Funding Programs

CFS/NSERC Graduate Supplements Program

Since 1991, the Canadian Forest Service Graduate Supplements Program has been promoting graduate research in forestry, in Canada. The program is designed to be a supplement to NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council) scholarships and is made available to students who receive an NSERC postgraduate scholarship and are studying in forestry or a forestry related field.

A maximum of 15 supplements are offered every year by the CFS. Supplements are worth $5,000/year while the graduate student holds an NSERC postgraduate scholarship, usually for a maximum of two years at the CGS Doctoral or PGS Doctoral or IPS 2 level and for a maximum of one year at the CGSM or PGS Master's or IPS 1 level.

In addition to financial assistance, students have an opportunity to carry out all or part of their research in conjunction with one of CFS's five research centres. They also benefit from working closely with a CFS research scientist - who sits on the student's supervisory committee.

The CFS Graduate Supplements Program illustrates CFS's efforts to enhance linkages with the academic community and supports its commitment to excellence in forest science. It brings academic and government personnel closer together and allows government scientists to conduct research with the assistance of motivated graduate students.

The program has proven extremely valuable to both recipients and the forest community, including the CFS. Since 1991, a total of $980,000 has been invested, with 196 students benefitting from the program.

Program Objectives

• To promote graduate research in forestry and forestry-related fields in Canada.
• To foster contacts between CFS research scientists and Canadian universities.

Application Process

• Applications for a CFS graduate supplement are solicited through the NSERC postgraduate scholarship application.
• They are received by CFS, at the latest April 15 of each year.
• Each application is reviewed by the CFS and recommendations are made for approval to the Director General, Science Branch of the CFS.
• The final selection of the successful applicants and the announcements of the results are made in late June.

For more information on this program visit the NSERC Web site or contact the Program Coordinator at the Science and Programs Branch, CFS.