Faculty of Science
Program Contact
Category:
External
Amount
$$
A scholarship through Zonta International. For women of any nationality pursuing a PhD, who demonstrate a superior academic record in the field of aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering.
For eligibility, application details and deadlines, visit the Zonta International website.
The 2026 Fellowship application opens in July 2025.
Category:
External
Amount
Varied values
ACUNS established its scholarship program, the Canadian Northern Studies Trust (CNST) in 1982 to advance knowledge and understanding of Canada’s North. The purpose of the CNST is to develop a cadre of scholars and scientists with northern experience and, at the same time, to enhance the educational opportunities available for northern residents.
For a list of scholarships and funding available, as well as eligibility criteria, award values, application details, and deadlines, visit the ACUNS website.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
May 26, 2025
Amount
$$$$
In recognition of the growing importance of good governance to all Canadian institutions, the Canadian Foundation for Governance Research is offering annual Bertram Scholarships of $20,000 to PhD students registered at Canadian universities. The scholarship will support the work of students who are conducting research into organizational governance as part of their doctoral research project.
Visit the CFGR website for all information.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
September 18, 2025
Amount
$$
Details of the new award and application process can be found on the Canada Research Training Awards Suite – Research Travel Supplements (CTRAS-RTS) webpage.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
June 10, 2026
Amount
$$
The Canada Research Training Awards Suite – Research Travel Supplements (CRTAS-RTS) provide additional funding to active master’s and doctoral award holders to help offset the costs of undertaking research travel within Canada or outside Canada for a defined period.
The CRTAS is administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), NSERC and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and aims to support the next generation of innovators by providing funding and high-quality research training, cultivating research skills, fostering creativity and empowering awardees to make significant contributions to Canada’s research ecosystem, economy and prosperity.
Category:
External
Amount
The bi-national program is an educational exchange, with a mandate to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the United States of America. Available to graduate students, faculty, professionals and independent researchers, successful applicants conduct research, lecture, or enroll in formal academic programs in the United States. Fulbright Canada offers various scholarship awards within this program, with further information on the various award opportunities made available through the Canada-US Fulbright Program website.
For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright website.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
December 1, 2025
Amount
$$$$
The CGRS M is a scholarship in the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS) administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The CRTAS aims to support the next generation of innovators by providing funding and high-quality research training, cultivating research skills, fostering creativity and empowering awardees to make significant contributions to Canada’s research ecosystem, economy and prosperity.
The CGRS M program supports up to 3,298 students annually in all disciplines and is administered jointly by Canada’s three granting agencies. The selection process and post-award administration are carried out at the institutional level under the guidance of the three agencies.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 31, 2024
Amount
$$
The purpose of the CSA Group Graduate Scholarship is to support graduate students in the pursuit of knowledge generation related to standards. Full-time graduate students at the Masters level studying at a publicly funded, accredited Canadian university are eligible to apply.
The research can be conducted in any field (e.g. engineering, social sciences, health sciences) and must include standards as a component of the research. The topic does not need to be related to an area in which CSA Group already has standards. The research may investigate aspects of an existing standard or may explore an area for future standards development.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
April 30, 2023
Amount
$$
The Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award of $5,000 for any kind of research into celiac disease and / or gluten sensitivity is available to students and those who have recently completed degrees.
Eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines available on the Canadian Celiac Association website.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 3, 2025
Amount
$$$$
Under the terms of a bequest to Hamilton Community Foundation by the late Eugene B. Eastburn, a two-year Fellowship will be awarded for full-time postdoctoral studies in engineering or sciences (Natural or Physical sciences, including Health Sciences).
The fellowship will be awarded for 24 months for a total value of $90,000.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 2019 by a Ph.D. graduate from the Class of ’95. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to full-time students enrolled in a Master’s of Science or Ph.D. program in the Faculty of Science who demonstrate excellence in academic achievement.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
November 15, 2023
Amount
$ – $$$
Traditional Fulbright Canada Student awards are intended for Canadian citizens who are graduate students, prospective graduate students, or promising young professionals who wish to study and/or conduct research in the United States. Awards may be held at any university, research centre, think tank, or government agency in the United States.
