Canada's three federal research funding agencies—the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)—provide a variety of funding opportunities for Postdoctoral Fellows.
CANADA POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH AWARD (CPRA)
Canada’s three federal research funding agencies —the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) — administer a federal research talent investment program as part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite. Launched in 2025, this program, called the Canada Postdoctoral Research Award, recognizes and supports the next generation of outstanding innovators, knowledge workers, creative thinkers and researchers at a pivotal time in their careers. The program provides funding and flexibility, empowering Canadian and international leaders in innovation and scholarship of tomorrow to develop the skills to build world-class research and drive Canadian prosperity and competitiveness.
Please refer to the links below for information about the Canada Postdoctoral Research Award competitions for each tri-agency:
CANADA IMPACT+ RESEARCH TRAINING AWARDS
The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards are a one-time initiative designed to recruit international or returning Canadian students and postdoctoral researchers to Canada. These awards support the recruitment of doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers in priority areas, helping build capacity, strengthen the research ecosystem and enhance Canada’s global competitiveness. The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards (CIRTA) will provide 400 postdoctoral fellowships across Canada to recruit international candidates. Postdoctoral Fellowships are valued at $70,000 per year for two years.
CIHR Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence (REDI) Early Career Transition Award
First launched in 2022, the CIHR Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence (REDI) Early Career Transition Award is available to trainees, such as post-doctoral researchers, clinicians, and research associates, from specific underrepresented groups to help them launch their research faculty careers in Canada. Through its two-phase model, which begins with mentored career development of trainees and is followed by support to establish and sustain an independent research program, REDI develops the next generation of health research leaders.
