Description:
International research training opportunity launched by the Government of Canada, the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards which offers fully-funded doctoral and postdoctoral research awards and presents an excellent strategic opportunity for our students and researchers to engage with world-class research training and strengthen academic linkages with Canadian universities.
Administering Agencies: The awards are part of a tri-agency initiative jointly managed by SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR under the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS).
Award Types & Value:
• Doctoral Scholarships: CAD 40,000 per year for up to three years.
• Postdoctoral Research Awards: CAD 70,000 per year for two years.
(Nominees are recruited and endorsed by eligible Canadian institutions; awards are intended to cover research training costs without a need for candidates to pay tuition.)
Priority Research Areas: Research must align broadly with eight strategic areas including:
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Advanced digital technologies (AI, quantum, cybersecurity)
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Health and biotechnology
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Clean technology and environment/climate resilience
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Food & water security
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Democratic and community resilience
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Manufacturing & advanced materials
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Defence and dual-use technologies
Nomination Process: Candidates cannot apply directly, they must be nominated by eligible faculty at participating Canadian universities who hold active research grants. The university then submits the nomination and application to the appropriate federal agency.
Why This Opportunity Matters for CUI Students and Researchers
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Access to Prestigious, Fully Funded Research Training
The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards provide a rare opportunity for CUI graduates, doctoral aspirants, and early-career researchers to access high-value, fully funded doctoral and postdoctoral training at leading Canadian universities. The generous financial support significantly reduces barriers to international research mobility for CUI talent.
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Alignment with CUI’s Priority Research Areas
The award’s priority themes—such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, health sciences, climate change, food and water security, clean energy, and community resilience, closely align with CUI’s existing academic and research strengths. This creates strong potential for CUI students and faculty-linked researchers to compete effectively under this scheme.
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International Exposure and Capacity Building
Participation in this program would enable CUI researchers to gain advanced research training, exposure to cutting-edge facilities, and mentorship under globally recognized Canadian faculty, thereby strengthening individual research capacity and enhancing CUI’s human capital upon return.
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Strengthening CUI–Canada Academic Linkages
As nominations must be made by Canadian universities, this initiative encourages direct faculty-to-faculty engagement and institutional collaboration. Successful placements of CUI students and researchers would contribute to building long-term partnerships, joint research projects, co-publications, and future funding opportunities with Canadian institutions.
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Career Advancement and Institutional Visibility
Awardees trained under this prestigious Canadian program would enhance their academic and research profiles, improving prospects for future international grants, postdoctoral positions, and leadership roles. At the same time, their success would enhance CUI’s international visibility and reputation in global research and higher education networks.
Therefore, requested the IO Focal Persons to:
? Promote awareness among faculty and graduate students, especially those targeting PhD or postdoctoral trajectories in priority research areas.
? Support matchmaking initiatives between Pakistani researchers and Canadian faculty — help identify potential nominating professors with eligible grants.
Follow upcoming nomination windows: initial wave expected in early 2026 with results announced around April/September 2026 (exact timelines will be confirmed by Canadian institutions).
For information about the General tri-agency contact: CIRTA-BFRIC@nserc-crsng.gc.ca (for institutional questions).