Canada
NSERC / CGS-M GPA Requirements Explained
NSERC's Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master's (CGRS-M, formerly CGS-M) requires a first-class average, as determined by the host institution, in each of the last two completed years of full-time-equivalent study. There is no single national GPA number: "first-class" is defined by each university on its own grading scale — for example, McMaster defines it as 10 on its 12-point scale, an A-, or 80%.
What "first-class average" means in practice
- Defined per institution: each host university publishes its own first-class threshold on its own scale — commonly an A- / 80% / 3.7-on-4.0-family equivalent, or 10/12 at 12-point schools like McMaster.
- Window that counts: the last two completed years of study (full-time equivalent), each assessed separately.
- Discretion exists: institutions may, at their discretion, accept CGRS-M applications from students without a first-class average — always check the host institution's page.
Source: NSERC — Canada Graduate Research Scholarship, Master's program.
Working out where you stand
Because each university applies its own scale, compute your average the way your institution does — credit-weighted on its own grade points. Use the calculator for your university (e.g. McMaster's 12-point, Toronto's 4.0, Queen's 4.3) and compare against the first-class definition on your registrar's or graduate-studies page — not against a generic 3.7.
Beyond the GPA gate
The first-class average is an eligibility gate, not the selection itself — CGRS-M selection weighs research potential and other criteria per the program's published evaluation. Doctoral awards (CGS-D/PGS-D family) have their own criteria; check the current NSERC funding-opportunity pages for the cycle you're applying to.
Canada GPA Calculators
Use the calculator for your university after checking the conversion or grading guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA do I need for NSERC CGS-M?
A first-class average in each of the last two completed years of study — but the numeric threshold is set by each host university on its own scale (commonly around A-/80%; 10/12 at 12-point schools like McMaster). Check your institution's definition.
Can I apply for CGS-M without a first-class average?
Possibly. NSERC allows institutions to accept applications from students without a first-class average at their discretion — contact the graduate school of your proposed host institution.
Which years count toward the NSERC average?
Each of the last two completed years of full-time-equivalent study, assessed separately, as determined by the host institution.