University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada Offers Up to $20,000 for Doctoral Students—Here’s How to Apply Before the Deadline!

About the University of British Columbia Public Scholars Award

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Public Scholars Award offers up to $20,000 to support doctoral students in integrating public scholarship into their research. This funding initiative is designed to expand the scope of doctoral education by encouraging research that benefits society beyond academia.

The UBC Public Scholars Award is part of the Public Scholars Initiative (PSI), which aims to support doctoral students in pursuing research that extends beyond traditional academic boundaries. The initiative provides financial support, career-relevant experiences, and networking opportunities among scholars who are committed to public engagement. The award enables students to undertake innovative and collaborative projects that they might not otherwise have the resources to pursue.

This initiative fosters meaningful connections between scholars, practitioners, and the public by promoting research that contributes to societal development. The funding can support research activities, travel, professional development, and alternative career-oriented projects.

Eligible Fields

The UBC Public Scholars Award is open to all fields of study, allowing students from various disciplines to apply and contribute their knowledge towards public scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

The award is open to the following categories of scholars:

• UBC Vancouver doctoral students (PhD, EdD, DMA, including part-time PhD students) in years 1-5.
• UBC Okanagan doctoral students in years 1-5.
• Applicants must have completed no more than 48 months of doctoral study as of August 31, 2025.
• Applicants must be registered in a UBC doctoral program as of September 1, 2025.
• Applicants in their 6th year (48 to 60 months) of doctoral study may be accepted only in exceptional circumstances. These applicants must obtain approval from the PSI before submitting their applications.

Documents Required

Recipients of the award must:

• Submit a report at the end of their first (and, if applicable, second) year of funding.
• Attend and engage with PSI events and the network of scholars.
• Present their work at a PSI Network event, “PhDs Go Public.”
• Participate in post-funding assessments, including surveys, dissertation reviews, and career outcome evaluations.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

1. Academic and professional achievements, including alignment with the proposed project.
2. Alignment with PSI goals, particularly:
   • Projects that extend beyond traditional academic disciplines.
   • Research that provides students with experience in real-world career environments.
   • Work that fosters a positive public perception of doctoral education.
   • Scholarship that significantly contributes to the public good.
3. Quality of proposed research, including:
   • Expertise required for the project.
   • Clearly defined, realistic goals addressing significant issues.
   • Effective research methods and dissemination strategies.
   • Impact on society and public good.
   • Justification for requiring alternative funding.
4. Diversity considerations, ensuring a range of disciplinary backgrounds among award recipients.

Eligible Countries

The UBC Public Scholars Award is open to doctoral students from all countries. International and domestic students are encouraged to apply.

Benefits of the University of British Columbia Public Scholars Award

Recipients of the UBC Public Scholars Award will receive:

• Up to $10,000 per year, renewable for a second year (up to $20,000 per student).
• Funding can be used for:
  • Research allowances, including travel and professional development.
  • Student stipends, if their current funding source does not cover alternative research projects.
• Access to a network of public scholars and PSI events, offering career support and engagement opportunities.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Download the required application files:
   • PSI Fellowship Application 2025-2026
   • PSI Fellowship Application Instructions 2025-2026
   • These files can be found at the bottom of the “Further Information” section on the official webpage.
2. Rename the application file:
   • Save the completed form as: LastName_FirstName_PSI.
3. Complete the application form following the provided instructions:
   • Outline of Proposed Scholarly Work (max. 4000 characters, 1 page).
   • Relationship of Proposal to PSI Goals (max. 4000 characters, 1 page).
4. Upload the required documents:
   • Completed PSI Fellowship Application form.
   • Canadian Common CV (as a single PDF file).
   • Submit these files via the Qualtrics form linked on the official application page.
5. Supervisor and Collaborator Support Letters:
   • Your supervisor must submit a mandatory letter of support.
   • Collaborators may submit optional letters of support.
   • Direct them to the relevant Qualtrics form for uploading these documents.
6. Ensure your application is complete before submission.
   • Check all required sections and documents before finalizing.
   • Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Note: The application deadline is Friday, May 16, 2025. Results will be announced in late July/early August.

Once you have completed the above steps, submit your application before the May 16, 2025 deadline.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

See also:

Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!

The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!

World Trade Organization Internship Program 2025

Apply for the $5,000 Pathways Access Scholarship