The UBC Public Scholars Award 2026 is part of the Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) at the University of British Columbia. The initiative is designed to build connections, community, and capacity for doctoral students who want their research to influence society directly.
UBC Public Scholars Award 2026
Through this award, UBC supports innovative and collaborative scholarship that extends beyond traditional academic boundaries. The program encourages doctoral students to integrate broader, career-relevant forms of scholarship into their research training while addressing pressing public challenges.
Funding is provided to support projects that students would otherwise be unable to pursue, ensuring that financial constraints do not limit impactful research.
UBC Public Scholars Award 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | Canada |
| Host Institution | University of British Columbia |
| Scholarship Type | Doctoral Research Award |
| Program | Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) |
| Eligible Applicants | Canadian, Permanent Resident, and International Students |
| Scholarship Value | Up to $10,000 |
| Degree Level | Doctoral (PhD, EdD, DMA) |
| Application Period | March 23–May 22, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | May 22, 2026 |
| Number of Awards | Approx. 30 (UBC Vancouver) + 5 (UBC Okanagan) |
What Is the UBC Public Scholars Initiative All About?
The Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) aims to reshape doctoral education by encouraging students to connect their research to the public good.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional academic outputs, the initiative supports projects that:
- Address real-world challenges
- Foster collaboration across disciplines
- Engage communities, industries, or policymakers
- Enhance career readiness beyond academia
Students selected for the PSI cohort join a network of scholars committed to using rigorous research to serve society.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of the UBC Public Scholars Award 2026 will receive:
- Funding of up to $10,000 for innovative research projects
- Research allowance for travel or professional development
- Student stipend support if existing funding is insufficient
- Opportunity for a one-time renewal of up to $10,000
- Access to an interdisciplinary network of scholars
- Participation in PSI events and professional activities
Funding can be used for projects that broaden doctoral training and enhance public engagement.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for the UBC Public Scholars Award 2026, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a doctoral program (PhD, EdD, DMA) at UBC.
- Include students from both the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.
- Be in years 1-5 of doctoral study.
- Have completed no more than 48 months of doctoral study as of August 31, 2025.
- Be registered in a UBC doctoral program as of September 1, 2025.
Exceptional cases:
- Students in their sixth year (48-60 months) may be considered only with prior PSI approval.
Responsibilities of Funded Scholars
Award recipients must:
- Submit a report at the end of their funding period.
- Participate actively in PSI events and scholar networks.
- Present their work at the “PhDs Go Public” event.
- Contribute to program evaluation through questionnaires.
These requirements ensure accountability and encourage knowledge sharing within the academic community.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
Student Merit
- Academic achievements and future potential
- Breadth of interests and accomplishments
- Fit between the student and the proposed project
Project Quality
- Clear goals and research significance
- Strong methodology and preparation
- Effective dissemination plans
- Potential contribution to the public good
Alignment with PSI Goals
Projects should:
- Extend beyond academia and disciplinary boundaries
- Provide experience relevant to post-graduate careers
- Enhance public understanding of doctoral research
- Demonstrate societal impact
Financial need and the necessity for alternative funding sources are also considered.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Completed PSI Fellowship Application Form
- Canadian Common CV (CCV)
- Supervisor’s letter of support
- Optional letters from collaborators (if applicable)
All documents must be uploaded as specified in the application instructions.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the UBC Public Scholars Award 2026:
Attend an Information Session
Participate in PSI general information sessions (March 16 or April 20, 2026) or arrange one through your department.
Download Application Materials
Obtain the PSI Fellowship Application form and instructions when applications open on March 23, 2026.
Complete the Application Form
Provide details of your proposed scholarly project and explain how it aligns with PSI goals.
Prepare Your CV
Complete the Canadian Common CV (Vanier-Banting Academic template).
Upload Documents
Submit your application form and CV as a single PDF via the Qualtrics portal.
Submit Letters of Support
Your supervisor and collaborators must upload their letters through the designated link.
Final Submission
Ensure all materials are submitted before the May 22, 2026, deadline.
Funding decisions will be announced around late July or early August.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: March 23, 2026
- Application Deadline: May 22, 2026
- Funding Announcement: Late July or Early August
Why Apply for the UBC Public Scholars Award?
- Gain funding for innovative research beyond traditional academia.
- Strengthen your professional network and career prospects.
- Contribute to projects that directly benefit society.
- Join a community of scholars dedicated to public impact.
The UBC Public Scholars Award 2026 is highly competitive and targets exceptional doctoral students whose research addresses real-world challenges. By participating, scholars not only advance their academic work but also demonstrate the value of doctoral research to society.
For more details and to apply, visit the official UBC Public Scholars Award page before the deadline.
Official Link: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/ubc-public-scholars-award
MORE RELATED CONTENT:
Apply for the University of Miami Stamps Scholarship in the United States 2025/2026
10 Affordable Colleges in Canada for International Students | How to Apply
KAIST University Graduate Scholarship in Korea for International Students 2025
USA Scholarships for International Students 2025 (Bachelors, Masters, PhD Programs)
