Michael Smith Canada Graduate Scholarship 2025

Scholarship

The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (CGS-MSFSS) provide a unique opportunity for graduate students to gain international research experience and build global connections. With up to $6,000 in funding, this supplement helps offset the costs of conducting research abroad, supporting students in their academic and professional growth. It’s available to students who already hold a Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS) at the master’s or doctoral level or a Vanier CGS at the doctoral level.

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.

Eligibility

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.

Application Process

The application process requires students 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.