The Canada Research Training Awards Suite – Research Travel Supplements 2026 (CRTAS-RTS) is a prestigious funding initiative designed to support graduate students in Canada by providing financial assistance for short-term research travel. This program is administered by Canada’s three major federal research agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
The scholarship aims to enhance research training, promote international collaboration, and enable students to gain valuable academic experience beyond their home institutions.
About the CRTAS Research Travel Supplements 2026
The CRTAS Research Travel Supplements is a modern funding program that supports master’s and doctoral students in expanding their research through travel opportunities within Canada or internationally.
The program enables students to visit universities, laboratories, and research institutions where they can access specialized expertise, facilities, and academic networks. It plays a key role in strengthening research capacity by fostering collaboration and global exposure.
Scholarship Value and Funding
The CRTAS Research Travel Supplement provides financial support to cover travel-related expenses during the research period.
Funding Details
- Award Value: $9,000 (non-renewable)
- Number of Awards: Approximately 250 per year
- Duration of Support: 2 to 6 months
This funding is intended to offset the cost of conducting research away from a student’s primary institution.
What the Scholarship Covers
The supplement is designed to reduce the financial burden of research travel.
Eligible Expenses Include:
- Round-trip travel expenses
- Accommodation during the research period
- Daily living costs such as meals
- Visa and travel documentation fees
- Health insurance coverage
- Tuition or bench fees at the host institution (if required)
It is important to note that direct research expenses are not covered under this funding.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026
The CRTAS-RTS is available to a specific group of graduate students who meet strict eligibility conditions.
General Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
- Hold an active master’s or doctoral award from one of the federal research agencies
- Be enrolled in an eligible graduate programme
- Not have previously received this supplement
Eligible awards typically include national graduate scholarships and doctoral funding schemes offered by the participating agencies.
Research Travel Requirements
The scholarship supports structured research activities aligned with the student’s academic programme.
Key Conditions:
- Research must last between 2 and 6 months
- Travel must begin after receiving approval
- The research must complement the student’s current academic work
- A qualified host supervisor must be identified
Students studying in Canada are generally expected to conduct their research abroad, while those studying outside Canada may use the funding to carry out research within Canada.
Application Process
The application process requires careful preparation and coordination with academic supervisors.
Steps to Apply:
- Complete the official application form
- Provide details of current academic funding and institution
- Submit a research proposal (maximum two pages)
- Obtain approvals from:
- Home institution supervisor
- Host institution supervisor
- Relevant institutional authority
Applications must be submitted electronically in the required format.
Application Deadlines for 2026
- Primary Deadline: 10 June 2026
- Possible Second Intake: 10 October 2026 (subject to availability of funds)
Since applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission is strongly recommended.
Selection and Evaluation
The evaluation process is straightforward and focused on eligibility and readiness.
Selection Criteria:
- Completeness of the application
- Eligibility of the applicant
- Relevance of the proposed research to academic goals
- Approval from supervisors and institutions
Funding is typically awarded to qualified applicants until the available budget is fully allocated.
Benefits of the CRTAS-RTS Programme
This research travel supplement offers several important advantages.
1. International Exposure: Students gain experience in different research environments and academic systems.
2. Access to Advanced Facilities: Participants can use specialized tools, labs, and archives not available at their home institution.
3. Networking Opportunities: The programme encourages collaboration with international scholars and research teams.
4. Career Development: Research experience abroad strengthens academic profiles and enhances future career opportunities.
5. Knowledge Exchange: Students contribute to global research and bring new insights back to their home institutions.
Why You Should Apply
The CRTAS Research Travel Supplement is ideal for graduate students looking to expand their academic horizons and improve the quality of their research.
It provides an opportunity to:
- Conduct research in new academic environments
- Build international collaborations
- Access unique research resources
- Strengthen academic and professional credentials
This programme is especially valuable for students aiming for research-intensive careers in academia, industry, or policy development.
Conclusion
The Canada Research Training Awards Suite – Research Travel Supplements 2026 is a highly valuable funding opportunity for graduate students seeking to enhance their research through international or domestic travel. With a $9,000 grant, flexible research duration, and strong institutional support, it provides a powerful platform for academic growth.
With the main application deadline set for 10 June 2026, interested candidates are encouraged to prepare early and submit well-structured applications to maximize their chances of success.
