Killam Doctoral Scholarship (UBC)

What you will need

• ✓ Complete application for the Affiliated Fellowships-Doctoral award competition

About this award

You get $40,000 per annum for up to two years. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. If you are an awardee on the UBC-Vancouver campus, you also become a Four Year Fellowship (4YF — a program providing extended funding support) holder and may receive additional tuition funding from the 4YF program if you are eligible. This is for you if you are a top doctoral candidate who aims to advance learning or win distinction in your profession while maintaining a sound character. You apply through your UBC graduate program. For the 2027-2028 competition the program deadline was September 15, 2026, so that round has closed; UBC expects the next deadline in September 2027. You are evaluated through the Affiliated Fellowships-Doctoral award competition. Approximately 25 awards are offered each year to the top candidates in this competition. The top students in that competition are awarded Killam Doctoral Scholarships. Ask University of British Columbia during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. The stipend is paid for two years.

Who qualifies

You must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or an international student in, or applying to, a full-time doctoral program at UBC. You must have completed no more than 24 months of doctoral study as of the start date of the scholarship.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen, permanent resident or international student
• ✓ Open to graduate students

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Check this year's deadline

   We don't have a confirmed date for this round. The award's official page will have it.

Tips for applying

• CharacterAvoid focusing only on your academic achievements. Instead, show how your sound character and diverse interests make you a well-rounded person. Mention a specific time you balanced your research with a personal or community commitment.
• SupportAvoid submitting references that only speak to your technical skills. Instead, provide referees who can vouch for your leadership potential and integrity. Ask a mentor to highlight your contribution to the advancement of learning.
• StrategyAvoid applying for this scholarship in isolation. Instead, focus your energy on the Affiliated Fellowships-Doctoral award competition, as this is the only way to be considered for the Killam award. Ensure your main application is exhaustive and polished.
• RealismAvoid counting on this award alone. Instead, remember that only approximately 25 awards are given each year among all top doctoral candidates at University of British Columbia. Have a backup funding plan in place while you apply.

Questions students ask

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