Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards by the Government of Canada – Fully Funded Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research Awards for International Researchers

The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards are a newly launched, fully funded research opportunity announced under Budget 2025 – Canada Strong, reflecting the Government of Canada’s commitment to building a highly skilled and globally competitive research workforce. The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards are designed to attract top international research talent, including Canadian citizens currently abroad, to contribute to Canada’s innovation, economic growth, and strategic research priorities.

Administered jointly by Canada’s three federal research funding 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)—the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards form part of Canada’s International Talent Attraction Strategy and Action Plan.

With a $133.6 million investment over three years, the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards will support the recruitment of 600 doctoral students and 400 postdoctoral researchers through the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS). This one-time initiative is intended to strengthen Canada’s research ecosystem by bringing global expertise into priority research areas critical to national and global development.

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Overview of the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards

The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards recognize and support international doctoral and postdoctoral researchers who are currently studying or working outside Canada and who wish to pursue advanced research training at eligible Canadian institutions.

Unlike traditional open competitions, the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards use an institution-based nomination process, allowing Canadian universities and research institutions to strategically recruit global talent aligned with national research priorities.

Funding Value and Duration

• Doctoral Awards:

  • Value: CAD $40,000 per year

  • Duration: Three (3) years

• Postdoctoral Research Awards:

  • Value: CAD $70,000 per year

  • Duration: Two (2) years

The award values and durations match those of existing CRTAS programs, including the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS D) and the Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA), but with distinct eligibility requirements focused on international recruitment.

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Priority Research Areas Under the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards

All nominations under the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards must align with at least one of the following eight priority research areas, which are interpreted broadly to allow interdisciplinary research:

1. Advanced digital technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and cybersecurity)

2. Health, including biotechnology

3. Clean technology and resource value chains

4. Environment, climate resilience, and the Arctic

5. Food and water security

6. Democratic and community resilience

7. Manufacturing and advanced materials

8. Defence and dual-use technologies

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Extensive Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply

Eligible Nominees (Applicants)

The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards are open to candidates of any citizenship, including:

• International citizens

• Canadian citizens

• Permanent residents

• Protected persons

However, all nominees must meet the following conditions:

• Must not have a current affiliation with a Canadian institution

• Must be studying or working outside Canada at the time of nomination

• Must be nominated by an eligible Canadian institution

• Must conduct research within one of the priority research areas

Doctoral Award Eligibility

• Must be eligible to enroll in a doctoral program at the nominating Canadian institution by the award activation date

Postdoctoral Award Eligibility

• Must be qualified to undertake postdoctoral research at the nominating institution by the award activation date

There is no eligibility time window, unlike other Canadian research awards.

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Who Is NOT Eligible

• International students or postdoctoral researchers already studying or working at a Canadian institution

• Individuals with multiple nominations (only one nomination per person is allowed)

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Eligible Countries and Citizenship

The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards are open globally. There are no country restrictions. Candidates from any country may be nominated, provided they meet all eligibility criteria.

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Eligibility for Canadian Citizens Abroad

Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are:

• Currently studying or working abroad

• Seeking to return to Canada for doctoral or postdoctoral research

are explicitly eligible under the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards.

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Program Structure and Delivery

The awards will be delivered in two phases:

Phase One

• Institutional nominations submitted in early 2026

• Initial results announced by April 1, 2026

• Up to 70% of allocations used in this phase

Phase Two

• Begins April 1, 2026

• Allows redistribution of unused nominations

• Adjustments across agencies and priority areas if needed

All awards must be activated by March 31, 2027.

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Nomination and Application Process

The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards do not accept direct applications from individuals.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Interested candidates contact eligible Canadian institutions

2. Institutions select eligible Tri-agency-funded researchers (nominators)

3. Nominators recruit eligible international candidates

4. Institutions submit nomination packages on behalf of candidates

5. Funding agencies conduct eligibility review

6. Awards are issued to successful nominees

Requests sent directly to CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC will not be considered.

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Important Dates and Deadlines

• Early 2026 – First wave of nominations submitted

• April 1, 2026 – Initial award results announced

• April 1, 2026 – Second phase of nominations begins

• December 31, 2026 – Final opportunity to redirect declined nominations

• March 31, 2027 – Final award activation deadline

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Additional Notes and Conditions

• Awards do not provide travel or relocation funding

• Immigration processes are not fast-tracked

• Award holders are eligible for paid parental leave

• Awards are portable after one year, but must remain within Canada

• Research security considerations may apply depending on research area

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Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards

The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards represent a unique, one-time opportunity for international doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers to pursue fully funded research training in Canada. By targeting global talent and strategic research priorities, the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards strengthen Canada’s position as a leading destination for innovation, research excellence, and global collaboration.

For qualified researchers seeking high-value funding, world-class institutions, and impactful research opportunities, the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards offer an exceptional pathway to contribute to Canada’s future.

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Application Portal and Official Announcement

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