The UBC Public Scholars Award is a special funding opportunity for doctoral students at the University of British Columbia who want to connect their research with real-world impact and public benefit. The award supports PhD students working on collaborative, interdisciplinary, or community-engaged research projects and provides funding to support innovative scholarly work beyond traditional academic research. This award is part of the Public Scholars Initiative (PSI), which encourages doctoral students to apply their research to real societal challenges.
About the UBC Public Scholars Award
The award is part of the Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) at the University of British Columbia. The initiative supports doctoral students whose research contributes to the public good and extends beyond traditional academic research into areas such as policy development, community projects, public education, technology development, or interdisciplinary collaboration. The award provides funding for research activities, professional development, travel, or additional stipend support.
The program aims to help PhD students gain broader research experience and career-relevant skills while completing their doctoral degrees.
Why Choose The UBC Public Scholars Award?
This award is unique because it focuses on public impact research, not just academic publications. Students can work on projects that involve communities, governments, NGOs, or industry partners. The funding supports innovative research activities that students may not otherwise be able to pursue through traditional doctoral funding. The initiative also connects students with a network of scholars and provides professional development opportunities.
UBC Public Scholars Award Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Host Institution: University of British Columbia
- Scholarship Name: UBC Public Scholars Award
- Study Level: Doctoral (PhD)
- Award Value: Up to $10,000
- Eligible Applicants: UBC doctoral students (Years 1–5)
- Application Period: March – May 2026
- Application Deadline: 22 May 2026
- Renewal: Possible one-time renewal up to $10,000 for a second year
Scholarship Benefits
The UBC Public Scholars Award provides funding that can be used for:
- Research allowance
- Professional development activities
- Travel related to research
- Collaborative or community-based projects
- Additional student stipend (if current funding does not allow alternative projects)
- Interdisciplinary or public-impact research projects
The award provides up to $10,000, and students may apply for a second year of funding through renewal.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UBC Public Scholars Award, applicants must:
- Be registered in a doctoral (PhD) program at UBC.
- Be in years 1–5 of doctoral study.
- Have completed no more than 48 months of doctoral study by the specified date.
- Propose a project that connects research to public benefit or community impact.
- Participate in Public Scholars Initiative events and activities.
- Submit progress reports and present their work in PSI events.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Public Scholars Initiative application form
- Canadian Common CV
- Research/project proposal
- Supervisor’s letter of support
- Optional collaborator support letters
All documents must be submitted through the online application system.
Application Process & Timeline
- Prepare a public-impact research proposal related to your PhD.
- Download the PSI Fellowship Application Form from the UBC website.
- Complete the application and prepare your Canadian Common CV.
- Upload your application and CV as a single PDF through the application portal.
- Ask your supervisor to submit a letter of support.
- Submit the application before 22 May 2026.
- Funding decisions are usually announced in late July or early August.
