Research Portal presentation and attachment standards

Prepare the documents

Prepare your attachments in any word processing program, following the requirements below. All text, including references (where applicable), must conform to these standards.

• Acronyms and abbreviations must be spelled out completely on initial appearance in text;
• Pages must be 8 ½" x 11" (216mm x 279mm);
• Pages must be single-spaced, with no more than six lines of type per inch;
• All text must be in 12 pt. Times New Roman font;*
• Condensed fonts will not be accepted;
• Colour imagery is acceptable** but the text should be in black;  
• All margins must be set at a minimum of ¾" (1.87 cm);
• Do not introduce hyperlinks or bookmarks in your documents (ensure that your software’s ‘Create bookmarks’ option is de-selected);
• If you have supporting documents written in a language other than English or French, you are required to provide a certified translation of the document.

* The font type and size requirements do not apply to text inside tables and figures. However, for text inside tables and figures, you must use a font type and a font size that are clearly legible. NSERC reserves the right not to accept your application if it does not meet this requirement. Note that figures and tables count toward the specified page limits.

** Applicants who decide to use colour imagery should be aware that the application may not be reviewed in colour. Use of colour increases the file size of your application, and may lengthen download and upload times.

Canada Graduate Scholarships-Masters (CGS M) Transcripts

Transcripts must be scanned in accordance with the following presentation standards and uploaded by the applicant in the appropriate section of the application:

• Scanned together as a single document.
• Include one copy of the legend (reverse of each transcript). Do not scan the legend multiple times.
• PDF file (.pdf extension); unprotected.
• Maximum file size of 10 mb (black and white recommended).
• Page size 8 ½ in. x 11 in. (216 mm x 279 mm) or A4 (210 mm x 297 mm).
• Transcripts text orientation should be upright (if possible) and must be readable on a computer monitor without any adjustment by the viewer.

If you have transcripts written in a language other than English or French, you are required to provide a certified translation of the transcripts.

Convert the documents

All attachments must be converted to Portable Document Format (PDF) before they can be attached to the electronic application. The conversion process varies with the operating system and word processing software you are using. If you have questions about converting your documents to PDF, contact your institution’s technical support staff.

It is important to note that some web browsers may not be compatible with the Research Portal. For more information on web browsers supported by the Research Portal, contact the helpdesk or complete an online services support request.