External Funding

banner

All graduate students are encouraged to apply for external funding.  These are funds provided beyond Western through federal and provincial department and agencies, foundations, private companies and other sources.  External funding can provide you additional financial support while you pursue your studies at Western.  They also reinforce your academic resume and may assist in your career development.

Each external funding agency maintains its own policies regarding eligibility and the application process.  Students are encouraged to review the following summaries of the most prominent external awards available to students at Western but are reminded that countless opportunities are available beyond this listing.

Strategic Scholarship Competition Support

The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is committed to providing our students with strategic support as they prepare for the rigours of external scholarship competitions.

Our services range from providing students with critical information on processes and eligibility, to connecting students with experts who share their experiences and insights into scholarly excellence.

Preparing for Competition

Millions of dollars are available every year from government agencies and foundations to support the work and research of graduate students across the country. External funding bolsters your resume, enhances your scholarly reputation, and develops your career as a highly qualified researcher. The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is excited to deliver to you an enhanced program of strategic scholarship support designed to hone your skills and talents so that you can secure maximum funding for your studies.

All Disciplines

 Medical and Health Sciences

  • CIHR CGSD Scholarships Information Sessions

    CIHR will be offering a series of MS Teams live events to trainees and institution staff regarding award programs that are offered. We will do an overview about relevant policies, tips for applicants, guidelines on how to submit an application and other relevant information. A computer with internet connection is required to access the event, view the PowerPoint presentation as well as accessing Slido, an interactive tool where participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the live event. Mark your calendar for the session of your choice.

    • Dates for next competition will appear here during 2024 summer term

  • How to Integrate Sex and Gender into Research It is imperatve that you learn more about how and why to consider sex and gender in your research projects. The following tools are available and more are HERE:
  • Responsive Research: Competitive Scholarship Applications in the Medical and Health Sciences The CIHR Doctoral Research Awards program provides special recognition and support to students who are pursuing a doctoral degree in a health-related field in Canada or abroad. All applicants are expected to have an exceptionally high potential for future research achievement and productivity. Watch Erin Huner, Research Consultant (formerly of Research Western) explain how you can best position yourself for success in competition.

Natural Sciences and Engineering

  • Virtual NSERC CGSD Scholarships Information Session NSERC staff will be offering a presentation on how to prepare a scholarship or fellowship application.
    • Dates for next competition will appear here during 2024 summer term

  • Guide for Applicants: Considering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in your Application Equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the scientific and engineering communities and the quality, social relevance and impact of research. Increasing diversity and gender equity in the research enterprise are key priorities for NSERC and for the Government of Canada. Think this doesn't apply to your research? Chances are it does!  Read the Guide HERE.

Social Sciences and Humanities


Provincial Scholarship Competitions

The Province of Ontario is a very generous supporter and promoter of graduate student excellence and offers a suite of lucrative scholarship programs through annual competitions that are administered by the provincial universities and the Council of Ontario Universities (COU).


National Scholarship Competitions

The Government of Canada promotes high-quality research in a wide variety of disciplines and areas through its three funding agencies (the Tri-Agencies) – the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). National foundations and trusts, created through the philanthropy of renowned Canadians, also offer prestigious scholarship and fellowship programs which aim to advance Canada’s role in knowledge creation, innovation, and global leadership.