Application Deadline
September 10, 2026
Coverage
100%
Amount
CAD $70,000/year
Duration
24 months
Country
Canada
A federal postdoctoral research talent program jointly run by Canada's three research agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC), supporting outstanding postdoctoral researchers — Canadian and international — acro...
Stipend
Hold, or expect to hold, a doctoral or health professional degree before your award start date
Must have completed all degree requirements (thesis defense + corrected submission, not just conferral) no more than 3 years before September 1 of your application year (extensions up to 3 years available for parental/medical leave, career interruptions, caregiving, etc.)
Not holding, or on leave from, a tenure-track/tenured faculty position
International applicants (non-Canadian citizens/PRs/protected persons): must be currently registered in, or have completed, a doctoral degree at a Canadian institution, or currently be doing postdoctoral research in Canada — up to 20% of awards reserved for this group
Canadians/PRs with a Canadian-earned doctoral degree may hold the award abroad — up to 30% of awards available for international tenure
Cannot have previously received a postdoctoral award from CIHR/NSERC/SSHRC (including a legacy Banting award)
Maximum 3 lifetime applications to CPRA; one CRTAS application per academic year across all three agencies
Online application through the relevant agency's portal (CIHR: ResearchNET; NSERC: online system; SSHRC: registration portal) — choose the agency matching your research field
Research proposal, significantly distinct from your doctoral thesis
Letters of support/nomination tied to your host institution
CV, transcripts, references
Secure agreement from a host institution
Identify and secure agreement from a host institution/supervisor in Canada or (if eligible) abroad before applying
Select the correct agency
Select the correct agency (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC) based on your research subject matter — this determines your review committee and deadline
Submit online application
Submit your complete application electronically through that agency's platform by the national deadline
Application revision
Applications are reviewed on Research potential and experience (50%) and Quality of proposed research program (50%)
Results
Results are announced by March 31
Application Assistance
Personal guidance through every step
Essay Review
Professional feedback on your statement
Interview Prep
Mock interviews and coaching sessions
Mentorship Network
Connect with past scholarship recipients