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Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR)

​This Tri-Council (SSHRC, NSERC and CIHR) Funding Opportunity supports high-calibre Canadian graduate students in building global linkages and international networks through the pursuit of exceptional research experiences abroad.

Eligibility

CGSM, CGSD and Vanier holders are eligible to apply.

To be eligible to apply for this program, you must:

  • be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
  • have accepted or hold an active Joseph-Armand Bombardier, Alexander Graham Bell or Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS) (Masters or Doctoral level) or Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (Vanier CGS) in a discipline area supported by the granting agencies;
  • be registered at an eligible Canadian institution at the time of application. Successful applicants must maintain full-time graduate research studies, and an active CGS or Vanier CGS during the course of their CGS-FSS supplement funded activities in order to remain eligible.
  • return to complete your degree at your Canadian institution.

Eligible applicants can only take up one CGS-MSFSS while they hold an active CGS or Vanier CGS. The successful candidate must take up the MSFSS within one year of receiving the appropriate notification of award letter from the respective granting agency.

Value and Duration

Up to $6,000 (2-6 months, one time only)                                                                                                                                               

The start of your research study period abroad must be after the competition deadline date, but within one year of receiving the notice of the award. Should you leave Canada before the results are announced, the agencies are not liable for any costs incurred if the application is deemed ineligible.

Note: The CGS award must be active at the time the research study period abroad begins.

                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Deadlines

May 15 / September 15 / January 15* (*CIHR only)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

How to Apply

Prepare your application and supporting materials using the Tri-Council Format standards. 

Candidates applying for the CGS-MSFSS will access the application from a single harmonized program description hosted on Each agency has its own application form and instructions, and care should be taken to ensure that the appropriate form is used.

If your application does not conform to these standards, the agency may reject it or it may be at a disadvantage in the selection process.

If you have supporting documents written in a language other than English or French, you ³¾³Ü²õ³ÙÌýprovide the agency with a certified translation of the document.

PDF version of online application and all supporting documents submitted fundingapplications.gps [at] mcgill.ca (³Ù´ÇÌý³Ò±Ê³§Ìý)by deadline*  Message must include your McGill ID number. Support letters should be sent to GPS directly by both the McGill (CGS) and host supervisors. Incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible.

*No extensions or exceptions. 

Required Forms

A common Tri-Council application form is available on the respective granting websites. This form must be used to apply for the CGS-FSS supplements. Please submit electronic copy with original signature tofundingapplications.gps [at] mcgill.ca (Ìý) .

Attachments:

  • An outline of the intended research activities during the study period abroad (maximum 2 pages). See agency website for important detailed requirements of this document.
  • The agency specific consent form(s) with original signature(s).

Supervisor letters should be sent directly to from the supervisors' official email account to GPS: fundingapplications.gps [at] mcgill.ca

  • A letter from your CGS or Vanier CGS research (McGill) supervisor detailing their support for your research study period abroad and confirming that your proposed research aligns with the research from your CGS award (maximum one page) with original signature.
  • A letter from your host supervisor detailing their support for your research study period abroad and the resources they have available (financial [if any], supervision time, equipment, library access, etc.) to support your planned research activities (maximum one page)

Post-Award Information

If you have been awarded the above fellowship, please request payment by forwarding a copy of your award notice and a copy of your travel documents to graduatefunding.gps [at] mcgill.ca

Reporting Requirements

  • Within two months of completing your research study period abroad, you must submit an activity report to the agency (maximum two pages). Details are found in the 

For more information, please contact your Academic Unit or consult the agency who granted your award.

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