The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (CGS-MSFSS)
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (CGS-MSFSS) offer a valuable opportunity for graduate students seeking to enhance their academic and research experience on a global scale.
This prestigious program enables students to immerse themselves in international research environments, fostering vital global connections that can significantly shape their professional and academic journeys.
With financial support of up to $6,000, the CGS-MSFSS helps alleviate the financial burden associated with conducting research abroad, empowering students to focus on advancing their work and contributing to global knowledge exchange.
The CGS-MSFSS is open to graduate students who are already recipients of a Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS) at the master’s or doctoral level, or the Vanier CGS at the doctoral level.
By extending their research to international institutions, students benefit from expanded academic perspectives, professional networking opportunities, and a broader scope of resources that may not be available domestically.
Key Benefits of the CGS-MSFSS
Recipients of the CGS-MSFSS can access up to $6,000 to support their research abroad, which can last between two to six months. This funding helps to cover critical costs such as:
- Travel expenses (including flights, visas, and other related costs)
- Living expenses (accommodation, meals, and daily needs)
- Insurance and other necessary fees
By participating in this program, students can gain invaluable access to leading international research facilities, enhancing their academic profiles and fostering collaborations between Canadian and foreign institutions.
These experiences can significantly contribute to their research goals and overall academic development, providing them with insights and skills that can propel their careers forward.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CGS-MSFSS, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Hold an active CGS (master’s or doctoral) or Vanier CGS (doctoral) scholarship.
- Plan to engage in an international research trip lasting a minimum of two months and a maximum of six months.
- Be enrolled in a graduate program at a Canadian institution throughout the duration of the research abroad.
- Commit to returning to their Canadian institution to complete their degree after the foreign research period concludes.
Applicants should also note that those who have previously received the CGS-MSFSS are ineligible to apply again during their current graduate studies.
Application Process
The CGS-MSFSS application process requires careful planning and documentation. Applicants must submit:
- A comprehensive research plan detailing their research objectives, methodology, and how the international research component aligns with their current CGS-supported research.
- A clear budget outlining expected travel, living, and other related costs.
- Letters of support from their current CGS research supervisor and the proposed host supervisor at the international institution.
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It is important to remember that each funding agency—Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)—has its own specific application form and set of guidelines.
Students must adhere to their institution’s internal deadlines for submission, as the institution will rank and forward applications to the respective funding agencies.
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications for the CGS-MSFSS for the 2024 cycle is October 10, 2024.
https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PG-CS/CGSForeignStudy-BESCEtudeEtranger_eng.asp
Students should review the specific guidelines outlined by their institution and the funding agency to ensure all components of the application are completed accurately and on time.
This scholarship represents not only a financial opportunity but also a chance to expand one’s academic horizon, building a solid foundation for future global engagement in research and innovation.
