As of July 2025, the Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship (NSGS) remains a valuable funding opportunity for students pursuing thesis-based graduate degrees in Nova Scotia. It supports both Canadian and international students whose research aligns with the province’s priority economic and social sectors. The scholarship is offered through participating universities such as Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, and St. Francis Xavier University.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time, thesis-based master’s or doctoral program at an eligible Nova Scotia university.
- Be engaged in research that aligns with Nova Scotia’s priority sectors. These include Ocean and Marine Technologies, Life Sciences, Clean Technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Health and Wellness, Financial Services, Aerospace and Defence, Resource Sectors, and Social Innovation.
- Not have already exceeded the maximum duration for funding (two years for Master’s, four years for PhD).
- Be in good academic standing and not be past the expected completion time of their program.
- For some institutions, students must be within the first year of their program at the time of application. Each institution may have slight variations in its internal policies.
Both new and continuing students may be eligible, depending on institutional guidelines.
Value and Duration of the Award
The scholarship offers:
- $10,000 per year for master’s students, renewable for up to two years.
- $15,000 per year for doctoral students, renewable for up to four years.
These funds can be used to offset tuition, living expenses, and research-related costs. Some universities may allow recipients to combine NSGS with other awards or assistantships, while others may apply restrictions. Always consult with your school’s graduate studies office for clarification.
Application Process
The process to apply for the Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship differs slightly by institution. However, there are some common steps across the board:
- Secure Admission: You must first apply to and be accepted into a thesis-based graduate program at a participating Nova Scotia university.
- Department Nomination or Internal Application: At most universities, you must either be nominated by your department or submit a full application via the university’s internal scholarship system (e.g., Dalhousie’s Harmonized Scholarship Process).
- Prepare Documents: Typical application materials include a detailed research proposal, statement of intent, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a CV.
- Submit Before Deadline: Deadlines vary by university. Some institutions require internal nominations by mid-February, while others may have deadlines as late as April.
- Review and Notification: Applications are reviewed based on academic merit, quality of research, alignment with priority areas, and potential contribution to Nova Scotia.
It’s crucial to adhere to internal university deadlines and procedures, as each institution manages its own nominations.
Key Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated on several factors, including:
- Academic excellence: Strong grades, previous research experience, and academic awards.
- Research quality: The clarity, feasibility, and relevance of the proposed thesis research.
- Alignment with provincial priorities: Projects that target Nova Scotia’s identified sectors are favored.
- Potential impact: Contributions to the province’s economic growth, innovation, or social development.
Applicants who demonstrate strong academic and research potential, especially in fields prioritized by the province, are most competitive.
Renewal Requirements
For the scholarship to be renewed in subsequent years:
- The recipient must remain in good academic standing and enrolled full-time in the same program.
- Annual progress reports or supervisor evaluations may be required to show that the student is making satisfactory progress on their thesis.
- Continued alignment with the original research goals and relevance to Nova Scotia’s strategic sectors may also be assessed.
Some universities may conduct annual internal reviews to determine continued eligibility for renewal.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early: Begin preparing your application and research proposal months in advance.
- Seek feedback: Ask your advisor or supervisor to review your proposal and supporting documents.
- Highlight relevance: Clearly explain how your research supports Nova Scotia’s economic or social development.
- Show impact: Describe any potential applications of your research, especially in areas that matter to the province.
A well-structured and focused application can make a significant difference in a competitive pool.
Conclusion
The Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarship offers generous support to students who are committed to high-impact research within the province’s key sectors. Whether you are a domestic or international student, this scholarship presents an excellent opportunity to fund your graduate studies while contributing to the future of Nova Scotia.
Applicants should closely follow the guidelines of their chosen institution and ensure that their research proposal aligns with the province’s development goals. With thoughtful preparation, this scholarship can be a stepping stone to academic success and meaningful contributions to regional growth.
