• Prepare your documents
• Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s (CGRS M) program transcript requirements
• Convert the documents
• Troubleshooting tips for uploading PDF attachments in the Research Portal

You must prepare your attachments in a word processing program and follow these formatting standards:

1. Spell out all acronyms and abbreviations the first time they appear.

2. Use either letter-size pages (8.5 x 11 inches or 216 x 279 mm) or A4 pages (8.3 x 11.7 inches or 210 x 297 mm).

3. Use single spacing.

4. Use 12-point Times New Roman font for all text.*

5. Do not use condensed fonts; they will not be accepted.

6. Use black text only. Colour images are acceptable.**

7. Set all margins to at least ¾ inch (1.87 cm).

8. Do not include hyperlinks or bookmarks in your documents. Make sure the Create Bookmarks option in your software is turned off.

9. If any supporting document is in a language other than English or French, you must provide a certified translation.

* 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.

** Using colour increases the file size of your application and may slow download and upload times.

You must scan and upload your transcripts in the appropriate section of the application. Follow these presentation standards:

• Combine all transcripts into a single PDF file.
• Include one copy of the legend (reverse side of each transcript). Do not scan the legend more than once.
• Use an unprotected PDF file (.pdf extension).
• Maximum file size is 15 MB. Black-and-white scans are recommended.
• Use letter-size pages (8.5 × 11 inches or 216 × 279 mm) or A4 pages (8.3 × 11.7 inches or 210 × 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 any supporting document or transcript is in a language other than English or French, you must provide a certified translation.

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.

Some web browsers may not be compatible with the Research Portal. For more information on supported browsers, contact the helpdesk or submit an online services support request.

• 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 Research Portal.

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) or A4 (8.3 x 11.7 inches or 210 x 297 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 Research Portal