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
Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRAs) aim to foster interest and develop potential for research careers while encouraging graduate studies through research experience in academic settings. USRAs are valued at $6,000, with a required supplement from the host institution, and support 16 weeks of full-time research experience from May to August. In addition to the NSERC online application students will also be required to submit a 1 page research proposal to grad-scholarships@unbc.ca
Deadline: Closed For 2025 (TBD For 2026)
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 2025
Contact: Gary Wilson gary.wilson@unbc.ca
Advancing Innovation in Rare Metal Applications and Technologies
Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) is offering a $1,000 scholarship for students exploring the industrial applications and future development of rare metals such as lithium, tantalum, and niobium. This opportunity is open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students worldwide with original ideas that demonstrate innovation, technical feasibility, and real-world impact.
To apply, you must submit:
- A 250-word abstract outlining your project
- A ~1,000-word article on rare metal applications and trends
- A 150-word biography in italics, with your name in bold at the end of the article
- Submissions accepted in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, or Japanese
Important Dates:
- Submission Deadline: September 1, 2025, 22:00 PST
- Winner Announcement: September 8, 2025
Apply using the form below.
Graduate Student Opportunities (Master's)
Weston Family Awards in Northern Research - External
Up to 15 awards for master’s students valued at $20,000 over one year
Application deadline: Closed for 2025 (TBD For 2026)
Award announcement: May 2025
Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarship - External
The Mackenzie King Scholarships were set up under the will of the Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King (1874-1950), who was Prime Minister of Canada 1921-26, 1926-30, and 1935-48.
Two classes of Mackenzie King Scholarship are available to graduates of Canadian universities: the Open Scholarship and the Travelling Scholarship. Both are to support graduate study.
The Open Scholarship is available to graduates of Canadian universities who pursue graduate study in any discipline, in Canada or elsewhere. One Open Scholarship is awarded each year. The value has recently been about $12,000 but it is subject to change. The Travelling Scholarship is available to graduates of Canadian universities who pursue graduate study in the United States or the United Kingdom in the areas of international relations or industrial relations. Recently four scholarships of $13,500 each have been awarded annually, but the number and the amount are subject to change
Internal Deadline: Closed for 2025 (TBD For 2026)
Rhodes Scholarship - External
When diverse individuals come together with a shared purpose, remarkable new possibilities emerge. The Rhodes Scholarship offers a transformative opportunity for outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. Applications for the Rhodes Scholarships will be open soon. Fees and stipend to study at the University of Oxford in England.
Additionally, the Information session will take place on June 2, 2025, at 1:00 pm EDT.
Registration link
Opening date: 2 June 2025
Deadline: 19 August 2025
McCall MacBain Scholarship - External
Tuition, fees and living stipend to study at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.
Interested in applying for the 2026 cohort?
Applications will open on June 1st. Attend an upcoming information session or sign up for an email alert to stay informed!
An exceptional opportunity to pursue a fully funded master’s or second-entry professional undergraduate program at McGill University, while participating in an interdisciplinary leadership program.
The scholarship includes:
- Full tuition and fees for the normal duration of the program
- A living stipend of $2,300/month during academic terms
- A one-time relocation grant for moving to Montréal
- Access to beginner to advanced French language courses through McGill
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for the 2026 cohort, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Be a current student on track to earn their first bachelor’s degree by August 2026
- Have earned their first bachelor’s degree in the last five years (January 2020 or later)
- Have earned their first bachelor’s degree more than five years ago and were 30 years old or younger as of January 1, 2025
Application Deadlines:
- International applicants: August 20, 2025 – 4:00 PM Eastern Time
- Applicants from Canada & the U.S.: September 24, 2025 – 4:00 PM Eastern Time
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 2025
Contact: Gary Wilson gary.wilson@unbc.ca
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s program
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Master’s (CGRS M) program provides financial support to high-achieving students enrolled in an eligible master’s in Canada. The funding helps recipients focus fully on their studies and research.
Administered jointly by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, the CGS M program supports up to 3,000 students annually in all disciplines. Applications are submitted through the Research Portal to the institution where the award will be held, and the selection process is managed at the institutional level.
To be eligible, the program must include a significant research component (e.g., thesis, dissertation, scholarly project, or performance) that is expert-reviewed. If separate admission into the research stream is required, it must be confirmed before holding the award. Joint programs (e.g., MD/PhD, MBA/PhD) and clinically focused programs like clinical psychology are eligible if they include a strong independent research element. Coursework-only programs are not eligible.