For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright Canada website.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are funded from the proceeds of the Graduate Students Association Development Fund, which receives contributions from graduate students and the University. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants fund is administered through the School of Graduate Studies. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are designed to enable graduate students to travel to undertake research or present at conferences relevant to their field of study. There are a fluctuating number of awards available each semester.
The successful recipients will be determined randomly by selecting one recipient from each faculty (Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business) and the balance of the awards left in a given period will be randomly selected from a list of the remaining applicants from all faculties combined.
AwardSpring Application dates:
Category:
External
Amount
$$
The H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarships were established by the income from a bequest in the estate of Hugh G. Hilton, at one time Chief Executive Officer of Stelco and member of the McMaster Board of Governors support a Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is tenable for one year, and is awarded annually to incoming Canadian citizens, permanent residents or, international students from departments which offer full-time Master’s graduate studies. Priority will be given to students intending research in Canadian industry or industrial problems. Other things being equal, preference will be given to deserving children of employees or former employees of Stelco Ltd.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 2, 2026
Amount
$$-$$$
The Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Students was established in 2009 in honour of Harvey E. Longboat, and in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to McMaster University and to the broader community. The School of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Indigenous Studies program and the Indigenous Education Council, will award the scholarship annually to a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis student(s) who has demonstrated high academic achievement and exceptional promise.
The scholarship is tenable for one year, although previous award winners may re-apply.
Incoming students are eligible to apply.
Category:
External
Amount
A comprehensive list of funding sources and agencies for postdoctoral fellows in the Faculty of Health Sciences and those doing health-related research can be found in McMaster’s funding database.. On the site, you will find a variety of filters to help you in your search.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in honour of McMaster Faculty of Engineering PhD students Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian, and a former Faculty of Health Science Post-Doctoral Fellow, who lost their lives on the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Associate Deans responsible for graduate studies, to international graduate students from Iran who demonstrate academic excellence.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
February 1, 2024
Amount
The JSPS provides opportunities in universities or other research institutions in Japan for:
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 2, 2026
Amount
$$$
In honour of the achievement of John Charles Polanyi, recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Government of the Province of Ontario has established a fund to provide annually up to five prizes to outstanding researchers in the early stages of their career who are continuing to postdoctoral studies or have recently started a faculty appointment at an Ontario university.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 2022 by Joseph and Joanne Lee. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Faculty of Science, to a graduate student who demonstrates academic or research excellence within the Origin’s Institute.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
April 30, 2024
Amount
$
This award is through the True Sport Foundation of Canada. Open to applicants who are
All questions should be directed to the True Sport Foundation of Canada.
Visit their website for all details and contact information.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
February 2, 2026
Amount
$$-$$$
The Mackenzie King Scholarships were established as an independent charitable trust under the will of the late Rt. Hon. William Mackenzie King (1874-1950).
Two classes of Mackenzie King Scholarship are available. Both are to support graduate study by graduates of Canadian universities. Those whose previous degrees are from outside Canada are ineligible to apply, notwithstanding that they seek support for doing graduate studies in Canada.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 31, 2023
Amount
$$
Manulife has introduced the first Life Lessons Scholarship Program in Canada, for students who’ve experienced the death of a parent or guardian with little to no life insurance. The Scholarship Program helps combat the financial burden of paying for post-secondary education during an emotional time and recognizes the perseverance that so many youth show in such adversity.
The next application call for this scholarship opens on February 1, 2024. Visit the Manulife website for details on that date.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
February 23, 2024
Amount
$$$
Four scholarships open to master’s and PhD students who are conducting research on determinants, impacts, and policy or program interventions into food insecurity in Canada.
Visit Maple Leaf Centre for Food Insecurity to learn more and apply.
