CFAs: Northern Scientific Training Program (Canada)

The Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) provides supplementary funding to support Canadian university students conducting thesis-based research on northern topics. Administered by POLAR (Polar Knowledge Canada), NSTP supports over 350 students annually across more than 35 universities. For the 2027–2028 call, student applications (including supervisor recommendations) are due November 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST, and universities must submit complete application packages by December 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST. Opportunity at a Glance

- Opportunity name: Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP)

- Funding organization: POLAR (Polar Knowledge Canada), part of Polar Knowledge Canada

- Opportunity type: Supplementary training funding for thesis-based northern research

- Who it serves: Students enrolled at Canadian universities conducting northern research projects

- Eligible geography (research location): Projects located north of the southern limit of the discontinuous permafrost zone, and the other seven circumpolar countries (Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States (Alaska)) - Student application deadline (including supervisor recommendations): November 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST

- University complete package deadline: December 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST

- Program cycle: Fiscal year commencing April 1 and ending March 31

- Funding duration (by level):

- Undergraduate (thesis-based research): up to 1 year

- Master’s (thesis-based research): up to 2 years

- Doctoral (thesis-based research): up to 3 years

- Post-doctoral studies: Not supported

- Direct applications to POLAR: Not accepted (students apply through their university)

About the Opportunity

The Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) was established to encourage Canadian universities to train northern specialists to meet national needs. The program provides supplementary funding to support thesis-based northern research projects led by students at Canadian universities. NSTP is administered by POLAR as part of its mandate to foster science and technology in Canada’s North. Funding and Benefits NSTP funding is restricted and intended as a supplement to offset additional costs of northern research. The program specifies that NSTP funds are meant to help cover costs such as: - Transportation costs - Living costs - Shipping costs - Interpreter fees The program is not intended to be a source of primary support for students pursuing northern research. Funding duration limits (one award per student, by level): - Up to 1 year for undergraduate thesis-based research - Up to 2 years for master’s thesis-based research - Up to 3 years for doctoral thesis-based research Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants (students)

To be eligible, students must:

- Be enrolled in a degree program at a Canadian university - Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents - Conduct thesis-based research (summer and winter projects are eligible) - Be supported for the appropriate duration based on level:

- Undergraduate: up to 1 year

- Master’s: up to 2 years

- Doctoral: up to 3 years

- Post-doctoral studies are not supported Eligible applicants (how applications are submitted) - Applications must be submitted by the Chairperson of a Northern Studies Committee (or equivalent) at a Canadian university. - The committee must be officially recognized by the President of the university. - Students must apply through their university’s Northern Studies Committee (or equivalent). - Individual student applications are not accepted directly by POLAR. - If a student’s university does not have a recognized Northern Studies Committee (or equivalent), the student may apply through a participating university.

Eligibility criteria details

The program states that applicants should consult the 2027–2028 NSTP Information Manual for eligibility criteria. Specific additional eligibility requirements are Not specified in the source beyond the items listed above. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas NSTP funds projects on northern topics from all disciplines and also supports multi-disciplinary fields. Geographical focus (where the project is located)

Projects must lie:

- North of the southern limit of the discontinuous permafrost zone, and/or - In one of the other seven circumpolar countries: - Finland - Greenland (Denmark) - Iceland - Norway - Sweden - United States (Alaska) Why This Opportunity Matters NSTP is designed to help universities train northern specialists by supporting student research that takes place in northern environments. Because NSTP funds are restricted to supplementary costs, the program is particularly relevant for students whose northern research requires additional expenses such as transportation, living, shipping, and interpreter support. How to Apply - Read the 2027–2028 NSTP Information Manual carefully before applying. - Apply through your university’s Northern Studies Committee (or equivalent). - Students must submit their application through the committee; individual applications are not accepted directly by POLAR. - Ensure your supervisor recommendations are included as part of the student submission package to your university. - Your university’s Chairperson is responsible for submitting the university’s student applications as a single package. - Create an account on the Polar Knowledge Canada Online Application and Reporting site (as required for the application process described by the program). - After registration, you will receive a confirmation email and can use your account to submit the application and track referee assessment progress. - Submit according to the official deadlines:

- Student submission deadline: November 10, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST

- University complete package deadline: December 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST

Official application link Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Do not submit directly to POLAR as an individual student. The program requires submission through the university’s Norther