Killam Fellowship provides postdoctoral researchers with funding and mentorship to pursue original, high-impact research at UBC. The Killam Fellowship supports outstanding scholars with a competitive stipend and research opportunities; applicants must propose an original project and meet the eligibility requirements.
The fellowship is funded by the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies and administered at the University of British Columbia (UBC). UBC offers supervision and a research environment across its Vancouver and Okanagan campuses for awarded fellows.
Killam Fellowship Benefits
- $60,000 annual stipend (maximum of two years).
- Research supervision and mentorship from UBC faculty.
- Opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking interdisciplinary research.
Killam Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Have completed all PhD requirements within 24 months of fellowship start date.
- Not have pursued PhD studies at UBC.
- Not currently hold a tenure‑track or continuing faculty position.
- Provide justification if already in a UBC postdoctoral appointment.
- Be citizens of any country (must meet Canadian immigration requirements).
- Have a proposed supervisor who is a continuing faculty member with a tenure‑track appointment at UBC.
Required Documents
- Completed application form.
- Research proposal.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- References and supporting documents as required by UBC department.
- “Special Circumstances” document if requesting eligibility extension or justification.
How to Apply for Killam Fellowship
- Prepare application form and required documents.
- Submit to your proposed UBC department/unit by their internal deadline (October 2026).
- Departments nominate candidates by 6 November 2026 (16:00 PT). Successful fellows are notified after adjudication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, selection criteria, and how to apply for the award.
What is the Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship?
The Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is a prestigious award administered at the University of British Columbia and funded by the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies. It supports outstanding postdoctoral scholars to engage in innovative research, enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, and establish leadership in academia. Fellows receive mentorship and a competitive stipend.
Who funds the Killam Fellowship?
The fellowship is funded by the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies and administered through the University of British Columbia. The fund supports fellowships that enable scholars to pursue advanced research at UBC, offering both financial support and institutional mentorship across UBC campuses.
How much funding does the fellowship provide?
The Killam Fellowship provides a $60,000 annual stipend for awarded fellows, with funding available for a maximum of two years. In addition to the stipend, fellows receive research supervision and mentorship from UBC faculty and access to UBC resources to support their research program.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Eligible applicants must have completed all PhD requirements within 24 months of the fellowship start date, must not have pursued their PhD at UBC, and must not hold a tenure-track or continuing faculty position. Applicants can be citizens of any country but must meet Canadian immigration requirements and have a UBC continuing faculty supervisor.
Which fields of research are eligible?
Most fields of research across UBC faculties are eligible for the Killam Fellowship. Applicants should propose a research project that demonstrates originality and potential significance. The fellowship emphasizes excellence in scholarly work and the quality of the proposed research regardless of discipline.
How are fellows selected?
Selection is based on evaluation criteria that include excellence in scholarly work and independent research (60%), quality of the proposed research project (30%), and personal qualities (10%) such as integrity, collegiality, leadership, and communication skills. Preference is given to applicants who have not previously held a postdoctoral fellowship.
Where will the fellowship be taken?
The fellowship is taken at the University of British Columbia, on either the Vancouver or Okanagan campus. Awarded fellows will be affiliated with UBC and work under the supervision of a continuing faculty member with a tenure‑track appointment at the university.
How long does the Killam Fellowship last?
The Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship provides support for up to two years. Fellows receive the annual stipend during this period and participate in research activities and mentorship opportunities at UBC to advance their scholarly careers.
What documents are required to apply?
Required documents include a completed application form, a research proposal, a curriculum vitae (CV), references and supporting documents as required by the UBC department, and a “Special Circumstances” document if requesting an eligibility extension or justification. Departments may specify additional supporting materials.
What is the application deadline and process?
Departments must submit nominations by 6 November 2026 (16:00 PT). Applicants should prepare application materials and submit them to their proposed UBC department/unit by the department’s internal deadline in October 2026. Departments then nominate candidates by the stated November deadline for adjudication.
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