Deadline: December 1 by 8:00 p.m. (ET) annually
Note: If deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. Late applications will not be accepted, so applicants should submit early to avoid delays caused by high portal traffic.
Canada Graduate Scholarship Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement - Federal
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (CGS-MSFSS) support outstanding Canadian graduate students in establishing global connections and expanding international networks through exceptional research opportunities at foreign research institutions. By engaging in international scientific research and training, recipients contribute to fostering collaboration between Canadian and international institutions.
CGS-MSFSS supplements of up to $6,000 are available to active CGS (master’s or doctoral) holders to help cover the costs of conducting research abroad for a defined period. Each year, 250 awards are available, distributed across three agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), with 45 awards for CIHR, 80 for NSERC, and 125 for SSHRC. Additional supplements may be awarded if additional funds become available.
Please forward you applications to Grad-Scholarships@unbc.ca
Internal 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: TBD
Branch Out Neurological Foundation Graduate Grant
This Graduate Grant is a matched salary-stipend award designed for graduate students conducting NeuroCAM studies at partnering universities. Selected students will receive a $22,000 salary for the academic year from September to August, with their academic supervisor contributing 40% of the salary value ($8,800). This grant is available for a duration of one year.
For questions, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. You can also reach out to us anytime about this grants or the application process at research@branchoutfoundation.com.
For more information, visit Graduate Grant page.
Deadline: TBD-Closed for 2025
PICS Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholarship
The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) is offering a unique scholarship opportunity through its Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholarship Program. This pilot program supports graduate-level scholars (Master’s, Doctoral, and Post-doctoral) at PICS universities whose research contributes to climate change adaptation and mitigation in collaboration with First Nations communities in British Columbia. The program aims to foster reciprocal, community-driven research that uplifts Indigenous leadership in climate action.
The scholarship provides $10,000 for Master’s students (one-year award), $20,000 per year for Doctoral students (renewable for a second year with reapplication), and $25,000 per year for Post-doctoral fellows (also renewable for a second year with reapplication).
To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled at a PICS university (including UNBC). Their research must involve active collaboration with First Nations communities in BC and focus on climate change adaptation and/or mitigation.
Interested in Applying?
- Graduate Students: Contact Harpreet Kaur, Scholarships, Awards, and Internal Grants Officer Harpreet.kaur@unbc.ca
- Post-doctoral Fellows: Please reach out to the appropriate Research Project Officer (RPO):
- Sharleen Balogh, Social Sciences and Humanities – Sharleen.balogh@unbc.ca
- Jacqueline Dockray, Natural Sciences – Jacqueline.dockray@unbc.ca
- Mostafa Sabzevari, Applied Sciences and Engineering – Mostafa.sabzevari@unbc.ca
Advancing Innovation in Rare Metal Applications and Technologies
Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) is offering a $1,000 scholarship for students exploring the industrial applications and future development of rare metals such as lithium, tantalum, and niobium. This opportunity is open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students worldwide with original ideas that demonstrate innovation, technical feasibility, and real-world impact.
To apply, you must submit:
- A 250-word abstract outlining your project
- A ~1,000-word article on rare metal applications and trends
- A 150-word biography in italics, with your name in bold at the end of the article
- Submissions accepted in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, or Japanese
Important Dates:
- Submission Deadline: September 1, 2025, 22:00 PST
- Winner Announcement: September 8, 2025
Apply using the form below.
Graduate Student Opportunities (Doctoral)
Weston Family Awards in Northern Research - External
Up to 10 awards for doctoral students valued at $120,000 over three years
Deadline: TBD-Closed for 2025
Award announcement: May 2025
Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarship - External
The Mackenzie King Scholarships were set up under the will of the Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King (1874-1950), who was Prime Minister of Canada 1921-26, 1926-30, and 1935-48.
Two classes of Mackenzie King Scholarship are available to graduates of Canadian universities: the Open Scholarship and the Travelling Scholarship. Both are to support graduate study.
The Open Scholarship is available to graduates of Canadian universities who pursue graduate study in any discipline, in Canada or elsewhere. One Open Scholarship is awarded each year. The value has recently been about $12,000 but it is subject to change. The Travelling Scholarship is available to graduates of Canadian universities who pursue graduate study in the United States or the United Kingdom in the areas of international relations or industrial relations. Recently four scholarships of $13,500 each have been awarded annually, but the number and the amount are subject to change
Deadline: TBD-Closed for 2025
Rhodes Scholarship - External (Doctorate of Philosophy students only)
When diverse individuals come together with a shared purpose, remarkable new possibilities emerge. The Rhodes Scholarship offers a transformative opportunity for outstanding young people from around the world to receive fees and a stipend to study at the University of Oxford in England.
