MSFSS Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the CGS-MSFSS can receive up to $6,000 for their research period abroad, which can range from two to six months. This funding covers essential expenses such as:
- Travel costs (flights, visas)
- Living expenses (accommodation, meals)
- Insurance and other related costs
- This supplement helps students gain access to international research institutions, enhancing their academic development and fostering collaboration between Canadian and foreign institutions.
CGS-MSFSS Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CGS-MSFSS, applicants must:
- Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Hold an active CGS (master’s or doctoral) or Vanier CGS (doctoral) scholarship.
- Plan to undertake a research trip abroad for a minimum of two months and a maximum of six months.
- Be registered in a graduate program at a Canadian institution during the research period abroad.
- Return to complete their degree at their Canadian institution after the research study period.
- Applicants cannot have previously received the CGS-MSFSS during their graduate studies.
CGS-MSFSS Application Process
The application process requires applicants to submit:
- A detailed research plan explaining their objectives, methodology, and how the research abroad supports their CGS research goals.
- A budget outlining expected costs for travel, living, and related expenses.
- Letters of support from both their CGS research supervisor and their proposed host supervisor at the foreign institution.
Each funding agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) has its own application form and instructions. Be sure to consult your institution’s internal deadlines, as they must rank and submit applications before forwarding them to the appropriate agency.
Application Deadline for the CGS-MSFSS: 10th of October, 2024.
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