The UBC Public Scholars Award 2026 is a prestigious doctoral scholarship at the University of British Columbia that encourages innovative research with public impact. It provides funding for projects that connect academic work to broader societal benefits, fostering career-relevant scholarship beyond traditional academia.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a leading global research university with campuses in Vancouver and Okanagan. Through its Public Scholars Initiative, UBC supports doctoral students who want to make their research accessible and beneficial to communities outside academic circles.
Benefits
- Up to $10,000 for research allowance (including professional development or travel)
- Student stipend (if current funding does not cover alternative projects)
- Eligibility for one-time renewal of up to $10,000
- Networking, mentorship, and public engagement opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
- Be registered in a UBC doctoral program as of 1 September 2025
- Be in years 1–5 of their doctoral study (exceptional cases accepted in year 6)
- Have completed no more than 48 months of doctoral study by 31 August 2025
- Submit required reports, attend PSI events, and present their work at PhDs Go Public
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students enrolled in eligible UBC doctoral programs
How are Applicants Selected?
- Based on academic accomplishments and future promise.
- Fit of the project with PSI’s goals (public benefit, interdisciplinary reach, career relevance).
- Quality of proposed scholarship (clear goals, sound methodology, significance, dissemination plans).
- Need for alternative funding sources.
- Breadth of initiative across disciplines.
How to Apply?
- Applications open 23 March 2026 and close 22 May 2026
- Download the PSI Fellowship Application 2026–2027 and Application Instructions from the PSI webpage
- Complete the form (sections capped at 4000 characters/1 page each)
- Upload the application form + Canadian Common CV as one PDF via the Qualtrics submission page
- Ensure your supervisor submits a mandatory letter of support (collaborators may also submit optional letters)
- Submit before the deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The UBC Public Scholars Award supports doctoral students with up to CAD 10,000 per year for research, travel, or living costs. It does not cover tuition and may be renewed once. Selection is based on academic excellence and research potential.
What is the UBC Public Scholars Award?
The UBC Public Scholars Award is a doctoral scholarship program at the University of British Columbia that supports PhD students conducting research with public benefit. It provides up to $10,000 for projects that connect academic work to broader societal impacts and encourages innovative, career-relevant scholarship beyond traditional academia.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
Applicants must be registered in a UBC doctoral program as of 1 September 2025, be in years 1-5 of their doctoral study (with exceptional cases in year 6), and have completed no more than 48 months of doctoral study by 31 August 2025. Both domestic and international students enrolled in eligible UBC doctoral programs can apply.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 cohort?
Applications for the 2026/27 cohort open on 23 March 2026 and close on 22 May 2026. All application materials, including the mandatory supervisor letter of support, must be submitted before the deadline through the Qualtrics submission page.
How much funding does the award provide?
The award provides up to $10,000 that can be used for research allowance (including professional development or travel) or as a student stipend if current funding doesn’t cover alternative projects. Recipients are also eligible for one-time renewal of up to $10,000 for a second year.
What types of projects are supported by this award?
The award supports doctoral projects with significant research components that align with PSI’s goals of public engagement and impact. Projects should demonstrate clear public benefit, interdisciplinary reach, and career relevance beyond traditional academic pathways.
How are applicants selected for the award?
Selection is based on academic accomplishments and future promise, fit of the project with PSI’s goals, quality of proposed scholarship (clear goals, sound methodology, significance, dissemination plans), need for alternative funding sources, and breadth of initiative across disciplines.
Can international students apply for this scholarship?
Yes, the award is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students enrolled in eligible UBC doctoral programs at both Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. All applicants must meet the same registration and study progress requirements.
What are the reporting requirements for award recipients?
Recipients must submit required reports, attend PSI events, and present their work at PhDs Go Public. These engagement activities are mandatory components of the scholarship program to foster public scholarship community and knowledge sharing.
How many awards are available each year?
Approximately 30 new students at UBC Vancouver and 5 new students at UBC Okanagan receive the award each year. Renewal funding is available for a second year, making the total number of active recipients higher than the annual new awards.
Where can I find the application forms and instructions?
The PSI Fellowship Application 2026–2027 and Application Instructions can be downloaded from the PSI webpage. The application form has sections capped at 4000 characters (approximately 1 page each) and must be submitted as a single PDF with the Canadian Common CV.
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