The UBC Public Scholars Award 2026, a premier doctoral research scholarship Canada, invites scholarly change-makers to engage in a public impact research hub at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver and Okanagan, Canada. This 1-to-2-year program, part of the Public Scholars Initiative (PSI), supports 30–40 doctoral students annually in 2025, fostering community-driven innovation. Established in 1908, UBC, a top 40 global university, drives interdisciplinary research, hosting 72,585 students, including 19,909 international scholars from 160+ countries. Interns join a vibrant academic community, advancing societal impact.
The public impact research hub program empowers scholars to tackle global challenges through projects like climate resilience studies, health equity research, social justice frameworks, or sustainable urban planning. Scholars collaborate with world-class faculty, using tools like R, NVivo, GIS platforms, and UBC’s research libraries, with 80% reporting enhanced research methodologies (UBC PSI Report, 2024). The program includes monthly PSI workshops, public engagement seminars, interdisciplinary colloquia, and mentorship, with scholars presenting at PhDs Go Public events, contributing to 50+ community-focused outputs annually. Applicants apply via UBC’s Qualtrics portal, aligning projects with public benefit goals.
Scholars participate in UBC Global Research Forums, virtual public policy roundtables, and cross-cultural networking events, connecting with peers from Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond. Cultural immersions include Vancouver’s Stanley Park hikes, Indigenous cultural workshops, Okanagan wine festivals, or virtual global research webinars, with 85% reporting enriched intercultural perspectives. Partnerships with UN agencies, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and Mitacs offer insights into global research ecosystems. Scholars showcase findings at a virtual PSI symposium, advancing community-driven innovation.
Hosted in Vancouver and Okanagan, UBC’s $30 million scholarship fund and world-class facilities empower research excellence. Since 2015, 300+ PSI scholars have fueled public scholarship, with 70% impacting policy or community initiatives. Plans to expand ties with University of Toronto, McGill, and Global South institutions aim to grow 10,000+ global collaborations. The English-medium program, with French support, ensures accessibility for international participants.
Applicants submit project proposals and are notified within 2–3 months. Join UBC’s scholarly pioneers to ignite doctoral research scholarship Canada, forge global networks, and shape a transformative future with UBC Public Scholars Award 2026!
UBC Public Scholars Award in Canada:
Host Country:
•Canada
Host University:
•University of British Columbia
Eligible Regions:
•Canadian
•Permanent Resident
•International
Degree Level:
•Doctoral
Fields of Study:
The UBC Public Scholars Award is open to exceptionally talented doctoral candidates from all disciplines, including but not limited to:
•Sciences and Engineering
•Humanities and Social Sciences
•Business and Economics
•Health Sciences
•Education
•Law and Public Policy
Benefits of the UBC Public Scholars Award in Canada:
•The recipients of the awards will receive $10,000 twice for each annual educational year.
•The grant can be utilized as a travel allowance for professional development or research-related scholarly work.
•If the student’s current funding source is not able enough to bear the expense, the grant can be utilized as a stipend.
Eligibility of the UBC Public Scholars Award in Canada:
1. The candidate must be a student of the UBC Doctoral program, it can be PhD, EdD, and DMA.
2. UBC Okanagan Campus students can also apply.
3. The candidate must not have completed more than 48 months of doctoral studies on campus.
4. The candidates must have been registered with the university.
5. Applicants in their 6th year (48 to 60 months of doctoral study) will be accepted only in the most exceptional circumstances.
6. For medical fields study, Applicant need to give medical examination conducted by the University (if required).
7. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Documents required for UBC Public Scholars Award in Canada:
1. Application form (fill up by our consultancy).
2.Recommendation letter (if available).
3.Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of master’s degree.
4.Academic transcript of master’s program (if required).
5.Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
6.CV (if required).
7.Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
8.Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
9. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
10. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
11. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
12. For medical fields study, Applicant who given medical examination conducted by the University (if required) need to submit examination result.
Scholarship Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in May 2026!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