The full list of upcoming sessions can be found on the Rhodes Trust website:
Rhodes Trust Information Sessions.
Additionally, the Information session will take place on June 2, 2025, at 1:00 pm EDT.
Registration link
Opening date: 2 June 2025
Deadline: 19 August 2025
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral program
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Doctoral (CGRS D) program is part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS), administered by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. It is designed to support high-achieving doctoral students in health, natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities, including interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. The award enables scholars to concentrate fully on their research, collaborate with top mentors, and contribute significantly to Canada’s research ecosystem, economy, and future prosperity.
To be eligible, applicants must have completed no more than 36 months of full-time doctoral study (or the PhD portion of a joint program such as MD/PhD, JD/PhD, DVM/PhD, MA/PhD, MSc/PhD, or MBA/PhD) by December 31 of the application year.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons may apply through their eligible Canadian institutions. International students may also apply if they are currently enrolled in a doctoral program at an eligible Canadian institution—up to 15% of awards are reserved for international applicants by federal tri-agencies.
Applicants are responsible for selecting the correct stream.
For more information, see Selecting the Appropriate Federal Granting Agency.
If you are applying to CIHR, consider the information on CIHR’s website.
If you are applying to NSERC, see the Addendum to the guidelines for the eligibility of applications related to health, which has additional information and specific examples relating to subject matter.
If you are applying to SSHRC, see the information on SSHRC's Subject Matter Eligibility webpage.
Deadline: Closed for 2024 (TBD, For 2025)
Canada Graduate Scholarship Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement - Federal
The Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (CGS-MSFSS) support outstanding Canadian graduate students in establishing global connections and expanding international networks through exceptional research opportunities at foreign research institutions. By engaging in international scientific research and training, recipients contribute to fostering collaboration between Canadian and international institutions.
CGS-MSFSS supplements of up to $6,000 are available to active CGS (master’s or doctoral) holders to help cover the costs of conducting research abroad for a defined period. Each year, 250 awards are available, distributed across three agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), with 45 awards for CIHR, 80 for NSERC, and 125 for SSHRC. Additional supplements may be awarded if additional funds become available.
Please forward you applications to Grad-Scholarships@unbc.ca
Internal Deadline: June 1 and October 1 annually
Canada Postdoctoral Research Award program
The Canada Postdoctoral Research Awards (CPRA) program is part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS), administered by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. It supports promising postdoctoral researchers across diverse disciplines in health, natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities, including interdisciplinary research. The program aims to help researchers build experience, engage in impactful work in Canada or abroad, and transition to the next phase of their careers.
To be eligible, you must hold or expect to hold a doctoral or health professional degree before the award begins and must not hold (or be on leave from) a tenure-track or tenured faculty position. You must have completed all degree requirements no more than three years before September 1 of the year you apply. Exceptions to the eligibility period are possible for career interruptions, caregiving responsibilities, industry work, or clinical training—with documentation as required.
International applicants may apply if they have completed (or are completing) their doctoral or health professional degree at a Canadian institution, or are conducting postdoctoral research in Canada. Up to 20% of awards are available to international candidates.
Tri-Agencies Application deadlines are:
- SSHRC: TBD for 2025
- CIHR: TBD for 2025
- NSERC: TBD for 2025
Note: Institutional deadlines are often one month in advance stated dates on Tri-Agencies websites. Please check with Office of Research and Innovation at grad-scholarships@unbc.ca for internal submission timelines.
For more information, see Selecting the Appropriate Federal Granting Agency.
If you are applying to CIHR, consider the information on CIHR’s website.
If you are applying to NSERC, see the Addendum to the guidelines for the eligibility of applications related to health, which has additional information and specific examples relating to subject matter.
If you are applying to SSHRC, see the information on SSHRC's Subject Matter Eligibility webpage.
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 2025
Contact: Gary Wilson gary.wilson@unbc.ca
Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship - External
This three-year leadership program is designed to train Engaged Leaders by equipping outstanding doctoral candidates with the skills needed to turn their ideas into action for the benefit of their communities, Canada, and the world. Each year, selected scholars receive leadership training within the framework of Brave Spaces, along with generous funding for their studies. Up to $40,000 per year, for three years to cover tuition and living expenses.
Deadline: TBD, November 2025
PICS Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholarship
The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) is offering a unique scholarship opportunity through its Uplifting Reciprocal Research Scholarship Program. This pilot program supports graduate-level scholars (Master’s, Doctoral, and Post-doctoral) at PICS universities whose research contributes to climate change adaptation and mitigation in collaboration with First Nations communities in British Columbia. The program aims to foster reciprocal, community-driven research that uplifts Indigenous leadership in climate action.
