Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards for Postdoctoral Scholars (Fully Funded)
Canada has introduced a major new funding initiative aimed at attracting top global research talent. The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards for Postdoctoral Scholars is a prestigious, fully funded program designed to support international researchers and returning Canadians who wish to advance their postdoctoral research careers in Canada.
Funded by Canada’s three federal research agencies comprising 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), this one-time initiative strengthens Canada’s research ecosystem while enhancing its global competitiveness.
Overview of the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards
The Impact+ Training Awards are targeted at recruiting high-calibre postdoctoral researchers from outside Canada, including international scholars and Canadians currently working or studying abroad. The program focuses on strategically important research areas that align with national priorities and long-term innovation goals.
Further details about institutional selection processes may evolve, but applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the official Tri-Agency announcement to stay informed.
Scholarship Summary
- Country: Canada
- University: University of Alberta
- Sponsor: CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded
- Number of awards: 400 postdoctoral research awards across Canada
- Funding amount: CAD $70,000 per year
- Duration: 2+ years
- Total potential funding: Up to CAD $140,000
This generous funding package makes the Impact+ Awards one of the most competitive postdoctoral opportunities in Canada for international researchers.
Why You Should Apply
The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards offer:
- One of the highest-value postdoctoral stipends in Canada
- Access to world-class research institutions and facilities
- Strong pathways for international research collaboration
- An opportunity to build a long-term academic or research career in Canada
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for nomination, prospective postdoctoral scholars must meet the following requirements:
- Open to all nationalities, including international applicants, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons
- Must not currently be affiliated with a Canadian institution
- Must be studying or working outside Canada at the time of nomination
- Canadian citizens are eligible if they previously left Canada for research or professional experience and wish to return
- Must be prepared to activate the award in Canada by March 31, 2027
- Must be eligible to undertake postdoctoral research at the nominating Canadian institution
- Must hold or expect to complete a doctoral or health professional degree before the award start date
- Must not hold a tenured or tenure-track faculty position
- No time limit applies between PhD completion and eligibility
Priority Research Areas
The nominee’s proposed research must align with one of the following priority areas:
- Advanced digital technologies (AI, quantum science, cybersecurity)
- Health and biotechnology
- Clean technology and critical resource value chains
- Environment, climate resilience, and Arctic research
- Food and water security
- Democratic systems and community resilience
- Manufacturing and advanced materials
- Defence and dual-use technologies
Eligibility Criteria for Faculty Nominators
Faculty members who wish to nominate a candidate must:
- Hold an active Tri-Agency grant (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC) with funding in the 2025–26 or 2026–27 fiscal years
- Be eligible to supervise postdoctoral scholars
- Be able to support research aligned with one of the program’s priority areas
The nominator’s current grant does not need to be directly within the priority area, provided adequate research support is available.
Important Restrictions to Note
• Each nominee may be nominated by only one supervisor
• International researchers already studying or working in Canada are not eligible
• Applicants may not hold or have previously held a postdoctoral-level Tri-Agency award
• Nominees cannot receive concurrent funding from another Tri-Agency source
Application and Nomination Process
Step 1: Secure a Supervisor
Prospective applicants must first contact a Canadian faculty member willing to act as their supervisor and nominator.
Step 2: Expression of Interest (EOI)
If supported, the faculty member submits an Expression of Interest (EOI) form on behalf of the candidate.
Step 3: Agency Selection
The nominator and nominee jointly select the appropriate funding agency (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC) that best matches the research focus.
Step 4: Institutional Review
EOIs are reviewed internally. Selected candidates are invited to submit a full nomination package, which the institution submits to the Tri-Council.
Research Security and Compliance Requirements
Applicants and nominators must comply with Canada’s research security regulations, particularly those related to Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC).
Key points include:
• No team member may hold active affiliations with named research organizations where restrictions apply
• Due diligence on affiliations and funding sources is required
• Mandatory attestation forms and institutional research security training must be completed
Universities provide dedicated research security offices to assist with compliance and verification.
Application Deadline
Phase 1
- February 9, 2026: Deadline for faculty nominators to submit EOI
- March 4, 2026: Institutional submission deadline to Tri-Council
Phase 2
- Additional deadlines to be announced
Late or incomplete submissions are not accepted, and no changes can be made after institutional submission.
For international postdoctoral scholars seeking funded research opportunities abroad, this program represents a rare and highly competitive chance to join Canada’s research landscape.