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Source verified September 17, 2026
Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP)
Supports northern research training for students
Latest source updateLast Update: September 17, 2026Latest change: The NSTP page now shows the 2027-2028 intake dates, application steps, and updated eligibility and research scope details.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 17, 2026
Latest change: The NSTP page now shows the 2027-2028 intake dates, application steps, and updated eligibility and research scope details.
NSTP 2027-2028 dates and application steps confirmed
The Northern Scientific Training Program page now shows the 2027-2028 call with a student deadline of November 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST and a university package deadline of December 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST. It also adds explicit instructions to create an account on the Polar Knowledge Canada Online Application and Reporting site, submit through a Northern Studies Committee, and track referee assessments, while clarifying that summer and winter projects are eligible and that supported research spans all disciplines and multidisciplinary fields.
Funding available
$ 6,000
Deadline
December 1, 2026
Opened September 15, 2026
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. It supports scientific training and field research in the Canadian North and eligible circumpolar areas.
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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 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Thesis-based research in Northern regions.
- Northern research in a wide range of disciplines.
- Multi-disciplinary projects where appropriate.
- Scholarly and professional inquiry and related training activities.
- Summer and winter projects.
Documents Needed
- Application form
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian universities
- Northern post-secondary institutions
- Students conducting thesis research through a recognized Northern Studies Committee
Who is not eligible
- Individuals applying directly on their own.
- Post-doctoral researchers.
- Students on student, visitor, or other visas.
- Projects in Russia or involving Russian organizations.
Eligible expenses
- Transportation, living, and shipping costs related to northern field research.
- Interpreter fees and fees for community experts or elders.
- Costs related to dissemination or reporting back to the community.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Employment for students.
- Administrative or indirect costs.
- Equipment purchases.
- Field courses and practica.
- Research conducted outside the NSTP geographic boundary.
Eligible geographic areas
- Regions of Canada with both permafrost and ground ice.
- Alaska, except the panhandle.
- All areas of Greenland.
- Finland, Norway, and Sweden north of the southern limit of discontinuous permafrost.
- Iceland, on a case-by-case basis.
Selection criteria
- Compliance with NSTP guidelines.
- Completeness and clarity of the application.
- Relevance to current northern issues.
- Student experience and training value.
- Supervisor recommendations and efficient use of funds.
How to apply
- Complete the application using the web-based form available at Online Forms.
- Submit the completed form to the university's Northern Studies Committee via the online system.
- The Chairperson sends the request to the NSTP Secretariat through the Chairperson’s account.
- Submit the completed application package by December 1st each year, or the next business day if it falls on a weekend or public holiday.
- Students must submit an application to their university or Northern post-secondary institution Northern Studies Committee by November 10, or the next business day if the date falls on a weekend or holiday, each year.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by Polar Knowledge Canada and the NSTP Management Committee.
- Funding decisions are made at the institutional level, not per student.
- Applicants are notified by email of the funding amount and any ineligible projects.
- Direct deposits are issued to universities and Northern post-secondary institutions.
- Annual statements of expenditures are required.
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
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. It supports scientific training and field research in the Canadian North and eligible circumpolar areas.
How much funding can be received?
Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) Funds up to $6,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is December 1, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) program?
To be eligible for the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) program, you must:
Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Enrolled in a degree program
Thesis-based northern research
What expenses are eligible under Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP)?
Thesis-based research in Northern regions.
Northern research in a wide range of disciplines.
Multi-disciplinary projects where appropriate.
Scholarly and professional inquiry and related training activities.
Summer and winter projects.
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.