Sponsor
Polar Knowledge Canada
Program
Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP)
Description
In 1961, the federal government established the Northern Scientific Training Grants Program to encourage Canadian universities to train northern specialists to meet national needs. Today, it is the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) and provides supplementary funding to over 300 students annually at over 35 universities across Canada. The program is administered by POLAR as part of its mandate to foster science and technology in Canada’s North.
The specific purpose of the NSTP is to encourage and support Canadian university students with an interest in northern studies and conducting thesis research in Northern regions, by assisting them to gain northern professional experience and training, through the issuance of supplementary funds.
Universities receiving NSTP support are encouraged to develop a special focus for training in northern studies, to orient students towards northern studies and northern careers, and to foster an exchange of information among scholars of various disciplines with an interest in the Canadian North.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
- Be enrolled in a degree program at a Canadian university.
- Funds are available in support of graduate students. However, senior undergraduate students entering their final year and intending to undertake an honours thesis based on northern fieldwork or research, which will be continued in subsequent graduate studies, are also eligible.
- Students supported by training funds must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Summer and winter projects are eligible.
- Post-doctoral studies are not supported.
Supported fields of research
The program funds projects on northern topics from all disciplines and in multi-disciplinary fields.
Geographical focus
The NSTP supports projects that lie north of the southern limit of the discontinuous permafrost zone, with the addition of all of the Southern Yukon in the West; that section of Labrador south to and including Red Bay; and the other seven Arctic countries (Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the U.S.A. - Alaska).
Use of Northern Scientific Training Program funds
The program’s funds are restricted. They are a supplement meant to offset the additional costs of northern research (e.g. transportation and living costs). The NSTP is not intended to be a source of primary support for students pursuing northern research.
Funding Availability
The average NSTP allocation is $2,500 to $3,000 per student. These are supplementary awards and applicants must ensure that other funds are in place. One year of funding is available at the undergraduate level, up to two years for thesis-based research at the Masters level, and up to three years of funding for thesis-based research at the Doctoral level. The maximum number of NSTP awards a single student may receive is six.
Indirect Costs
0%
Project Duration
The program is based on a fiscal year commencing April 1 and ending March 31. The field component is typically one - three months.
For the students who received funds during the period of April 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019: Student reports and faculty supervisor reports are due to the Chair (Dr. Adamowicz) by October 26, 2018 and November 2, 2018, respectively.
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Internal Deadline | New 2019 Applications: Students applying for funding in the new competition must submit their application online (Fluid Review). Previously Awarded 2018 Applications: Students who received funding April 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019 must submit the student portion of their report to the Chairperson, Dr. Adamowicz, by this date. | |
Internal Deadline | New 2019 Applications: Faculty supervisor adds comments online to new student submissions in Fluid Review System AND submits a signed OR-5 form (1 form per research group) along with copies of application(s) to: Research.Services@uoguelph.ca. Previously Awarded 2018 Applications: Faculty supervisors who supervised students April 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019 must submit the faculty portion of the report to the Chair, Dr. Adamowicz, by this date. | |
External Deadline | NSTP Chairperson submits spreadsheets of applications, reports along with University Information Sheet, Northern Studies Committee Information Sheet, Student nominations, Research Reports - General Overview, and Application for Funds: General Overview to: NSTP Secretariat. |
How to Apply
Applications for NSTP funding must be made by the Chairperson of a Northern Studies Committee at a Canadian university or the equivalent. Applications from individuals are not accepted.
Students complete and submit application forms and/or report forms online: Fluid Review system
Attachment(s)
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 NSTP - FAQ | 52.35 KB |
| Community Interactions/Engagement/Resources | 23.84 KB |
| NSTP Information Manual 2019-2020 | 1.04 MB |