NSTP refers to the Northern Scientific Training Program, administered by Polar Knowledge Canada
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The aim of the Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) is to promote interest in northern research, and provide opportunities for advanced undergraduate and graduate students to obtain experience and professional training in the North (see full Program Overview).
The NSTP provides research grants to students in the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences to help offset the costs of conducting research in the North (as defined by the NSTP map). Only Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply and you must be working on an undergraduate or graduate thesis in a degree program at a recognized Canadian University. Post-doctoral fellows are not eligible for funding through the NSTP.
Every fall, the NSTP puts out a call for applications for students to request funding to help offset the costs of northern fieldwork. The NSTP is administered by Polar Knowledge Canada, and all applications must be submitted using the NSTP online system. These are reviewed and evaluated by the Carleton Northern Research Committee prior to being submitted to the NSTP secretariat (on November 10). After November 10 changes cannot be made to applications.
If you wish to apply for NSTP funding for the 2026-27 fiscal year, new applications are due by October 26, 2025.
Deadlines related to 2027-28 applications will be posted in October, 2026.
As you apply for funds, please review the Carleton’s field-safety program resources and complete a draft of the Field Activity Safety Plan posted there, in consultation with your supervisor. When your NSTP funds are allocated you will get feedback on this draft form. You must complete a final version of this safety form at least 5 days prior to your travel or NSTP funds will be withheld.
Please claim your expenses promptly after you return from the field.
