Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards for International PhD Students and Postdocs in Priority Research Areas Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council in Canada

The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards, administered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) in partnership with CIHR and NSERC, offer a unique, fully funded opportunity for international doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers—including returning Canadians living abroad—to pursue high-impact research in Canada. This one-time initiative is designed to attract top global talent to Canadian institutions, with a focus on eight government priority research areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced digital technologies, quantum science, and cybersecurity.

Eligibility is open to candidates of any nationality who are currently studying or working outside Canada and have no current academic ties to Canadian institutions. Applicants must align their research interests with one of the designated priority areas. Importantly, direct applications are not accepted; instead, candidates must be recruited and nominated by an eligible Canadian researcher who holds an active grant from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC. Each university manages its own internal selection process and has a limited nomination quota.

Funding for successful applicants is generous: doctoral students receive $40,000 CAD per year for up to three years, while postdoctoral researchers receive $70,000 CAD per year for up to two years. Awards must be held in Canada, with the first year at the nominating institution and the possibility to transfer to another Canadian institution in subsequent years. Tuition coverage is not explicitly mentioned, but the awards are described as fully funded.

The 2026 competition features a two-phase nomination process, with the first phase deadline set for March 4, 2026. The second phase will begin in April 2026, with details to be announced. Interested candidates are encouraged to proactively reach out to potential supervisors at Canadian universities in their field of interest, as only those nominated by eligible researchers will be considered. For more information, including the full list of priority research areas and application details, visit the official SSHRC website.

This program is particularly well-suited for talented African and international PhD students and postdocs seeking to relocate to Canada for advanced research training in cutting-edge fields. The initiative aims to build research capacity, strengthen the Canadian research ecosystem, and enhance global competitiveness.