The Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA) is a premier opportunity for emerging researchers to receive substantial support as they advance their academic and research careers. With a generous annual stipend of $70,000 over a 24-month period, this award is designed to foster the next generation of scholars, innovators, and thought leaders across health, natural sciences, engineering, and the humanities.
About the Program
The CPRA is part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS) and is jointly administered by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. It supports researchers engaging in high-quality postdoctoral work in Canada or at approved international institutions. The goal is to develop world-class research talent that will contribute meaningfully to Canadian innovation and prosperity.
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold or expect to hold a doctorate or health professional degree before the award begins.
- Have completed their degree no more than 3 years prior to September 1 of the application year (exceptions may apply).
- Not currently hold a tenure-track or tenured academic position.
- For international applicants: you must be currently enrolled in or have completed your doctorate at a Canadian institution or be conducting postdoctoral research in Canada.
Up to:
- 20% of awards are available for international applicants.
- 30% can be held at institutions outside Canada (Canadians only).
Fields of Study
Applications are accepted in a wide range of disciplines:
- Health and biomedical sciences (CIHR)
- Natural sciences and engineering (NSERC)
- Social sciences and humanities (SSHRC)
- Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research is also encouraged.
Deadline:
- SSHRC: September 11, 2025
- CIHR: September 17, 2025
- NSERC: October 17, 2025
Value: $70,000 per year
Duration: 2 years (24 months)
Eligibility: Open to Canadian and international researchers
Location of Tenure: Eligible institutions in Canada or abroad
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the designated online platforms:
- CIHR: ResearchNET
- NSERC: NSERC Online System
- SSHRC: SSHRC Portal
Note: Select the agency that best aligns with your research field. Late or duplicate applications will not be accepted.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Research potential and experience (50%)
- Quality of the proposed research program (50%)
Each agency provides detailed evaluation guidelines on their respective websites.
Special Funding Streams
The CPRA program is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Additional support is available for:
- Black postdoctoral researchers (up to 6 awards per agency)
- Indigenous researchers
- Researchers with career interruptions or from disadvantaged backgrounds
Apply Today
If you’re a rising research talent ready to take your career to the next level with a globally respected postdoctoral award, don’t miss this opportunity. Visit the official websites of CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC to begin your application before the respective deadlines.
