Summary
The Government of Canada’s federal research granting agencies—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)—have launched the Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA) program. Part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS), this fellowship provides substantial funding to support emerging postdoctoral scholars in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity | Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA) |
| Designation | Postdoctoral Fellow / Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Funding Value | $70,000 CAD per year |
| Duration | 24 months (2 years) |
| Host Locations | Eligible Canadian institutions or approved international institutions |
| Administering Agencies | CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC (Tri-Agency) |
| Application Deadlines | SSHRC: September 10 | CIHR: September 16 | NSERC: October 17 |
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Fellow
Research Area
The CPRA program supports excellence across all major academic and scientific disciplines, including interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research:
- Health Sciences (administered by CIHR)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering (administered by NSERC)
- Social Sciences and Humanities (administered by SSHRC)
Priority Research Areas: Additional awards are available for top-ranked applications aligned with key national priorities, including:
- Advanced digital technologies (Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity)
- Health and biotechnology
- Clean technology and resource value chains
- Environment, climate resilience, and the Arctic
- Food and water security
- Democratic and community resilience
- Manufacturing and advanced materials
- Defence and dual-use technologies
Location
Awards can be held at:
- Canadian academic research institutions (universities and colleges)
- Provincial research institutions and research hospitals
- Non-government organizations, Indigenous organizations, and institutions with a research training mandate
- Note: CPRAs cannot be held at Canadian federal government research institutions.
- International Tenure: Canadian citizens and permanent residents who completed their doctorate in Canada may propose to hold the award at an eligible international research institution (up to 30% of total awards).
Eligibility & Qualifications
To be considered for the CPRA program, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Degree Requirements: You must hold or expect to hold a doctoral (PhD) or health professional degree before the start date of your award.
- Completion Window: Degree requirements must have been completed no more than three years prior to September 1 of the application year (measured from thesis defense/final submission date, not convocation).
- Eligibility Extensions: Extensions to the three-year window (up to a maximum of three additional years) may be granted for career delays such as parental leave, medical leave, family care, military service, relevant industry/government employment (at least 6 months), or non-research clinical training.
- Faculty Positions: Applicants must not hold or be on leave from a tenured or tenure-track faculty position.
- International Applicants: International researchers are eligible (competing for up to 20% of awards) provided they are currently registered in, have completed a PhD at, or are currently conducting postdoctoral research at a Canadian institution.
- Prior Tri-Agency Funding: You cannot have previously held a postdoctoral award from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC (including the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship).
Job & Program Description
The CPRA aims to develop Canada’s next generation of researchers, innovators, and leaders by providing competitive salary support and the freedom to pursue high-impact research programs.
- Value: $70,000 per year for 2 years ($140,000 total).
- Research Scope: The proposed research must be predominantly research-oriented and significantly distinct from or extend beyond the applicant’s doctoral thesis.
- Indigenous & Black Researcher Initiatives: Designated funding and supplements (such as the $10,000 Indigenous Scholars Supplement) are available for meritorious Indigenous and Black postdoctoral researchers.
Evaluation & Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed according to two equal components:
- Research potential and experience: 50%
- Quality of proposed research program: 50%
How to Apply
Applicants must apply directly to the federal agency best aligned with their field of research using the appropriate portal:
- CIHR (Health): Submit via the ResearchNET portal.
- NSERC (Natural Sciences & Engineering): Submit via the NSERC Online System.
- SSHRC (Social Sciences & Humanities): Submit via the SSHRC Online System.
Important: Check with your proposed host institution for internal submission deadlines, as institutional sign-offs (particularly for CIHR and SSHRC) often occur well before agency closing dates.
Last Date for Apply
- SSHRC Deadline: September 10
- CIHR Deadline: September 16
- NSERC Deadline: October 17
- Notification of Results: By March 31
Official Link & Resources
For detailed agency-specific instructions, subject-matter guidelines, and submission forms, visit the official award page:
Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA) Program Official Portal
