Applying for scholarships, research grants, or fellowships in Canada often requires more than just a personal resume. If you’ve come across programs like the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS-M) or funding competitions through CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC, you’ll notice one recurring requirement: the Canadian Common CV (CCV).
This article provides a complete, step-by-step guide to understanding the CCV — its purpose, format, and how you can effectively prepare one for your academic and research career.
What is the Canadian Common CV (CCV)?
The Canadian Common CV is a standardized online system designed to capture your academic background, research contributions, and professional experiences in a unified format. Instead of creating a separate CV for each scholarship or grant, applicants use the CCV portal to generate customized CVs tailored to specific funding programs.
It is supported by major Canadian research councils, including:
- CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research)
- NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council)
- SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council)
The CCV ensures fair evaluation by presenting applicants’ records in a consistent way, making it easier for reviewers to compare achievements and potential across a large pool of candidates.
Why is the CCV Important?
Unlike a traditional resume, the CCV digs much deeper into research and academic achievements. For students and early-career researchers, it serves as a professional academic portfolio that grows as you progress.
- It is mandatory for many Canadian scholarships, fellowships, and research funding programs.
- It highlights both academic and non-academic experiences, including teaching, volunteering, and collaborations.
- It gives you a permanent, updatable record, so you don’t have to start from scratch with every application.
In short: if you are serious about academic research in Canada, the CCV is an essential document.
The Standard Format of the Canadian Common CV
The CCV is structured into nine major sections, each focusing on different aspects of your academic and professional life. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need to include.
1# Personal Information
This section introduces you as the applicant. Keep it professional and factual.
- Full Name (as on official documents)
- Citizenship (important for eligibility checks)
- Address and Contact Information
- Languages (indicate proficiency in English, French, or others)
Tip: Use your institutional email address when possible.
2# User Profile
Here, you define your research identity and areas of expertise.
- Disciplines Trained In – Fields of study from your education.
- Research Disciplines – The core fields where you actively conduct research.
- Areas of Research – Specific themes or focus areas.
- Fields of Application – How your research contributes to real-world challenges.
- Specialization Keywords – Keywords that funding agencies use to match you with reviewers.
Tip: Select keywords carefully to align with the funding agency’s strategic priorities.
3# Education
List all academic degrees in reverse chronological order.
- Degree (e.g., BSc, MSc, PhD)
- Institution & Department
- Start and End Dates
- Supervisor(s) (if applicable)
- Credentials / Licenses (e.g., Professional Engineer, medical licenses)
Tip: Be precise with dates and spell out degree names to avoid confusion.
4# Recognitions
This section highlights your academic or professional honors.
-
Awards, Scholarships, Fellowships, and Distinctions
Tip: Include only competitive and recognized achievements. Avoid listing internal course-based awards unless they are significant.
5# Employment
Document your professional roles, both academic and non-academic.
- Position Title (Research Assistant, Lecturer, Postdoctoral Fellow, etc.)
- Institution or Organization
- Department / Faculty
- Start and End Dates
- Affiliations (professional memberships, honorary appointments)
Tip: Focus on roles that contribute to research, teaching, or leadership development.
6# Leaves of Absence / Impact on Research
Funding agencies recognize that life events can affect research timelines. Use this section to explain any gaps.
- Type of Leave (parental, medical, personal)
- Duration
- Impact on Research
Tip: Be honest and keep explanations brief. This section ensures fairness in evaluations.
7# Research Funding History
Show your ability to attract and manage research funding.
- Project Title
- Role (Principal Investigator, Co-PI, Collaborator)
- Funding Agency
- Grant Amount
- Start and End Dates
- Competitive (Yes/No)
Tip: If you’re new, don’t worry — small grants, travel awards, or internal funds also count.
8# Activities
This is where you demonstrate your broader engagement beyond research.
- Supervisory Activities (students you have supervised)
- Teaching Experience (courses taught, TA roles, guest lectures)
- Committees / Administrative Roles
- Collaborations (research partnerships, joint projects)
- Community / Volunteer Work (outreach, public engagement, leadership roles)
Tip: Emphasize activities that show leadership, mentoring, or community involvement.
9# Publications / Contributions
List your scholarly outputs in detail. Separate peer-reviewed work from other types.
- Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
- Books and Book Chapters
- Conference Papers / Proceedings
- Patents and Technical Reports
- Other Publications (policy briefs, articles, media contributions)
Tip: Use consistent citation formatting (APA, MLA, or discipline-specific style).
How to Fill Out the Canadian Common CV in 2026?
- Register on the CCV Portal – Create an account at Canadian Common CV.
- Select the Right CV Type – Different funding agencies require tailored versions (e.g., CIHR Academic, NSERC Researcher).
- Fill Out Each Section – Save progress regularly. The portal can be time-consuming.
- Validate Before Submission – Each program has mandatory fields. Run a validation check to ensure completeness.
- Submit via Funding Agency Portal – For most scholarships and grants, you’ll need to link or upload your CCV.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Writing Your CCV
- Leaving sections blank that could strengthen your application.
- Using vague keywords in your research profile.
- Listing incomplete citations for publications.
- Forgetting to update older entries (outdated info reduces credibility).
Final Thoughts
The Canadian Common CV (CCV) is more than a formality — it’s a professional academic record that grows with you. For international students and researchers aiming to build a career in Canada, completing the CCV accurately can open doors to prestigious scholarships, postdoctoral fellowships, and long-term research funding opportunities.
By investing the time to structure your CCV properly, you not only improve your chances of success but also create a comprehensive academic portfolio that reflects your journey as a scholar.