Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP)

How to Apply:

Overview of the NSTP

The purpose of Polar Knowledge Canada's Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) is to encourage and support Canadian university and Northern post-secondary students with an interest in northern studies and conducting thesis research in Northern regions, by assisting them to gain northern professional experience and training. This is done, in part, through the issuance of supplementary funds to help eligible students to offset the high cost of northern research (i.e. transportation costs, living costs, shipping costs, interpreter fees etc.).

Northern Research

It should be noted that for the NSTP "northern research" is defined as taking place north of the southern limit of the discontinuous permafrost zone (http://arcg.is/1vGHyr) or that takes place in the other circumpolar countries/regions listed in the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) Information Manual 2027-2028.

Level of Support

The NSTP will provide:

Undergraduate Students - one year of funding for thesis-based research;

Masters Students - up to two years of funding for thesis-based research; and

Doctoral Students - up to three years of funding for thesis-based research.

Students may apply and be granted funding in any year of their programs. Students may apply for up to $6,000 in funding per year (however, note that actual award amounts are based on available funding).

Eligibility

Students applying to the NSTP must be enrolled in a degree program at a Canadian university or Northern post-secondary institution and must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.

Application Submission Process

Students are required to complete an application using the web-based form available at Online Forms by November 10, 2026. Students should be aware that the application requires that a supervisor verify the accuracy of the information and the quality of the application, as well as complete the recommendation section of the application. In addition, given the supplemental nature of the NSTP, the application requires that other sources of funding and/or support, the amounts received, applied for and the amounts secured for the project be clearly identified in the application. Therefore, students should be aware that they will need to discuss and have their application approved by a supervisor.

Once the online form has been completed, they are submitted to Lakehead University's Northern Studies Committee for review via the online submission system. Applications for NSTP funds are then submitted as a package by the Chairperson of Lakehead's Northern Studies to Polar Knowledge Canada which then reviews application packages and makes decisions regarding the amount of funding awarded to each university or Northern post-secondary institution.

NSTP Awards

Each university or Northern post-secondary institution submitting an Application for Funds are also encouraged to nominate one candidate for each of the NSTP awards from among their current applicants in the respective discipline areas. For additional information, please see the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) Information Manual 2027-2028.

Information Session / Meetings with Program Officer

Nathalie Robillard-Bergeron, Senior Program Officer, Grants and Contributions Unit, with Polar Knowledge Canada will be at Lakehead University October 19, 2026 to deliver a presentation at 10:00 AM in FB2023 (Ingenuity Theatre) regarding funding opportunities (including the NSTP) available through Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR). To register for this session (either in person or on Zoom if in Orillia or Barrie), please click here. Nathalie will also be available to meet individually with researchers and students regarding the NSTP and other programs from 1:30 to 5:00 on October 19. To reserve a 30 minute time slot please email research@lakeheadu.ca. Information regarding the meeting room location will be shared with respondents at that time.