Deadline: 27-Feb-2026
The POLAR Northern Resident Award offers a $5,000 scholarship to undergraduate students from Northern and Arctic regions of Canada who are engaged in Northern or Arctic research. The award supports students demonstrating a strong commitment to polar studies and research that contributes to academic knowledge and information sharing.
Overview of the Award
Applications are now open for the POLAR Northern Resident Award, a competitive funding opportunity designed to support undergraduate students conducting research in Northern or Arctic regions of Canada.
The award is administered by Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) and aims to encourage academic research, knowledge creation, and information sharing related to polar and Northern studies.
Each selected recipient receives a one-time award valued at $5,000.
Purpose of the POLAR Northern Resident Award
The award is intended to support undergraduate students who are:
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Actively engaged in Northern or Arctic research
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Producing a research output such as a paper, publication, or similar academic work
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Demonstrating a clear interest and long-term commitment to polar scholarship
The program strengthens Northern research capacity by supporting students with lived experience in the North.
Definition of the North for This Program
For the purposes of this award, the North is defined as:
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Nunavut
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Northwest Territories
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Yukon
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Inuit Nunangat, including Nunavik in Quebec and Nunatsiavut in Newfoundland and Labrador
Applicants must meet residency requirements within these regions.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible for the POLAR Northern Resident Award, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
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Have lived for three or more years in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, or Inuit Nunangat
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Be enrolled in a recognized undergraduate program at a college or university
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Be enrolled either full-time or part-time at the time of application and throughout the award tenure
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Be actively involved in Northern or Arctic research
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Demonstrate a clear commitment to polar studies
What Types of Research Are Supported?
Eligible research must:
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Focus on Northern or Arctic topics
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Result in a tangible academic output such as a paper, publication, or equivalent scholarly work
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Align with Polar Knowledge Canada’s mandate
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Include plans for sharing research findings with relevant audiences
Research may span multiple disciplines, as applications are reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee.
Award Value and Use of Funds
The POLAR Northern Resident Award provides:
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A $5,000 award to support research-related activities
The funding may be used to support academic and research engagement but must align with the objectives outlined in the application.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications are reviewed by a multidisciplinary selection committee.
The assessment is based on:
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Overall quality and clarity of the application
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Demonstrated interest and commitment to polar scholarship
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Strength of the proposed research and academic output
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Planned information-sharing or knowledge mobilization activities
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Referee assessment
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Alignment with Polar Knowledge Canada’s mandate
All applications must be written in clear, plain language.
Application Components
A complete application consists of two mandatory components:
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An online application form
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A referee assessment
Both components must be submitted by the application deadline to be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants must follow these steps to apply:
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Create an account on the Polar Knowledge Canada Online Application and Reporting portal
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Complete and submit the online application form
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Provide contact information for one instructor or research supervisor
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Ensure the referee completes the online referee assessment before the deadline
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Monitor application and referee status through the online portal
Separate applications are required for each scholarship or award applied for through the system.
Referee Assessment Process
Applicants must nominate one instructor or supervisor connected to their research.
The referee process works as follows:
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The referee receives an automated email invitation
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The referee accesses the online system to review the application
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The referee submits the assessment directly through the portal
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Applicants are notified once the referee assessment is received
Important Deadline and Notifications
The application deadline is:
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February 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST
Only successful applicants are notified.
Selected candidates must provide proof of registration in a full-time undergraduate program at a recognized university.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following issues:
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Submitting applications written in overly technical or unclear language
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Failing to meet residency or enrollment requirements
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Not confirming that the referee assessment is submitted on time
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Submitting incomplete application materials
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Applying for multiple awards without submitting separate applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the POLAR Northern Resident Award?
Undergraduate students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, meet Northern residency requirements, and are engaged in Northern or Arctic research.
How much funding does the award provide?
The award provides a one-time payment of $5,000.
What regions qualify as the North for this award?
Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Inuit Nunangat, including Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.
Is part-time enrollment allowed?
Yes. Students may be enrolled either full-time or part-time at the time of application and during the award period.
How many referees are required?
One instructor or research supervisor must complete the referee assessment.
Are all applicants notified of the results?
No. Only successful candidates are notified.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by February 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Conclusion
The POLAR Northern Resident Award is a valuable opportunity for undergraduate students from Northern and Arctic regions to receive financial support for meaningful research in polar studies.
By supporting students with lived Northern experience, the award contributes to stronger research capacity, knowledge sharing, and long-term engagement in Arctic and Northern scholarship across Canada.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.