The NATO programme is administered through the Directorate of Research Grants and Scholarships of the Council. Successful candidates are chosen from among these nominees by multidisciplinary selection committees. Committee members are experts in the relevant scientific or engineering fields and are drawn from Canadian university, industry and government sectors. Members are normally appointed for three years and may not be immediately reappointed. The Council appoints one member of the committee as chairperson.
Chairpersons occupy their positions for one year.
The selection committees meet annually. Preference will be given to candidates applying directly from an eligible Partner country. No separate application form exists. A detailed justification for the candidate's nomination must be provided by the proposed host university. The result of the selection process is communicated to universities and to successful candidates within about four months of the application deadline.