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Applications are now open for the Fully Funded University of British Columbia Scholarships 2026 with a $30,000+ Funding for Masters & PhD in Canada for International Graduates
The University of British Columbia annually welcomes students from all countries with highly competitive scholarships to pursue Masters and Doctoral programs across various faculties.
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UBC is renowned globally for its research intensity and commitment to supporting graduate scholars. The University of British Columbia Scholarships provide a guaranteed base funding package of up to $30,000 for PhD students, with opportunities to increase this to over $45,000 annually. Studying in Canada is prestigious, and UBC offers top-tier graduate programs in one of the world’s most welcoming environments for international students.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide more details about the full-funding graduate scholarships at UBC, break down the eligibility, and detail how interested and qualified candidates can apply to maximize their chances of securing this exceptional opportunity.
Understanding UBC Graduate Funding ($30,000+ Stipends)
The funding options for graduate students at the University of British Columbia are designed to ensure students can dedicate their time fully to research and academic excellence. These packages come in various forms, including teaching and research assistantships, internal fellowships, and external awards, tenable for the duration of the program.
Considering this opportunity means looking at one of the best ten reasons to study your Masters abroad. While you might be comparing the cost of living and tuition to affordable US universities, UBC’s minimum guaranteed funding means your expenses are largely covered. However, it’s always wise to review resources on student loans for international students for contingency financial planning.
Funding Packages
All full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs are provided with a minimum funding package of at least $30,000 per year for the first four years of their program. This level of support ensures financial stability throughout the core research phase.
The funding package may consist of any combination of:
- Internal or External Awards: Merit-based scholarships secured through or outside the university.
- Teaching-Related Work (TAships): Opportunities to gain teaching experience.
- Research Assistantships (RAships): Direct compensation for contributing to a supervisor’s research projects.
- Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAAs).
This robust funding significantly prepares you for your career path and subsequent application for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) in Canada. As you prepare to move, don’t forget to check our best student accommodation tips for settling into Vancouver. This support is generous, setting UBC apart from other programs, as seen in fully funded program comparisons.
Prestige and the Canadian Advantage
The University of British Columbia is consistently ranked among the world’s best institutions, attracting global talent. This means you will be part of an elite cohort, comparable to students at top global universities.
Additional funding may increase the total package to $45,000 from external merit scholarships, government funding, and other internal awards, making the opportunity even more competitive. If you are still weighing your options, reviewing our questions to help you decide if studying abroad is right for you can help solidify your decision to pursue this chance to how to win a fully-funded scholarship at the graduate level.
Eligibility and Academic Requirements for UBC Scholarships
The UBC scholarship opportunities are open to both domestic and international students. However, candidates must demonstrate exceptional academic merit and fulfill specific program and faculty requirements.
The best way to secure this funding is to learn how to apply for scholarships successfully by focusing on excellence in all parts of your application. Emphasizing the top qualities of scholarship winners will prove critical. While a strong academic record is expected, if you have ever had to explain low GPA in personal statements, the strength of your research proposal and supervisor’s support can mitigate this.
Core Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for admission and subsequent funding, you must meet the following criteria:
- Applicant Status: Be a home or an international student.
- Program Requirements: Satisfy the specific academic and admission requirements of your chosen Master’s or PhD program.
- English Language: Meet the English Language requirements of the UBC Graduate School. While the initial prompt suggests “No IELTS Required,” this often applies to students from English-speaking countries or those who completed a degree in English. All others must meet UBC’s official language requirement standards.
Once enrolled, success is about maintaining peak academic performance. We recommend utilizing proven methods such as these mind-blowing study tips. For complex graduate subjects, you can boost retention significantly with the interleaving study technique. Furthermore, structured note-taking methods like the Cornell method study hack can help organize your thoughts and prepare for comprehensive exams.
The Importance of Securing a Supervisor
For most research-intensive programs (especially PhDs), the most critical step is contacting and securing the consent of a faculty member to supervise your desired program. This step should be completed before you formally apply to the program.
A supportive supervisor is your champion in the department and is often the key to unlocking research-assistantship funding. When reaching out to potential faculty, consult our detailed resource on how to ask for a recommendation letter for tips on professional correspondence, as this is similar to building a relationship with a recommender. Also, determine if the program requires other standardized tests by checking our guide on do you require the GRE to study abroad? If you need to manage your time effectively during this outreach phase, try implementing the Pomodoro Technique.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
The application process for UBC graduate scholarships is integrated with your application for admission to the specific program.
Preparing Winning Application Documents
Your application documents must clearly articulate your research potential and suitability for the program.
- Statement of Purpose/Research Proposal: This document is your opportunity to outline your goals and research focus. Consult our comprehensive guide on why I deserve this scholarship essay to structure your narrative effectively.
- Academic Transcripts: Ensure all transcripts are official and certified.
- Supplemental Essays: Where applicable, ensure your essay is highly persuasive by learning how to write a winning scholarship essay that truly reflects your potential. This is often the most important component, similar to the strategy required for writing a successful Chevening scholarship essay that wins.
Finalizing Your Submission
Once your documents are perfected and you have secured a supervisor, follow the submission sequence:
- Contact a Supervisor: Identify and secure the consent of a supervisor from the department that you would like to work with. Check the list of faculty in your program by clicking the Supervisors tab on the departmental website.
- Apply for the Program: Once you have supervisor acceptance (if required), proceed to apply for the chosen program (MSc or PhD) via the UBC graduate application portal.
- Automatic Funding Consideration: By applying for admission, you are generally automatically considered for most internal UBC scholarships and funding packages.
- Awaits Decision: Your funding details will be communicated to you via your admission decision by your designated email.
Application Deadline: Varies Based on Program
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. What is the guaranteed minimum funding for UBC PhD students?
- All full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs are guaranteed a minimum funding package of at least $30,000 per year for the first four years of their program.
- 2. Is this scholarship open to international students?
- Yes, the funding packages and scholarships are open to both home (Canadian) and international students enrolling in graduate programs at the University of British Columbia.
- 3. Is the IELTS required to apply for UBC graduate programs?
- UBC has an English Language requirement. While some applicants (e.g., those who completed a degree in an English-speaking country) may be exempt, most international applicants must submit proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- 4. How high can the total annual funding package go?
- The total funding package can increase up to $45,000 or more per year, depending on external merit scholarships, teaching assistantships, and government funding secured by the student.
- 5. What forms does the funding package take?
- The package is a combination of internal or external awards, research assistantships (RAships), teaching assistantships (TAships), and Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAAs).
- 6. Do I need to apply separately for the $30,000 minimum funding?
- No, the $30,000 funding package is automatically considered for all incoming full-time PhD students upon admission to their program at UBC-Vancouver.
- 7. What is the most critical step before applying for a research program?
- For research-based Masters and PhD programs, the most critical step is contacting and securing the agreement of a faculty member (supervisor) to supervise your studies.
- 8. Are these scholarships only for PhD students?
- No, the University of British Columbia offers various funding options, fellowships, and assistantships for both Masters and Doctoral students, though the minimum guaranteed funding is specific to PhD candidates.
- 9. When is the general application deadline for the scholarships?
- The application deadline is variable and depends entirely on the specific graduate program you are applying to. You must check the deadline for your chosen department.
- 10. Does the funding cover tuition fees?
- Yes, the $30,000 minimum funding package is designed to cover the cost of tuition, mandatory fees, and provide a substantial living stipend.
