UBC Public Scholars Award

applications for Public scholars initiative 2026/27 cohort will open on monday, 23 march 2026 and will run until friday, 22 may 2026. 

if you are interested in the program, you are encouraged to attend a general information session, or arrange one with your department/faculty.  

There are two general information sessions for the 2026-2027 Applications, both to be held on zoom, first on Monday, March 16th and the second on Monday, April 20th from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.  

This award is part of the UBC Public Scholars Initiative (PSI) which intends to build connections, community, and capacity for doctoral students who are interested in explicitly linking their doctoral work to an arena of public benefit and integrating broader and more career-relevant forms of scholarship into their doctoral education process. Awards of up to $10,000 are available to support innovative/collaborative scholarship which the student would otherwise be unable to pursue. Funding can be used for:

• A research allowance (including allowance for professional development or travel relevant to the scholarly work)
• Student stipend, if the student’s current funding source would not allow the alternative project(s)

PSI Scholars in good standing are eligible to apply for a one-time award renewal of up to $10,000. This is a separate application for scholars that can be done during any funding period.  

Each year funding is available for up to approximately 30 new students from all faculties at UBC, and approximately 5 scholars from all faculties at UBCO. Scholars selected for the cohort will be eligible for a renewal funding a second year. There is a dedicated FAQ section below, under the 'Further Information' heading.