Canada is known to offer over a hundred scholarships, one of which is the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, offered by the Canadian government. A common question that most students ask is, “How can I apply for and win the Vanier Graduate Scholarships in Canada?”
To win the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, you have to first of all apply to any institution in Canada that has been granted a quota under this scholarship. Afterwards, you are to inform them of your readiness to obtain the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for a PhD program.
In this article, we have discussed extensively the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and how you can apply and win the scholarship. Additionally, we have included links to provide ease for the readers.
About Scholarships Offered in Canada
Scholarships offered in Canada are awarded to both domestic and international students. While some of these scholarships can last till the end of the program, others last for just a year. The reasons for which students are awarded scholarships vary. However, scholarships are awarded on merit or based on need.
Furthermore, some schools have their own way of assessing students before awarding scholarships. The scholarships offered in Canada fall into two categories, which are fully-funded scholarships and partially-funded scholarships. The fully-funded scholarships cover the full cost of the recipient’s education, while the partially funded scholarships cover only a part of the recipient’s education.
About the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
In 2008, the Canadian government set up the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and named it after Major General George P. Vanier: Canada’s foremost francophone Governor General. This scholarship was designed to lure competent doctoral students and show, beyond doubt, that Canada is a global center for excellence in research.
Read Also: How To Win A Scholarship To Finance Your Study
Every year, approximately 166 graduate students are awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Award, which is worth $50,000 per year for three years of doctoral study. Those interested in the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship are selected based on three major factors: academic excellence, research potential, and leadership ability.
Furthermore, only three federal research agencies in Canada have the sole responsibility of administering this scholarship. They are:
- Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Eligibility Requirements for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
Like every other scholarship offered by universities all over the world, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship has certain requirements that applicants must meet before they are awarded the scholarship:
- You must either be a citizen of Canada or an international student studying in Canada
- You must be enrolled, for the first time, in a full-time PhD program at an accredited Canadian institution
- You must be nominated by the university which has received a quota under the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
- You must not be receiving any doctoral-level scholarships from the Canadian agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC) administering the Vanier CGS
- You must have attained a first class average in each of the last two years of full-time study, as determined by your institution
Unlike other scholarship awards, the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship has a unique method of application and selection. We have simplified the application process for you below.
How to Apply and Win the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
Not only is Canada known for delivering top-notch education, it is also known to offer over a hundred scholarships. These scholarships are offered by schools, the government, individuals, and different organizations. One of the scholarships available in Canada for graduate students is the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.
The process of applying for scholarships can be time consuming and challenging for a lot of students. These factors contribute to why many students give up. However, we have provided below a step-by-guide to apply for the Vanier CGS.
First of all, you must understand that it is not possible for applicants to apply directly for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. Thus, the applicant must apply to an institution that has received a quota under the Vanier CGS and inform them of his readiness to obtain the Vanier CGS for a PhD program. This must be done before the internal submission deadline, which varies amongst institutions. Afterward, the applicant will have to be nominated by the institution for the scholarship.
Application Process
Step 1: Commence your application for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship by researching Canadian institutions. Furthermore, you can check through the official websites of your chosen university to see available programs in which you intend to complete your PhD program.
Step 2: Ensure that the institution which you have chosen has received a quota under the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. You can check it through the Vanier CGS quota page.
Step 3: Inform your institution of your readiness to obtain the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for your PhD program. Your application must get to your institution on or before the internal submission deadline.
Read More: How To Win PhD Scholarships in Canada
Afterwards, the institution, which is charged with the responsibility of nominating candidates, will carry out the internal selection process. Once concluded, the institution forwards their nominations to the Vanier Banting Secretariat, which then initiates the review process.
The secretariat further makes recommendations to the Tri-Agency Programs Management Committee, whose sole responsibility is to endorse or make the final decision on the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship program. Nominated candidates will be notified once the final decision has been taken.
What Are the Benefits of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Award is worth $50,000 per year and lasts up to three years of doctoral study.
What Is the Deadline for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship?
There are two deadlines for the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. The first is the institution’s internal deadline. Every institution that has received a quota under the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship has its own internal deadline. You can find out your proposed institution’s deadline on ResearchNet.
P.S: Endeavor to create a ResearchNet account.
The second is the program deadline, which is November 1, 2022. This deadline must be strictly adhered to by the nominating institutions.
Which Documents Do I Need for the Vanier CGS Application?
- ResearchNet application form.
- Two reference letters.
- Two leadership reference letters
- A two page research proposal
- Five pages of project references
- A personal statement stating the leadership qualities of the applicant
- A Resume or CV
To Wrap Up
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is a non-refundable award offered by the Canadian government and lasts up to three years of doctoral studies. By following the processes listed in this article, you stand a high chance of winning this scholarship.
