Call for Applications: Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA) 2026

Advance Your Research Career with Up to CAD $140,000 in Funding

The Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA) is now accepting applications from outstanding postdoctoral researchers seeking to advance innovative research in the social sciences, humanities, health sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The program supports the next generation of researchers through generous funding and world-class research training opportunities.

About the Award

The CPRA is a prestigious federal research award administered by Canada's three major research agencies:

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

The program aims to support emerging researchers as they transition to independent research careers and contribute to Canada's research excellence and innovation ecosystem.

Award Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• CAD $70,000 per year
• Two years of funding (24 months)
• Total support of CAD $140,000
• Opportunity to conduct research at eligible institutions in Canada or abroad
• Access to additional training and professional development opportunities

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold or expect to complete a doctoral or eligible health professional degree before the award begins.
• Have completed their doctorate within the eligibility period specified by the program.
• Not hold a tenured or tenure-track faculty position.
• Meet the specific eligibility requirements of the agency aligned with their research area.

International applicants may also be eligible under certain conditions, including completion of a doctoral degree at a Canadian institution or current postdoctoral research at a Canadian institution.

Research Areas

Applications are welcomed across a broad range of disciplines, including:

• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Health Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Engineering
• Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research fields

Key Dates

SSHRC Competition

• Application Deadline: 11 September 2026

Results Announcement

• March 2027 (expected)

Why Apply?

The Canada Postdoctoral Research Award offers more than funding—it provides researchers with the flexibility, mentorship, and institutional support needed to develop impactful research, build international collaborations, and establish themselves as leaders in their fields. Whether your research addresses social challenges, scientific discovery, technological innovation, or public policy, this award can help accelerate your academic and professional journey.

How to Apply

Applicants should review the full eligibility requirements and application instructions through the official program page before submitting their applications.

Official Opportunity Page:
https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/en/funding/opportunities/canada-postdoctoral-research-award-program.aspx

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At Eureka Learners Foundation (ELF), we believe that access to opportunities like this is key to empowering young people to innovate, lead, and solve global challenges. We encourage students and emerging innovators to take bold steps toward building solutions that matter.