The UBC Public Scholars Award in Canada 2026-27 is an outstanding opportunity for doctoral students who wish to connect academic research with real-world public impact. Offered through the Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) at the University of British Columbia, this scholarship program encourages innovative, collaborative, and community-focused scholarship beyond traditional academic research.
The initiative supports doctoral students interested in creating meaningful contributions to society through research, public engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development. Through this award, scholars can explore research projects that benefit communities, organizations, and public institutions while expanding their academic and professional experiences.
Selected students may receive funding of up to $10,000 to support research-related travel, project activities, professional development opportunities, and alternative scholarly work. In addition, scholars become part of a strong interdisciplinary network of researchers and public scholars across Canada.
This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students seeking funded PhD scholarships in Canada while contributing to public-focused research and innovation.
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Overview of UBC Public Scholars Award 2026-27
- Host University: University of British Columbia
- Country: Canada
- Campuses: UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan
- Program Type: PhD Scholarship / Public Scholars Initiative
- Funding Amount: Up to $10,000
- Financial Coverage: Partially Funded
- Eligible Applicants: Doctoral students
- Application Deadline: May 22, 2026
About the UBC Public Scholars Initiative (PSI)
The Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) is designed to help doctoral students integrate academic excellence with public engagement and community impact. Instead of limiting research to traditional dissertations, PSI encourages students to develop innovative and collaborative scholarly outputs that address social challenges and public needs.
The initiative aims to:
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration
- Support public-focused scholarship
- Encourage community engagement
- Expand professional opportunities for doctoral students
- Build research projects with social impact
Every year, approximately:
- 30 students from UBC Vancouver
- 5 students from UBC Okanagan
receive support through this prestigious initiative.
Benefits of the UBC Public Scholars Award in Canada
The UBC Public Scholars Award offers several academic and professional benefits.
1. Funding Support
Selected scholars may receive up to $10,000 to support:
- Research projects
- Professional development
- Travel expenses
- Community engagement activities
- Alternative scholarly outputs
2. Renewal Opportunity
Students in good academic standing may apply for a one-time renewal award of up to $10,000.
3. Professional Development
Participants gain valuable experience beyond conventional academic research, helping them build practical and professional skills.
4. Public Engagement Opportunities
Students will present their work through:
- Public events
- Community collaborations
- The “PhDs Go Public” network event
5. Interdisciplinary Networking
Scholars become part of the PSI scholar network, connecting with researchers, communities, and collaborators from different disciplines.
6. Research Impact
The program supports projects that contribute to the public good and create meaningful societal impact.
7. Study in Canada
The scholarship provides an excellent opportunity to study and conduct advanced research in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for UBC Public Scholars Award 2026-27
Applicants must meet the following requirements.
Eligible Programs
Applicants must be enrolled in doctoral programs at:
- UBC Vancouver
- UBC Okanagan
Eligible students include:
- PhD students
- EdD students
- DMA students
- Part-time PhD students
Study Duration Requirement
Applicants must have completed no more than 48 months of doctoral study by August 31, 2026.
Registration Requirement
Candidates must be registered in a UBC doctoral program by September 1, 2026.
Sixth-Year Students
Students in their sixth year may apply only under exceptional circumstances and must receive prior approval from PSI.
Participation Requirements
Selected scholars are expected to:
- Submit a final report after the funding period
- Attend PSI events
- Participate in the scholar network
- Present their work publicly
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Academic achievements and future potential
- Breadth of interests and accomplishments
- Relevance to PSI goals
- Originality and quality of the project
- Public impact of the proposed work
- Research methods and planning
- Documentation and dissemination plans
- Contribution to the public good
- Funding need and project diversity
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents.
Documents Checklist
- Completed PSI Fellowship Application Form
- Tri-agency CV or Vanier-Banting CV
- Supervisor Letter of Support
- Optional Collaborator Letters
- Research Proposal
- Project Outline
- Additional supporting documents if required
Application Process for UBC Public Scholars Award
Follow these steps to apply successfully.
Step 1: Download the Application Form
Applicants should download:
- PSI Fellowship Application Form
- Application instructions
Step 2: Prepare the CV
Applicants may:
- Upload an existing Vanier-Banting CV
OR - Prepare a new Tri-agency CV according to CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC guidelines
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill out all required sections carefully and accurately.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Combine the completed application form and CV into one PDF file and upload it through the Qualtrics application portal.
Step 5: Submit Support Letters
Supervisor and collaborator letters must also be submitted separately through the designated Qualtrics form.
Step 6: Submit Before Deadline
Ensure all documents are submitted before the application deadline.
Important Dates
Applications Open
March 23, 2026
Application Deadline
May 22, 2026
Why Apply for This Scholarship?
The UBC Public Scholars Award is more than just financial support. It allows doctoral students to:
- Expand research impact beyond academia
- Engage with communities and policymakers
- Build interdisciplinary networks
- Gain professional and public engagement experience
- Develop innovative research outputs
For students interested in socially impactful scholarship, this initiative provides a valuable platform for academic and professional growth.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances of selection:
- Develop a clear and impactful research proposal
- Explain how your project benefits the public
- Demonstrate originality and innovation
- Include realistic timelines and objectives
- Highlight academic achievements and collaborations
- Show alignment with PSI goals
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding does the UBC Public Scholars Award provide?
Selected scholars can receive funding of up to $10,000, with the possibility of a one-time renewal award.
2. Who can apply for this scholarship?
Doctoral students enrolled at University of British Columbia campuses, including PhD, EdD, DMA, and part-time PhD students, are eligible.
3. Is the scholarship fully funded?
The UBC Public Scholars Award is a partially funded scholarship that supports research, travel, and professional development activities.
4. What is the main focus of the PSI program?
The program supports public-focused and interdisciplinary scholarship that creates positive societal impact beyond traditional academic research.
5. What is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply for the UBC Public Scholars Award in Canada 2026-27 is May 22, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The UBC Public Scholars Award 2026-27 offers doctoral students a unique opportunity to combine academic excellence with public engagement and social impact. Through funding, professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community-focused scholarship, the initiative helps students build meaningful research careers.
Students passionate about creating change through research should strongly consider applying for this prestigious scholarship opportunity at the University of British Columbia in Canada.
Helen Oesha holds a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship and is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment through education. Since 2021, she has been guiding students toward scholarships and international opportunities, making higher education more accessible worldwide. Oesha platform is widely regarded as a leading source for discovering global opportunities. Having personally experienced the challenges and success of funded doctoral studies, she is passionate about bridging the gap between ambition and access, helping students realize their dreams and reach their highest potential.