Killam Doctoral Scholarships at UBC 2025 | Prestigious $40,000 Award for PhD Students

Killam Doctoral Scholarships at UBC 2025: Overview

The Killam Doctoral Scholarships are among the most prestigious awards for graduate students at the University of British Columbia (UBC), funded by the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies. Established in memory of Izaak Walton Killam by his wife Dorothy J. Killam, these scholarships aim to support exceptional PhD students who demonstrate both academic excellence and strong character, with the potential to significantly contribute to their fields and society.

📌 Deadline: September 9, 2025
📌 Host Institution: University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada
📌 Eligible Programs: PhD (all fields)
📌 Duration: 2 years

Killam Doctoral Scholarships at UBC 2025: Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or International students.

• Be incoming or continuing PhD students at UBC.

• Have completed no more than 24 months of doctoral study as of the start date of the scholarship.

• Students who transferred directly from a Master’s to a PhD (without completing the Master’s) will have eligibility counted from the date of transfer.

• Not exceed 48 months of doctoral study (including Master’s period for transfer students) by the funding end date.

• Not be eligible for Killam if also eligible for the CGRS-D scholarship.

Killam Doctoral Scholarships at UBC 2025: Benefits

• 💰 Annual Stipend: $40,000 per year.

• 📅 Duration: 2 years (total $80,000).

• 🏆 Recognition as a Killam Scholar, one of UBC’s most distinguished graduate titles.

Fellowship/Program Components

• Support for living and research expenses during doctoral studies.

• Opportunities for academic networking, research dissemination, and recognition.

• Emphasis on well-rounded scholars — excellence in academics, leadership, outreach, and community engagement.

Application Requirements

Applicants typically need to submit:

• A research proposal outlining goals, methodology, and expected contributions.

• Academic transcripts.

• CV highlighting academic achievements, publications, teaching, volunteer work, and leadership activities.

• Letters of recommendation.

• Proof of enrollment or admission to a PhD program at UBC.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated 50/50 on:

A. Research Ability & Potential (50%)

• Clear, feasible, and significant research proposal.

• Research experience, outputs (publications, patents, community work, etc.), and originality.

• Evidence of critical thinking, sound judgment, and ethical research conduct.

• Communication skills and enthusiasm for research.

B. Academic Excellence & Achievements Beyond Academia (50%)

• Academic record (grades, distinctions, program rigor).

• Awards, scholarships, and recognitions.

• Extracurricular contributions: teaching, mentoring, community outreach, leadership, organizing events, or research promotion.

Application Process

1. Confirm eligibility based on months of PhD study.

2. Prepare the required documents (proposal, transcripts, CV, references).

3. Apply through UBC’s graduate studies portal before the September 9, 2025, deadline.

4. Await departmental nomination and university-level selection.

5. Successful applicants will be awarded starting in the 2025–2026 academic year.

For more information and application: 

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