Call for Entries: POLAR Northern Resident Scholarship (Canada)

Deadline: 27-Feb-2026

The POLAR Northern Resident Scholarship by Polar Knowledge Canada provides $10,000 to support Master’s and PhD students with lived experience in Northern Canada who are conducting Northern or Arctic research.

The scholarship is open to eligible Canadian citizens or permanent residents with strong ties to the North, with applications due February 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.

Overview

The POLAR Northern Resident Scholarship is an annual graduate scholarship offered by Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) to support students who have lived in Northern Canada and are actively engaged in Northern or Arctic research.

The scholarship is designed to strengthen northern research capacity by supporting students with lived Northern experience whose academic work contributes to deeper understanding of Arctic and Northern regions through field-based, interdisciplinary research.

The award supports research that leads to a thesis, major paper, peer-reviewed publication, or comparable academic output.

Scholarship Value and Scope

Funding Amount

$10,000 CAD per recipient

Award Frequency

Awarded annually

The funding is intended to assist with research-related expenses and academic progress during the award period.

Fields of Study Supported

The scholarship supports a wide range of disciplines, provided the research focuses on the North or Arctic regions.

Eligible Disciplines

Natural and physical sciences
Economic and social sciences
Health and life sciences
Humanities
Engineering
Technology development

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate interdisciplinary thinking, particularly where research integrates scientific, social, cultural, or technological perspectives.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicant Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the POLAR Northern Resident Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
Be enrolled full-time in a Master’s or PhD program
Attend a recognized university
Remain enrolled full-time throughout the award period
Have lived for at least three years in one or more of the following regions at the time of application:
- Nunavut
- Northwest Territories
- Yukon
- Inuit Nunangat
Be conducting Northern or Arctic research that leads to a thesis, major paper, publication, or similar academic output

Definition of the North

For this scholarship, the North includes:

The three Canadian territories:
- Yukon
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
Inuit Nunangat, which includes:
- Nunavut
- Nunavik (Quebec)
- Nunatsiavut (Newfoundland and Labrador)

Research and Fieldwork Requirements

Fieldwork Expectation

Applicants are expected to undertake fieldwork in the North during the following timeframe:

From May of the award year
To March of the following year

The proposed fieldwork should be clearly linked to the applicant’s research objectives and academic outputs.

Commitment to Polar Studies

Applicants must demonstrate:

A strong interest in Northern and Arctic scholarship
A clear connection between their lived experience and research focus
Alignment with Polar Knowledge Canada’s mandate

How Applications Are Reviewed

Applications are assessed by a multidisciplinary review committee.

Assessment Criteria

Reviewers consider:

Overall quality and clarity of the application
Applicant’s commitment to polar and Northern research
Interdisciplinary nature of the proposed research
Proposed information-sharing and knowledge mobilization activities
Referee assessments
Relevance of the project to Polar Knowledge Canada’s objectives

All application materials must be written in plain language to ensure accessibility across disciplines.

Application Components

The application process consists of two mandatory components, both of which must be completed before the deadline.

1. Online Application Form

Applicants must:

Create an account on the Polar Knowledge Canada Online Application and Reporting site
Complete and submit the Northern Resident Scholarship application
Submit separate applications for each POLAR scholarship or award

The online system allows applicants to track the status of their application and referee submissions.

2. Referee Assessments (Two Required)

Applicants must:

Nominate two instructors or supervisors connected to their research
Enter referee contact details in the application form
Ensure referees complete the online referee assessment

Referees receive automated invitations and can review the application materials before submitting their assessments.

Applicants are notified through their account when referee assessments are received.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Confirm eligibility, including Northern residency and enrollment status.
Prepare a clear, plain-language description of your Northern or Arctic research.
Create an account on the Polar Knowledge Canada Online Application and Reporting site.
Complete and submit the online application form.
Nominate two qualified referees and follow up to ensure timely submission.
Monitor application and referee status through your online account.

Incomplete or late submissions are not considered.

Notification and Post-Award Requirements

Only successful applicants are notified
Successful candidates must provide proof of full-time registration in a recognized university program

Failure to provide required documentation may result in withdrawal of the award.

Key Dates and Deadline

Application deadline: February 27, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM (EST)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit early to allow sufficient time for referee assessments.

Why This Scholarship Matters

The POLAR Northern Resident Scholarship recognizes the value of lived Northern experience in advancing Arctic and Northern research.

Program Significance

Supports students rooted in Northern communities
Strengthens Indigenous and Northern research capacity
Encourages ethical, place-based, and community-informed research
Advances Canada’s leadership in Arctic knowledge

By investing in Northern residents, the scholarship promotes research that is grounded, relevant, and impactful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to clearly demonstrate Northern residency requirements
Proposing research that is not directly focused on the North or Arctic
Submitting applications written in overly technical language
Not confirming referee submissions before the deadline
Assuming referee assessments can be submitted late

Attention to detail is essential for a competitive application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the POLAR Northern Resident Scholarship?

It is a $10,000 graduate scholarship supporting Northern or Arctic research by students with lived experience in Northern Canada.

Who can apply?

Canadian citizens or permanent residents enrolled full-time in a Master’s or PhD program who have lived in the North for at least three years.

What regions qualify as the North?

Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Inuit Nunangat, including Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.

Is fieldwork required?

Yes. Applicants are expected to conduct Northern fieldwork between May of the award year and March of the following year.

How many referees are required?

Two referees, typically instructors or supervisors connected to the applicant’s research.

When is the application deadline?

February 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.

Will all applicants be notified?

No. Only successful applicants receive notification.

Conclusion

The POLAR Northern Resident Scholarship is a targeted funding opportunity that supports graduate students with deep connections to Northern Canada who are advancing Arctic and Northern research.

By combining financial support with a strong emphasis on lived experience, fieldwork, and interdisciplinary research, the program helps ensure that Northern knowledge is led by those most closely connected to the regions they study.

For more information, visit Government of Canada.