Federal and external scholarship opportunities
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) administers a number of external awards programs, including those offered by federal, provincial, and other scholarship agencies. UNBC students are encouraged to apply for funding opportunities from Canada’s three major government research granting agencies: the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
Competitions for many of the major federal and provincial scholarships that UNBC administers take place in the September semester each year. Applicants are required to check the websites below, as well as the agency websites for eligibility and application details and instructions. Students should also note that application procedures vary for many external competitions. In some cases, applicants are required to apply directly to the granting agency, while in others, the award undergoes an adjudication process at UNBC’s Office of Research. Please contact grad-scholarships@unbc.ca with your questions.
Undergraduate Student Opportunities
NSERC - Undergraduate Student Research Award - Federal
$6,000 in funding for May-August (16 week) work term.
Deadline: February 23, 2024
Northern Scientific Training Program
The Northern Scientific Training Program, administered by Polar Knowledge Canada, aims to promote interest in northern research and provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to obtain experience and professional training in the North. If after reading the program overview you are interested in this opportunity please also review the information manual before applying.
Deadline: TBD, November 2024
Contact: Gary Wilson gary.wilson@unbc.ca
Graduate Student Opportunities (Master's)
Weston Family Awards in Northern Research - External
Up to 15 awards for master's students are available, each valued at $15,000 over 1 year.
Deadline: January 16, 2024 14:00 PST
Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarship - External
1 open scholarship and up to 4 travelling scholarships awarded annually.
Deadline: February 1, 2024
Rhodes Scholarship - External
Fees and stipend to study at the University of Oxford in England.
Deadline: TBD, September 2024
McCall MacBain Scholarship - External
Tuition, fees and living stipend to study at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.
Deadline: TBD, September 2024
Northern Scientific Training Program
The Northern Scientific Training Program, administered by Polar Knowledge Canada, aims to promote interest in northern research and provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to obtain experience and professional training in the North. If after reading the program overview you are interested in this opportunity please also review the information manual before applying.
Deadline: TBD, November 2024
Contact: Gary Wilson gary.wilson@unbc.ca
Canada Graduate Scholarships - Masters (CGS-M) - Federal
$17,500 in funding over 1 year.
Deadline: December 1, 2023
Canada Graduate Scholarship Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement - Federal
This is a supplement of up to $6,000 for students holding a CGS award.
Deadline: June 1 and October 1 annually
CIHR Strategic Master's Award - Federal
The CIHR Strategic Master's Award program provides financial support to scholars who are engaged in eligible Master's programs in Canada that are relevant to specific CIHR policy areas. This support allows scholars to concentrate on their studies in their chosen fields. This funding opportunity will support projects relevant to the following research areas with up to $17,500 in funding for up to one year:
CIHR Centre for Research on Pandemic Preparedness and Health Emergencies
CIHR Institute of Gender and Health
CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health
Deadline: December 14, 2023
Graduate Student Opportunities (Doctoral)
Weston Family Awards in Northern Research - External
Up to 10 awards are available for doctoral students, each valued at $50,000 over 2 years.
Deadline: January 16, 2024 14:00 PST
Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarship - External
1 open scholarship and up to 4 travelling scholarships awarded annually.
Deadline: February 1, 2024
Rhodes Scholarship - External (Doctorate of Philosophy students only)
Fees and stipend to study at the University of Oxford in England.
Deadline: TBD, September 2024
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship - Federal
$50,000 per year for 3 years.
UNBC has no Vanier quota for the 2023 competition. Please check in July 2024 for information regarding the 2024 competition.
Canada Graduate Scholarship-Doctoral (CGS-D) - Federal
$35,000 per year for 3 years.
Deadline: TBD, October 2024
Canada Graduate Scholarship Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement - Federal
This is a supplement of up to $6,000 for students holding a CGS award.
Deadline: June 1 and October 1 annually
Northern Scientific Training Program
The Northern Scientific Training Program, administered by Polar Knowledge Canada, aims to promote interest in northern research and provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to obtain experience and professional training in the North. If after reading the program overview you are interested in this opportunity please also review the information manual before applying.
Deadline: TBD, November 2024
Contact: Gary Wilson gary.wilson@unbc.ca
Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship - External
Up to $40,000 per year, for three years to cover tuition and living expenses.
Deadline: December 1, 2023 14:00 PST
