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CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA)
Support for CIHR priority master’s research
Last Update: May 5, 2026
Funding available
$ 27,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $27,000 for one year. It supports master’s students in Canada working in CIHR priority research areas, including bioinformatics, sex and gender in health research, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis health.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research and development activities
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 27,000 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Master’s research in bioinformatics, computational biology, or health data sciences in genetics and genomics
- Master’s research in sex and gender in health research
- Master’s research in First Nations, Inuit, or Métis health
Documents Needed
- Official transcripts for all post-secondary studies
- Two letters of support using the CIHR template
- Program of Study Information form signed by the Scholarship Liaison Officer
- Research Training Environment Support letter from the primary supervisor
- SGBA+ training certificate
- Proof of Canadian citizenship, permanent residence, or protected person status
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Master’s students and applicants to master’s programs
- Students in Canadian universities and eligible Canadian institutions
- Applicants in CIHR priority health research areas
Who is not eligible
- Applicants holding or on leave from an independent research position
- Applicants already holding another direct federal training award
- Master’s programs based only on coursework
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- CIHR-eligible Canadian institutions
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first checked for relevance to the selected CIHR funding pool.
- Eligible applications are reviewed by a CIHR peer review committee.
- Ranking lists are created separately for each funding pool.
- Funding is awarded from the top of each ranking list until the budget is exhausted.
- Applicants receive a decision notice, and funded names are published on the CIHR website.
Additional information
- The application requires two letters of support using the CIHR template.
- The applicant must complete the SGBA+ training certificate.
- The applicant must also complete the CIHR self-identification questionnaire.
- All required materials must be uploaded in ResearchNet before submission.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA)?
This program provides up to $27,000 for one year. It supports master’s students in Canada working in CIHR priority research areas, including bioinformatics, sex and gender in health research, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis health.
How much funding can be received?
CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA) Funds up to $27,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA) program?
To be eligible for the CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA) program, you must:
Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person
Eligible full-time master’s program in Canada
Significant research component required
What expenses are eligible under CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA)?
Master’s research in bioinformatics, computational biology, or health data sciences in genetics and genomics
Master’s research in sex and gender in health research
Master’s research in First Nations, Inuit, or Métis health
Who can I contact for more information about the CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA)?
You can contact Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) by email at support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or by phone at 613-954-1968.
Where is the CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA) available?
The CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA) program is available across Canada.
Is the CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA) is a Grant and Funding