Questions can be directed to info@feedopportunity.com.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
December 1, 2024
Amount
$
The Mary Buzzell Graduate Scholarship for Resilient Aging will be awarded to an outstanding student enrolled in any Master’s Degree program at McMaster University who is preparing for a career in the multidisciplinary field of Aging. This award is sponsored by Hamilton Aging in Community.
Mary Buzzell, a McMaster University faculty member in Nursing, was recognized by McMaster with an honorary doctorate as a pioneer in resilient aging, especially through innovative educational and community programs.
Category:
External
Amount
$
A bursary is based solely on financial need. In most cases, information from your OSAP application is used to determine your financial need (some students who don’t receive OSAP can still apply for a bursary).
The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program application opens mid-August in AwardSpring. Funding is paid out in mid-February.
Graduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.
Please note: The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program is not open to international students enrolled in graduate studies, MBA, medicine or physician assistant programs.
Bursary eligibility requirements:
Category:
External
Amount
$$$$
Prospective postdoctoral fellows are invited to submit a research plan that focuses on interdisciplinary, impact-driven approaches in the study of optimal aging through one or more of the following research areas:
The applicant and principal supervisor are expected to involve at least two other researchers from two different McMaster faculties (outside of the principal supervisor’s faculty) as mentors in the development of an interdisciplinary research plan.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
November 25, 2024
Amount
$$$
The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) provides funding to support interdisciplinary research on aging led by McMaster researchers from across all six Mac Faculties.
The MIRA Graduate Scholarship Program is open to applicants entering year one of a master’s program and year one or two of a doctoral program.
Applicants are invited to submit a research proposal focusing on interdisciplinary, impact-driving approaches in the study of aging.
Visit the MIRA website for all details, including how to apply.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 15, 2020
Amount
$
The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging funds up to 10 graduate student travel awards per year – five in each round – valued at $500 each for students working with MIRA researchers. Graduate students travelling to an academic conference to present an accepted abstract in aging research are eligible for up to $500 in travel funding.
For details about this and other funding opportunities, visit MIRA.
Deadlines for 2020: March 15 and September 15
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
November 13, 2024
Amount
The Mitacs-JSPS Summer program is offered in partnership with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and Mitacs. It provides opportunities for full-time graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in Canada to pursue collaborative research in Japan.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 2018 by the Estate of Molson C. Cain. To provide funding for a research grant for a MSc or PhD student in the Faculty of Science to be used for meetings, publications or equipment in support of their thesis. Funding to be available for the duration of the student’s nominal degree.
Category:
External
Amount
Established in 2020 the McMaster University Retirees Association (MURA). To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student researching technological advances related to seniors, and who demonstrates academic excellence.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
September 24, 2025
Amount
$$$-$$$$
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarship — Doctoral (CGRS D) program recognizes and supports the next generation of outstanding innovators, knowledge workers, creative thinkers and researchers. By providing support for a high-quality research training experience to awardees, the program strives to foster impacts within and beyond the research environment.
The CGRS D is a scholarship in the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS) administered by 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). The CRTAS aims to support the next generation of innovators by providing funding and high-quality research training, cultivating research skills, fostering creativity and empowering awardees to make significant contributions to Canada’s research ecosystem, economy and prosperity.
The CGRS D program supports and promotes research excellence in a wide variety of disciplines and broad fields of health, natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities, including interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. This support allows scholars to concentrate on their doctoral studies more fully, to seek out the best research mentors in their chosen fields, and to contribute to the Canadian research ecosystem during and beyond the tenure of their awards. Doctoral scholarships are awarded through a selection process and administered by the three granting agencies.
McMaster internal deadline: Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
Applications are prepared and submitted by students in the NSERC On-line Service by the internal deadline set by McMaster. You will not be able to submit your application to NSERC On-line Service until all the required tasks are completed, including the letters from your sponsors.
