Government of Canada’s increase to scholarships and fellowships has benefits for York

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The Government of Canada has announced significant new investments to increase the value and number of scholarships and fellowships for master’s and doctoral students as well as postdoctoral fellows. This funding is critical for helping York University scholars advance their research leadership.

François-Philippe Champagne, minister of innovation, science and industry, and Mark Holland, minister of health, announced on May 31 that students receiving scholarships and fellowships from federal funding agencies will see an increase in the monetary value of the prizes they receive.

Starting September 1, the annual value of all current and new master’s and doctoral student scholarships will increase to $27,000 and $40,000, respectively, and current and new postdoctoral fellowships will increase to $70,000.

“By increasing the value of scholarships and fellowships provided by the government’s research-granting councils, the Government of Canada is reaffirming its support for Canadian research talent," said Holland. "This will ensure the next generation of scientific leaders remain here in Canada, where their work has the potential to lead to a better quality of life and improved health for us all.”

Announced as part of the 2024 federal budget, the funding increase will come from Canada’s federal granting agencies – the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council, and the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council, all of which look to promote innovation in research and reward academic excellence by offering a number of valuable and prestigious scholarships and awards.

In addition to the increased award values, the Government of Canada’s budget plan for 2024 also proposed to increase the number of scholarships and fellowships provided, building to approximately 1,720 more each year.

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships will continue under their current parameters, with funding of $50,000 and $70,000 per year respectively.

Additional details will be communicated to all award holders – including York University scholars who will benefit – in July.

Information on Tri-Council, provincial and other external scholarship funds available to graduate students at York University can be found on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.