Location: Canada
Award type: Doctoral funding
Host institution: University of British Columbia
Support: Up to CAD $10,000
Application period: 23 March 2026 to 22 May 2026
Eligible students: UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan doctoral students in PhD, EdD, and DMA programs
The UBC Public Scholars Award in Canada 2026-27 is a doctoral award through the Public Scholars Initiative. It supports students who want to connect their research to public benefit and real-world impact while building broader scholarly and professional value.
What the UBC Public Scholars Award in Canada 2026-27 Offers
This award provides up to CAD $10,000 for innovative and collaborative scholarship. In addition, the funding may cover research costs, professional development, or travel connected to the work. If current funding does not allow the alternative project, the award can also be used as a student stipend.
PSI Scholars in good standing may also request a separate one-time renewal award of up to CAD $10,000 for a second year.
Who Can Apply
• UBC Vancouver doctoral students in PhD, EdD, and DMA programs, including part-time PhD students, are eligible in years 1–5.
• UBC Okanagan doctoral students are eligible in years 1–5.
• Applicants must have completed no more than 48 months of doctoral study by 31 August 2026.
• Applicants must be registered in a UBC doctoral program by 1 September 2026.
• Sixth-year applicants, meaning those with 48 to 60 months of doctoral study, are considered only in exceptional circumstances and need PSI approval before applying.
How the UBC Public Scholars Award in Canada 2026-27 Works
The award is part of the UBC Public Scholars Initiative, which aims to build connections, community, and capacity for doctoral students. Selection is based on the applicant’s past accomplishments and future promise, the project’s fit with PSI goals, the quality of the proposed scholarship, the need for alternative funding sources, and breadth across disciplines.
Funded students are also expected to submit a report after the first year, take part in PSI events, engage with the scholar network, and present their work at a PhDs Go Public event.
How to Apply
The application files are available from 23 March 2026 to 22 May 2026. Applicants need to download the PSI Fellowship Application 2026-2027 and the PSI Fellowship Application Instructions 2026-2027.
• The Vanier-Banting CV format is still accepted if the applicant already has one.
• All other applicants must use a Tri-agency CV.
• The application should be named LastName_FirstName_PSI.
• Each of the two main application sections is limited to 4000 characters and 1 page.
• The completed form and CV must be uploaded together as one PDF file through the official application form.
Deadline
The deadline for the UBC Public Scholars Award in Canada 2026-27 is 22 May 2026. The application window opens on 23 March 2026.