We encourage you to work closely with your supervisor and department on your application.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
October 17, 2023
Amount
$$$$
The NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowships (PDF) program provides support to a core of the most promising researchers at a pivotal time in their careers. The fellowships are also intended to secure a supply of highly qualified Canadians with leading-edge scientific and research skills for Canadian industry, government and academic institutions.
For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship website.
Please note: There is no internal process for this award; applicants should apply directly to the agency.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 2, 2026
Amount
$$$
Two OGS-I scholarships are awarded to Indigenous graduate students at McMaster University who face significant financial hardship, with particular priority given to women with family responsibilities.
This criteria has been established in consultation with the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and is adjudicated by a committee chaired through the Indigenous Studies Program.
Category:
External
Amount
$$$
Ontario Graduate Fellowships (OGF) provide funding to full-time students in graduate studies at the masters and doctoral level. It’s a merit-based scholarship for students with an A- or above.
Value: $12,000 ($4,000 per term)
Duration: 1 year
Category:
External
Amount
$$$
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and The Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs provide funding to full-time students at the master’s and doctoral levels. They are merit-based scholarships for students with an A- or above average.
Category:
External
Amount
$$$
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship for International Students is by nomination only. Applicants to this award must contact their department for application instructions
Category:
External
Amount
$
To be granted to graduate students enrolled in any program who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ students and demonstrate financial need.
Category:
External
Amount
Value varies
This fellow is awarded to female students who are citizens of a developing country or emerging economy. Applicants should be preparing for doctoral or postdoctoral research in the in the physical sciences, engineering, technology and related disciplines.
Deadline is usually during the Fall months. For all details – eligibility, value, deadlines, etc. – go to the Schlumberger Foundation website.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 2, 2026
Amount
$-$$
The SGS Grant is intended to be a grant in aid for research and field work; students should not expect the grants to cover the full cost of travel or field work.
The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Grant is not intended for conference or course work travel.
It is not meant to replace sources of funding already available from the tri-agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other external granting sources, or internal scholarships and bursaries.
It is not intended to fund the research itself, but the travel to do the research.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
At least three awards, each in the amount of $4000, will be awarded annually to the women graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the university or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records.
Women registered in master’s or PhD programs within a designated region. Regions and number of awards rotate each year.
NOTE: The next competition for Ontario will be for 2027. The competition will take place in Fall 2026.
Read about McMaster PhD student Liza-Anastasia DiCecco, who received the 2023 SWAAC Award of Merit.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Barkley’s of Avonmore Scholarship was established in 1977 through the generosity of Fred Barkley to assist a student from a developing country to pursue advanced studies at McMaster University. Each year the Dean of Graduate Studies will identify a worthy graduate student from one of the developing countries to receive the award.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
The Cecil and Yvette Yip Graduate Bursaries were established in 2003 by Dr. Cecil Yip (Class of 1959) and Mrs. Yvette Yip to recognize and encourage graduate students whose innovative work in the physical sciences and engineering crosses formal disciplinary boundaries. Preference will be given to students in any graduate program in the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Engineering, whose thesis research demonstrates excellence in integrating engineering science within the study of biology. The students must also demonstrate financial need to be eligible. A variable number of bursaries are to be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
Established in 2013 to honour the memory of Dr. Colin Webber, McMaster University professor, physicist, radiation safety expert, teacher, mentor, and leader in the field of bone research. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to master’s or doctoral students. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate interest in bone research.
