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Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP)
Supports northern research training for Canadian university students
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 6,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) provides supplementary funding of up to $6,000 per year to Canadian university and northern post-secondary students conducting thesis-based research in northern regions. The program aims to support advanced undergraduate and graduate students in gaining professional experience and training through eligible activities such as fieldwork, covering additional costs related to transportation, living expenses, and interpreter fees.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 6,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Environment
- International Activities
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
- International
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Thesis-based research projects conducted by Canadian university or Northern post-secondary students in northern regions of Canada or eligible circumpolar countries.
- Multi-disciplinary research activities addressing issues relevant to the Canadian North.
- Projects involving scientific training and professional experience in northern environments for students at the undergraduate, master's, or doctoral level.
- Research initiatives that include meaningful engagement and collaboration with northern communities or authorities.
- Projects aimed at disseminating or reporting research findings to northern communities.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian universities
- Northern post-secondary institutions
Who is not eligible
- Businesses or companies (including private sector organizations) are not eligible; the program is restricted to Canadian universities and Northern post-secondary institutions.
- Research institutes or centers applying for general operational, administrative, or faculty salary support are not eligible.
- Organizations intending to conduct research outside the defined NSTP geographic boundary (regions without permafrost and ground ice, or outside approved circumpolar areas) are not eligible.
- Entities conducting research in Russia or partnering with Russian organizations (due to Canadian government sanctions) are not eligible for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
- Institutions seeking funding for field schools, practica, or courses rather than individual thesis-based student research projects are not eligible.
Eligible expenses
- Transportation costs directly related to northern research projects.
- Living expenses incurred during the fieldwork in northern regions.
- Freight or shipping costs for research supplies and equipment used in the field.
- Interpreter fees or fees for community experts/elders engaged in the research project.
Eligible geographic areas
- Regions of Canada where there is both permafrost and ground ice, as mapped in the 5th Edition of the National Atlas of Canada (see Permafrost map).
- Alaska (except for the "panhandle")
- All areas of Greenland (Denmark)
- Regions north of the southern limit of discontinuous permafrost in Finland, Norway, and Sweden
- Iceland (eligibility determined on a case-by-case basis)
Additional information
- Each student is required to provide a detailed summary of their research progress and preliminary results, if available, in their final report.
- Students must acknowledge the Program's support in all publications, presentations, or other outputs resulting from NSTP-funded research.
- Incomplete or duplicate applications may result in the rejection of funding requests.
- Institutions are responsible for distributing allocated funds to participating students and maintaining contact with students until all research outputs are reported.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP). 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 Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP)?
The Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) provides supplementary funding of up to $6,000 per year to Canadian university and northern post-secondary students conducting thesis-based research in northern regions. The program aims to support advanced undergraduate and graduate students in gaining professional experience and training through eligible activities such as fieldwork, covering additional costs related to transportation, living expenses, and interpreter fees.
How much funding can be received?
Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) Funds up to $6,000 of admissible expenses.
What expenses are eligible under Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP)?
Thesis-based research projects conducted by Canadian university or Northern post-secondary students in northern regions of Canada or eligible circumpolar countries.
Multi-disciplinary research activities addressing issues relevant to the Canadian North.
Projects involving scientific training and professional experience in northern environments for students at the undergraduate, master's, or doctoral level.
Research initiatives that include meaningful engagement and collaboration with northern communities or authorities.
Projects aimed at disseminating or reporting research findings to northern communities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP)?
You can contact Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) by email at nstp-pfsn@polar-polaire.gc.ca or by phone at 613-222-9537.
Where is the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) available?
The Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) program is available across Canada.
Is the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP)?
Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) is funded by Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR)
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