There are two types of Mackenzie King Scholarships: the “Open” Scholarship and the “Travelling” Scholarship. Both were established to support graduates of Canadian universities who are pursuing graduate studies.

Mackenzie King “Open” Scholarship

Open to graduates of Canadian universities who pursue graduate study in any discipline, in Canada or elsewhere. One Open Scholarship of approximately $13,000 is awarded annually (value is subject to change).

Mackenzie King “Travelling” Scholarship

Open to graduates of Canadian universities who pursue graduate study in the United States or the United Kingdom in the areas of international relations or industrial relations. Four scholarships of approximately $15,000 each are awarded annually (number of recipients and value are subject to change).

Important Dates

• February 3, 2025 – Complete application package, including transcripts and letters of reference, due to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

Eligibility

Please refer to the Mackenzie King Scholarships website [1] for comprehensive eligibility criteria.

Selection Criteria

Selection is based on high academic achievements (typically all A’s or very nearly so), personal qualities, and demonstrated aptitudes.  Consideration will also be given to the applicant’s proposed program of study.

Application Process

1. Review the Mackenzie King website [2] for complete information and to access the application form.
2. Submit an electronic copy of your application documents to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, if the University of Guelph is your “home” university.  Your home university is the Canadian university from which you most recently graduated or at which you are currently enrolled. A complete application consists of the following:
   • The completed and signed application form [3] (including attached sheets A and B as described on that form). 
   • Three letters of reference from persons who have an intimate knowledge of your record and ability and are able to give a critical evaluation of your plans for graduate study. At least two of these testimonials must be from persons under whom you have taken your major work at university, or from senior colleagues with whom you have been associated in academic teaching or research. References must be emailed to us directly from the referees using their institutional/corporate email addresses.
   • Official transcripts from each university you have attended; transcripts must be e-mailed to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Awards Officers at grschol@uoguelph.ca. If sending hard copies, please send them to the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies ATTN: Graduate Award Officers. 
3. The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Awards Committee will review the applications and select those that will be forwarded to the Mackenzie King Board of Scholarship Trustees for further consideration.

Contacts & Resources

If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Graduate Awards Officers by email grschol@uoguelph.ca [4].

Eligibility

Tri-council CGS-Master's and CGS-Doctoral award holders are strongly encouraged to consider applying for a CGS-MSFSS if considering conducting research abroad. To be eligible to apply for the CGS-MSFSS, you must have accepted or currently hold one of the following CGS:

• Joseph-Armand Bombardier (SSHRC);
• Alexander Graham Bell (NSERC);
• Frederick Banting and Charles Best (CIHR); or
• Vanier CGS (if eligible);

As well, applicants must undertake their proposed trip abroad no earlier than the competition deadline date and not hold, or have held, any other CGS-MSFSS during the course of your graduate studies. Please refer to the program description on NSERC's website [5] for complete eligibility information. 

Value & Duration

The value of the CGS-MSFSS is up to $6,000, based on the information and budget justification provided in the application. Supplements are non-renewable. The defined research study period abroad to be covered by the supplement must be for a minimum of two months to a maximum of six months.

Supplements are paid separately from the CGS awards.

Important Dates

• Spring Competition - May 21st, 2025 – Deadline to submit MSFSS application to Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for June Competition
• Fall Competition - September 17th, 2025 – Deadline to submit MSFSS application to Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for October Competition
• August 2025 and December 2025 – Results announced

Application Process

1. All applicants, regardless of which agency awarded the CGS, should refer to the program description on NSERC's website [5] for complete eligibility and program information. 
2. Each agency has their own application form which must be completed. Please find links to the application forms here [6].
3. Submit a copy of your completed application to the Graduate Awards Officers in the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies, by email to grschol@uoguelph.ca [4], by one of the deadlines indicated above. Your research and host supervisors should email their letters directly to grschol@uoguelph.ca [4]. 
4. Applicants will be notified in early June or early October whether or not their application has been selected to be forwarded on to the agency.

Contacts & Resources

If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Graduate Awards Officers by email grschol@uoguelph.ca [4].

Eligibility

Full-time students registered in any thesis-based graduate program who are attending a conference related to their area of research/studies. Preference will be given to students who will be presenting at a conference.

Value & Duration

Various awards of up to $5,000.

Application Process

1. All applicants are required to submit a Braithwaite Conference Travel Grant application [7] at least 4 weeks in advance of travel, with a travel budget (including both expected expenses and other revenues) and a one-page letter outlining how attending and/or presenting at a conference will support their studies and the benefits of connecting and collaborating with other researchers in their field.
2. Selection will be based on the student’s travel budget, how the student’s specific academic and/or research plans will be supported by the travel, and the benefits of connecting and collaborating with other researchers in their field.
3. Applicants will be notified once the adjudication committee has reviewed the applications.
4. Successful recipients are required to provide major receipts and travel outcomes by MS Form [8] within 2 months of your return.

Contacts & Resources

Please use the detailed instructions [9] to create your travel budget.