The scholarship provides $10,000 for Master’s students (one-year award), $20,000 per year for Doctoral students (renewable for a second year with reapplication), and $25,000 per year for Post-doctoral fellows (also renewable for a second year with reapplication).
To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled at a PICS university (including UNBC). Their research must involve active collaboration with First Nations communities in BC and focus on climate change adaptation and/or mitigation.
Interested in Applying?
- Graduate Students: Contact Harpreet Kaur, Scholarships, Awards, and Internal Grants Officer
Harpreet.kaur@unbc.ca - Post-doctoral Fellows: Please reach out to the appropriate Research Project Officer (RPO):
- Sharleen Balogh, Social Sciences and Humanities – Sharleen.balogh@unbc.ca
- Jacqueline Dockray, Natural Sciences – Jacqueline.dockray@unbc.ca
- Mostafa Sabzevari, Applied Sciences and Engineering – Mostafa.sabzevari@unbc.ca
International Funding Opportunities
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral program
The Canada Graduate Research Scholarships – Doctoral (CGRS D) program is part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS), administered by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. It is designed to support high-achieving doctoral students in health, natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities, including interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. The award enables scholars to concentrate fully on their research, collaborate with top mentors, and contribute significantly to Canada’s research ecosystem, economy, and future prosperity.
To be eligible, applicants must have completed no more than 36 months of full-time doctoral study (or the PhD portion of a joint program such as MD/PhD, JD/PhD, DVM/PhD, MA/PhD, MSc/PhD, or MBA/PhD) by December 31 of the application year.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons may apply through their eligible Canadian institutions. International students may also apply if they are currently enrolled in a doctoral program at an eligible Canadian institution—up to 15% of awards are reserved for international applicants by federal tri-agencies.
Applicants are responsible for selecting the correct stream. If eligible for the CGRS Master’s (CGRS M) program, students may choose to apply there for their first year of doctoral funding instead of the CGS D.
For more information, see Selecting the Appropriate Federal Granting Agency.
If you are applying to CIHR, consider the information on CIHR’s website.
If you are applying to NSERC, see the Addendum to the guidelines for the eligibility of applications related to health, which has additional information and specific examples relating to subject matter.
If you are applying to SSHRC, see the information on SSHRC's Subject Matter Eligibility webpage.
Deadline: Closed for 2024 (TBD, For 2025)
Canada Postdoctoral Research Award program
The Canada Postdoctoral Research Awards (CPRA) program is part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS), administered by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. It supports promising postdoctoral researchers across diverse disciplines in health, natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities, including interdisciplinary research. The program aims to help researchers build experience, engage in impactful work in Canada or abroad, and transition to the next phase of their careers.
To be eligible, you must hold or expect to hold a doctoral or health professional degree before the award begins and must not hold (or be on leave from) a tenure-track or tenured faculty position. You must have completed all degree requirements no more than three years before September 1 of the year you apply. Exceptions to the eligibility period are possible for career interruptions, caregiving responsibilities, industry work, or clinical training—with documentation as required.
International applicants may apply if they have completed (or are completing) their doctoral or health professional degree at a Canadian institution, or are conducting postdoctoral research in Canada. Up to 20% of awards are available to international candidates.
Tri-Agencies Application deadlines are:
- SSHRC: TBD for 2025
- CIHR: TBD for 2025
- NSERC: TBD for 2025
Note: Institutional deadlines are often one month in advance stated dates on Tri-Agencies websites. Please check with Office of Research and Innovation at grad-scholarships@unbc.ca for internal submission timelines.
For more information, see Selecting the Appropriate Federal Granting Agency.
If you are applying to CIHR, consider the information on CIHR’s website.
If you are applying to NSERC, see the Addendum to the guidelines for the eligibility of applications related to health, which has additional information and specific examples relating to subject matter.
If you are applying to SSHRC, see the information on SSHRC's Subject Matter Eligibility webpage.
Rhodes Scholarship - External
When diverse individuals come together with a shared purpose, remarkable new possibilities emerge. The Rhodes Scholarship offers a transformative opportunity for outstanding young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. Applications for the Rhodes Scholarships will be open soon. Fees and stipend to study at the University of Oxford in England.
Additionally, the Information session will take place on June 2, 2025, at 1:00 pm EDT.
Registration link
Opening date: 2 June 2025
Deadline: 19 August 2025