Canadian Nurses Foundation · National
Alice Girard Award
About this award
Get up to $10,000 for your PhD in nursing — apply online between December and late January.
You can receive up to $10,000 for your studies. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a nursing student pursuing your doctorate and want to advance the profession through high-level research and leadership. Applications open each December for the following academic year and typically close in late January. No specific time zone is posted, so check the Canadian Nurses Foundation (CNF — the national organization supporting nursing education) website for the exact closing minute. You will hear back via the methods specified in their online portal. The CNF awards committee chooses winners based on merit. They award over 135 scholarships per year across all tiers, but they do not publish the exact number of winners for this specific PhD award — ask them how many PhD spots are available to judge your odds. Ask the Canadian Nurses Foundation during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with the Canadian Nurses Foundation whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.
Can you get it?
- Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident — citizenship requirement
- Doctoral — study level
- Studying nursing — field of study
How to apply
Review eligibility and gather your documents~1 hour
Read the official award page end-to-end. Confirm you meet every requirement before you start.
Submit by No deadline~1 hour
Double-check every field, save a copy, and submit at least 24 hours early.
More details
The biggest mistake is writing a generic summary of your interests.
Winners instead present a clear, impactful research goal that solves a real-world nursing problem.
Detail exactly how your PhD work improves patient care.
The biggest mistake is providing references who only know you as a student.
Winners instead use referees who can speak to your clinical leadership and professional impact.
Get a letter from a mentor who has seen your work in a healthcare setting.