University of British Columbia Doctoral Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded) – Apply Now

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The University of British Columbia’s Four Year Doctoral Fellowship, also known as 4YF, provides full financial support for outstanding students pursuing doctoral studies. It covers tuition fees and includes a minimum annual stipend of $18,200. The award is renewable for up to four years, giving recipients the stability they need to focus on advanced research and academic growth.

Fellowship Categories

The fellowship can be awarded in several ways:

• Direct nomination by the graduate program for exceptional incoming or continuing students.
• Automatic conferment for students holding major Canadian doctoral awards such as Vanier or CGS-D.
• University-level awards like Killam Doctoral Scholarships can also grant 4YF status.
• Indigenous Graduate Fellowship holders may also qualify for a 4YF-I designation with additional top-up funding.

Types of Scholarships/Fellowship Available

While the 4YF is a flagship program, students may also explore other funding opportunities such as:

• Killam Doctoral Scholarships
• Affiliated Fellowships
• International Tuition Awards
• Faculty-specific or department awards

Courses Available & Eligibility

Available programs: All full-time PhD, DMA, and MDPhD programs at UBC.

Eligibility:

• Open to both domestic and international students.
• Applicants must show outstanding academic achievement and research potential.
• Funding is conditional on satisfactory progress throughout the program.

Benefits of University of British Columbia Doctoral Fellowship

• Stipend: Minimum $18,200 per year
• Tuition: Fully covered
• Duration: Up to four years, or until the end of the fifth doctoral year
• Flexibility: Students may combine 4YF with other major scholarships
• Security: Provides stable funding to complete advanced research

Application Criteria for University of British Columbia Doctoral Fellowship

• You must apply for admission to an eligible PhD, DMA, or MDPhD program.
• Graduate programs nominate their top applicants for the 4YF.
• Selection is based on academic excellence, research strength, and faculty recommendations.

Required Documents Checklist for British Columbia Doctoral Fellowship

When applying for doctoral admission and potential nomination, prepare:

• Completed graduate program application
• Curriculum vitae
• Official transcripts
• Research proposal or statement of intent
• Letters of recommendation
• Any additional program-specific requirements

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides reliable and long-term financial support
• Tuition is fully covered
• Open to both Canadian and international students
• The nomination process ensures only top candidates are considered

Cons

• Stipend may not fully match the cost of living in Vancouver
• Award is highly competitive due to limited spaces
• Funding is tied to maintaining strong academic progress

Step-by-Step Application Process for British Columbia Doctoral Fellowship

1. Select your doctoral program at UBC and review deadlines.
2. Prepare application documents and submit them to your graduate program.
3. Graduate programs assess candidates and nominate the best for the 4YF.
4. Successful nominees receive an official offer of the fellowship.
5. Accept your award online through the student portal.
6. Begin your program with guaranteed funding support.

Official Application Portal for British Columbia Doctoral Fellowship

Common Mistakes

• Believing a separate 4YF application is required (it is not).
• Missing internal program deadlines for nomination.
• Neglecting to maintain strong academic performance.
• Overlooking the importance of research potential in the application.

Conclusion

The University of British Columbia Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) is one of the most prestigious awards for PhD, DMA, and MDPhD students. It provides full tuition support and a generous stipend for up to four years, allowing scholars to focus on world-class research and academic excellence.

If you are planning to apply for doctoral studies at UBC, make sure you prepare a strong application, meet all deadlines, and highlight your research potential. In addition to the 4YF, consider exploring other opportunities such as the Killam Doctoral Scholarship and Affiliated Fellowships to maximize your chances of financial support.

Explore more scholarships on this blog to discover fully funded opportunities that match your academic goals.