Northern Scientific Training Program

The call for applications for 2027–2028 is now open.

The application due date for students to submit an application (including supervisor recommendations) is November 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EST

The application due date for universities to submit a complete application package is December 1, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EST

Introduction

In 1961, the federal government established the Northern Scientific Training Grants Program to encourage Canadian universities to train northern specialists to meet national needs. Now called the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP), it provides supplementary funding to over 350 students annually at over 35 universities across Canada. The program is administered by POLAR as part of its mandate to foster science and technology in Canada's North.

Application procedures

Applications for Northern Scientific Training Program funding must be submitted by the Chairperson of a Northern Studies Committee, or equivalent, at a Canadian university. The committee must be officially recognized by the President of the university. Students must apply through their university’s Northern Studies Committee or equivalent, and the Chairperson is responsible for submitting the university’s student applications as a single package. Individual student applications are not accepted directly by POLAR. If a student’s university does not have a recognized Northern Studies Committee or equivalent, the student may apply through a participating university.

Consult the 2027-2028 NSTP Information Manual for the eligibility criteria.

Supported fields of research

The program funds projects on northern topics from all disciplines and in multi-disciplinary fields.

Geographical focus

The Northern Scientific Training Program supports projects that lie north of the southern limit of the discontinuous permafrost zone; and the other seven circumpolar countries (Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States (Alaska).

Use of NSTP funds

The program's funds are restricted. They are a supplement meant to offset the additional costs of northern research (i.e. transportation costs, living costs, shipping costs and interpreter fees). The Northern Scientific Training Program is not intended to be a source of primary support for students pursuing northern research.

Annual cycle

The program is based on a fiscal year commencing April 1 and ending March 31.

Student eligibility

Be enrolled in a degree program at a Canadian university.
NSTP will provide one year of funding for thesis-based research at the undergraduate level, up to two years of funding for thesis-based research at the Masters level and up to three years of funding for thesis-based research at the doctoral level.
Students supported by training funds must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Summer and winter projects are eligible.
Post-doctoral studies are not supported.

Selection process

Every year, a committee reviews the applications and allocates funding on the following basis:

the extent to which the application fits within program guidelines
the training component of the application, and
the contribution to the development of northern specialists at the university.

This committee is also responsible for ensuring the effective use of funds allocated in the previous year.

More information

Apply

Before applying, read the 2027-2028 NSTP Information Manual carefully.

To apply, you must create an account on the Polar Knowledge Canada Online Application and Reporting site. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email. Use your account to submit your application and track the progress of your referee assessments.

You can apply for more than one scholarship or award through the Polar Knowledge Canada Online Application and Reporting portal. You will need a separate application for each scholarship or award.

Apply for the 2027-2028 Northern Scientific Training Program.

Application due date