Value: Minimum $1,600
Category:
External
Amount
$$
The estate of Dr. F.R. Britton was established in 1990. The awarded funding is available only to graduate students of mathematical sciences grants to assist student to further their research.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 2022 by the family of Edna Howard, this bursary honours the support Edna offered graduate students through her work as a cook at The Phoenix Bar and Grill, owned and
operated by the Graduate Students Association. Her food warmed the hearts of the McMaster campus community for many years until her retirement. To be granted by the School of
Graduate Studies to full-time students in any program who demonstrate financial need.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 2018 by Gordon Bruce BSc. (Class of ’86) & MBA. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies to students enrolled in a Masters program in the department of Mathematics & Statistics who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students in the Financial Mathematics.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Graduate Students Association Bursary was established in 1999 by the Graduate Students Association at McMaster University under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative. To be granted to a full-time or part-time graduate student in one of the following faculties: Engineering, Health Sciences, and Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, or the PhD program in Business. The bursary will be awarded annually by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Graduate Students Association.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The H.Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary was established in 2010 by Dr. Susan J.Elliott (MA `97 and PhD`92), esteemed former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and senior research fellow at the United Nations Institute on Water (UNU-IWEH), Environment and Health, in memory of her father, H.Vincent Elliott. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation on the program director of ‘Water Without Borders’ to students registered in a Master’s or PhD program will be given to students in financial need.
Category:
External
Amount
$$
The Howard P. Whidden Graduate Scholarship was established in 1987, and is open to non-Canadian students from countries of the British Commonwealth. This prestigious award is open to students who qualify for admission into any graduate program that extends to the doctorate, although the student’s initial registration may be at the Master’s level. The award is once renewable contingent upon satisfactory academic performance. It will be awarded at the discretion of the School of Graduate Studies.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 1995 with funds from the estate of Helen S. Harvey. James F. Harvey was a member of the first McMaster graduating class in Hamilton in 1935. This travel scholarship will enable students to engage in research requiring travel. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Bursary was established in 1997 by The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. To be granted to graduate students in the faculties of Business, Engineering, Science or Social Science who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to graduate students who are conducting research related to commercial transportation issues and policy, specifically the role of transportation in stimulating regional economic development and trade.
Category:
External
Amount
Established in 2022 by the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student who is currently enrolled in their first year of any program who identifies as a member of the queer, trans community and is Black, racialized, or Indigenous.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Lorne F. Lambier, Q.C. Scholarship was established in 1984, and is awarded by the School of Graduate Studies annually to a graduate student in a master’s or doctoral program in the Faculty of Health Sciences or Faculty of Science whose research is directed toward the understanding and/or cure of cancer. The Scholarship may be renewed for an additional year.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 2019 by Mary (Class of ’48) and Dr. Harold Waterman (Class of ’48 & ’49). To be granted to a graduate student enrolled in the Faculty of Science who demonstrates financial need.
Category:
External
Amount
$-$$
This award was established as a result of the generosity of Dr.M.Novotny, who received his PhD in Mathematics from McMaster in 1972, and is particularly designed to encourage promising graduate students in analysis.
Category:
External
Amount
$
Established in 2005 by the Surgical Associates in memory of Myra Baillie. To be granted to a graduate student in any degree program who attains and “A” average and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a female graduate student.
Award Value: 2 awards of $1,000 each
Category:
External
Amount
$$$
The Richard Fuller Memorial Scholarships for Science were established in 1991 with funds from the estate of Henrietta Osborne. The scholarships are renewable up to three years, provided performance in graduate studies is maintained at a high academic level. These scholarships will be awarded annually to incoming or, current Canadian citizens, permanent residents or, international students registered in a master’s and doctoral graduate programs in the Faculty of Science demonstrating high academic achievement.
Category:
External
Amount
$$$$
Please refer to the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral program web page for information regarding the new harmonized program.
Read about McMaster’s Vanier Scholars over the years.
Category:
External
Deadline Date:
March 28, 2022
Amount
$$-$$$
The Wilson Leader Scholarship Award for graduate students is different. Valued at $12,000 in direct funding and up to $2,000 for experiential funding, it’s a leadership development and career launcher program that builds on your studies. It involves about 15 hours/month, including time for synchronous group events between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.
Awarded to up to three graduate students annually.
Category:
External
Amount
$
The Yates Scholarship Fund (up to $500) was established in 1963 by the bequest of William Henry Yates. This fund support upper-level doctoral students with research activities and conference travel when a paper is being delivered. Applicants must have completed their comprehensive exam.
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