Deadline: 27-Feb-2026
The Polar Knowledge Canada Scholarship offers $10,000 in funding to doctoral students conducting Northern and Arctic research in Canada using interdisciplinary approaches.
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents enrolled full-time in PhD programs, the scholarship supports field-based research carried out in Canada’s North between May and the following March, with applications due by February 27, 2026.
Programme Overview
The Polar Knowledge Canada Scholarship is a national funding opportunity designed to support doctoral students engaged in Northern and Arctic research.
The scholarship encourages interdisciplinary research that contributes to Canada’s understanding of polar regions while strengthening future research capacity across scientific, social, cultural, and technological disciplines.
Purpose and Objectives
The scholarship aims to:
• Support high-quality doctoral research focused on Northern and Arctic regions
• Encourage interdisciplinary research approaches
• Strengthen Canada’s polar research community
• Promote knowledge sharing and engagement related to polar issues
• Advance research aligned with Polar Knowledge Canada’s mandate
Scholarship Value
• Funding amount: $10,000
• Awarded as a one-time scholarship
• Intended to support research-related costs, including fieldwork and knowledge dissemination
Research Areas Supported
The scholarship is open to PhD students across a wide range of disciplines, including:
• Natural and physical sciences
• Economic and social sciences
• Health and life sciences
• Humanities
• Engineering
• Technology development
Interdisciplinary research approaches are strongly encouraged and form a key assessment criterion.
What Qualifies as Northern or Arctic Research?
Definition of the North
For the purposes of this scholarship, the Canadian North includes:
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut
• Inuit Nunangat, including:
– Inuit regions across the territories
– Nunavik in Quebec
– Nunatsiavut in Newfoundland and Labrador
Research Requirements
Eligible research must:
• Focus on Northern or Arctic regions
• Contribute directly to a doctoral thesis, major paper, publication, or similar academic output
• Demonstrate a clear interdisciplinary methodology or framework
• Include planned fieldwork conducted between May of the award year and the following March
Who Is Eligible?
Applicant Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Be enrolled full-time in a doctoral program
• Attend a recognized Canadian university throughout the award period
• Conduct Northern or Arctic research as part of their PhD
• Demonstrate a clear commitment to polar studies
Interdisciplinary and Knowledge-Sharing Expectations
Successful applicants are expected to:
• Use interdisciplinary research approaches
• Demonstrate plans for information sharing or knowledge mobilization
• Engage with broader polar research, policy, or community audiences
• Align research outcomes with Polar Knowledge Canada’s mandate
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are reviewed by a multidisciplinary review committee.
Assessment Criteria
Reviewers evaluate:
• Overall quality and clarity of the application
• Applicant’s interest and commitment to polar scholarship
• Interdisciplinary nature of the research
• Quality and relevance of proposed information-sharing activities
• Referee assessments
• Alignment with Polar Knowledge Canada’s mandate
Applications must be written in plain language to ensure accessibility across disciplines.
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Create an account on the Polar Knowledge Canada Online Application and Reporting site.
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Complete the online scholarship application form.
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Provide the names and contact details of two referees connected to your research.
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Ensure both referees complete their online assessment forms before the deadline.
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Monitor the status of referee submissions through your online account.
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Submit all required materials before the closing date.
Referee Requirements
• Two referees are required
• Referees must be instructors or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s research
• Referees receive automated invitations to submit assessments
• Applications are considered complete only after both referee forms are received
Important Application Rules
• Separate applications are required for each scholarship or award
• Only successful applicants are notified
• Successful candidates must provide proof of full-time doctoral registration at a recognized Canadian university
Application Deadline
• Deadline: February 27, 2026
• Time: 3:00 PM EST
Late or incomplete applications, including missing referee assessments, are not accepted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Submitting applications without a clear interdisciplinary approach
• Proposing research outside the defined Northern or Arctic regions
• Failing to demonstrate commitment to polar studies
• Missing referee submissions by the deadline
• Using highly technical language instead of plain language
Tips for a Strong Application
• Clearly explain how your research contributes to Northern or Arctic knowledge
• Highlight interdisciplinary methods and perspectives
• Describe meaningful fieldwork plans within the eligible timeframe
• Include strong information-sharing or knowledge mobilization activities
• Choose referees who can speak directly to your research and commitment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding does the scholarship provide?
The Polar Knowledge Canada Scholarship provides $10,000 in funding to each successful applicant.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
Canadian citizens or permanent residents enrolled full-time in a doctoral program at a recognized Canadian university.
What disciplines are eligible?
All disciplines are eligible, including sciences, social sciences, humanities, engineering, health, and technology, provided the research focuses on Northern or Arctic regions.
Is fieldwork mandatory?
Yes. Applicants must plan fieldwork to be conducted between May of the award year and the following March.
What is meant by interdisciplinary research?
Interdisciplinary research integrates methods, theories, or perspectives from more than one academic discipline.
How many referees are required?
Two referees are required, both of whom must submit online assessments before the deadline.
Will all applicants be notified of the outcome?
No. Only successful candidates are notified and asked to provide proof of full-time registration.
Conclusion
The Polar Knowledge Canada Scholarship is a valuable opportunity for doctoral students committed to advancing interdisciplinary Northern and Arctic research in Canada.
By providing targeted funding, encouraging knowledge sharing, and supporting field-based research, the programme plays a key role in strengthening Canada’s polar research ecosystem and supporting the next generation of polar scholars.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.
