2027 UBC Killam Scholarship in Canada (University of British Columbia) | $80,000 Grant

The University of British Columbia (UBC) offers the prestigious Killam Doctoral Scholarship to outstanding Canadian and international doctoral students. The award supports exceptional researchers pursuing advanced studies and demonstrates UBC’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and groundbreaking research.

The scholarship provides successful candidates with an annual stipend of $40,000 for two years, amounting to a total potential value of $80,000. This post provides details about the scholarship, eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, benefits, required documents, and the application process.

UBC Killam Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Canada
• Study Abroad: Study in Canada
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
• Eligible Countries: All Countries
• Reward: $40,000 per Year
• Deadline: September 9, 2025

2026 UBC Doctoral Scholarship Details:

The Killam Scholarship and Prize Programmes were established in honour of Izaak Walton Killam through the will of his wife, Dorothy J. Killam, as well as gifts she made during her lifetime.

The program was created to promote advanced education and research at five Canadian universities and the Canada Council for the Arts. It continues to support talented individuals who demonstrate exceptional academic and research potential.

The UBC Killam Doctoral Scholarships are awarded annually through the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies.

Dorothy Killam envisioned supporting individuals who showed strong potential to advance knowledge and achieve distinction within their chosen professions.

Eligibility Requirements for UBC Killam Doctoral Scholarship 2026

To be considered for the UBC Killam Doctoral Scholarship, applicants must:

• Have completed no more than 24 months of doctoral study by the scholarship start date.
• Meet the doctoral study duration requirements specified for the relevant competition year.
• Demonstrate strong academic achievement and outstanding potential for advanced research.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Research ability and potential – 50%

Applicants are assessed based on:

• The quality of their research proposal, including:
  • Clearly defined, focused, and achievable research questions and objectives.
  • A well-explained proposed research methodology.
  • The significance and anticipated contribution of the research.
• Relevant preparation, including academic training, lived experience, and traditional knowledge.
• Research experience and accomplishments relative to the applicant’s stage of study, experience, and knowledge systems.
• The quality and impact of contributions to the research field, including publications, reports, patents, posters, abstracts, monographs, presentations, creative works, knowledge translation outputs, and community-based products.
• Evidence of sound judgment and strong critical-thinking skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to responsible and ethical research practices.
• Enthusiasm for research, originality, initiative, independence, and relevant community engagement.
• The ability or potential to communicate theoretical, technical, or scientific concepts clearly and effectively in written and oral formats.

Relevant experience and achievements obtained within and beyond academia – 50%

Applicants are also evaluated based on:

• Scholarships, awards, distinctions, and other recognitions, including their value, duration, and prestige.
• Academic performance, including:
  • Academic transcripts.
  • Duration of previous studies.
  • Program requirements and courses completed.
  • Course load.
  • Relative standing within the program, where available.
• Professional, academic, and extracurricular activities, including collaborations with supervisors, colleagues, students, and community members.
• Experience in activities such as:
  • Teaching, mentoring, supervision, and coaching.
  • Project management.
  • Science and research promotion.
  • Community outreach, volunteering, and civic engagement.
  • Chairing committees or organizing conferences and meetings.
  • Participation in departmental or institutional organizations, associations, societies, and clubs.

Benefits of UBC Doctoral Scholarship 2026

• The Killam Doctoral Scholarship is among the most prestigious awards available to graduate students at UBC.
• Successful scholars receive an annual stipend of $40,000 for two years.
• The award provides a total potential funding value of $80,000 throughout the scholarship period.
• Scholars receive financial support that allows them to focus on their doctoral research and academic development.

How to Apply for UBC Doctoral Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)

To apply for the UBC Doctoral Scholarship, interested and qualified applicants should:

• Click the application link below to visit the official scholarship webpage.
• Review the eligibility requirements and application guidelines carefully.
• Download and complete the required application form and supporting materials.
• Submit your application through the appropriate UBC application process.
• Applications are reviewed by the relevant Graduate Studies Scholarship and Awards Committee and an adjudication committee made up of UBC faculty members.
• The highest-ranked candidates are selected based on the scholarship’s evaluation criteria.
• Successful applicants are notified according to the timeline for the relevant competition.