NSERC Online presentation and attachment standards
On the page
Prepare your documents
You must prepare your attachments in a word processing program and follow these formatting standards:
- Spell out all acronyms and abbreviations the first time they appear
- Use letter-size pages (8.5 x 11 inches or 216 mm x 279 mm)
- Use single spacing, with no more than six lines of text per inch
- Use 12-point Times New Roman font for all text*
- Do not use condensed fonts; they will not be accepted
- Use black text only
- Set all margins to at least ¾ inch (1.87 cm)
- Type your name at the top right corner of every page (in the header section)
- Number all pages sequentially in multi-page attachments
- If any supporting document is in a language other than English or French, you must provide a certified translation
All content, including references (if applicable), must follow these formatting standards.
* Font and size rules do not apply to text within tables and figures. However, the font must be clearly legible. NSERC may reject your application if this requirement is not met. Figures and tables count toward specified page limits.
Convert the documents
All attachments must be converted to Portable Document Format (PDF) before they can be uploaded and attached to the electronic application. The conversion process depends on your operating system and word processing software. If you need help converting your documents to PDF, contact your institution’s technical support staff.
Troubleshooting tips for uploading PDF attachments in the NSERC Online System
- The PDF filename must not contain special characters or accents, and must be 15 characters or less.
- The PDF must not have security settings such as encryption or password protection. You can remove these by reprinting the file using compatible software.
- Use officially licensed software to reprint PDF files. Free editing tools downloaded from the internet may not work properly and could prevent the file from being accepted by the NSERC Online System.
How to reprint a PDF to remove security protection
1. Open the file in your PDF software
2. Select File > Print
3. In the Printer name field, choose Microsoft Print to PDF or another installed PDF program
4. Select Properties, then set the paper size to Standard Letter (8.5 x 11 inches or 216 x 279 mm)
5. Return to the print window and select OK
6. Save the new file as a PDF with a different name, then upload it to the NSERC Online System
Attach the documents to your application
To attach your PDF files to your application, follow these steps:
- In the Document description field, enter a short description of the file
- Select Browse beside the Filename field. A file selection window will appear
- Locate and select the file you want to attach
- Select Open. The filename will now appear in the Filename field
- Select Attach. The Status field will show the message Document has been attached, and Proofread and Delete buttons will appear
- Select Proofread to verify the file meets the presentation standards and contains the correct content
- If necessary, select Delete to remove the file and repeat the process
