Research funding at SSHRC
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) supports postsecondary-based research, research training and knowledge mobilization activities in the social sciences and humanities through funding opportunities available to students and researchers enrolled in or affiliated with Canadian postsecondary institutions.
What does SSHRC offer?
Grants
A grant is an amount of money given by a government to a person or organization for a special purpose. SSHRC offers a wide range of grants to researchers, including joint initiatives in partnership with other organizations, that have either open or targeted themes, as well as grants for research-creation.
Scholarships
A scholarship is a form of financial aid awarded to students for further education. SSHRC awards scholarships to students enrolled in, or who have applied for or will apply for full-time admission to a graduate program in the social sciences and humanities.
Fellowships
A fellowship may take the form of financial support, an academic position, a training program or a combination of these. At SSHRC, a number of fellowships are offered to support promising researchers who have completed an eligible doctoral degree (PhD) or PhD-equivalent program of study in the social sciences and humanities.
Awards and prizes
Each year SSHRC celebrates the achievements of Canada's top leaders, thinkers and researchers in the social sciences and humanities with the prestigious SSHRC Impact Awards. Candidates are nominated by eligible Canadian postsecondary institutions.
Learn more about the Impact Awards
In SSHRC’s annual Storytellers Challenge, undergraduate and graduate students compete for prizes by creating short videos or presentations showing how social sciences and humanities research is affecting our lives, our world and our future for the better.
Learn more about the Storytellers Challenge
Supplements
Supplemental funding or training opportunities, generally offered by external organizations, are available through some SSHRC and tri-agency funding opportunities. Read the specific funding opportunity description to learn more.
General information
How to apply
Subject matter eligibility, application instructions, how to use the Canadian Common CV, definitions of terms, SSHRC lexicon.
How applications are reviewed
Learn about the merit review process at SSHRC: review principles, reviewer roles, review committees, review of Indigenous research, how to get involved.
Forms and online application tools
Help with online forms, direct deposit, progress report forms, consent to disclosure forms, discipline codes.
Policies, regulations and guidelines
Find SSHRC, tri-agency and Government of Canada policies and guidelines pertaining to all aspects of the research funding process.
The journey of a SSHRC application
An overview of how applications are processed and adjudicated.
SSHRC terminology
Definitions of terms and a lexicon of terminology used by SSHRC.
Features
Safeguarding Your Research
Learn about safeguarding your research against theft, interference, or unwanted transfer of knowledge and results in ways that individuals and teams do not intend
Imagining Canada’s Future
Discover how SSHRC mobilizes social sciences and humanities research and talent to address emerging societal challenges for Canada