Imagine having your PhD fully funded at one of Canada’s top universities! The Killam Doctoral Scholarship 2025 in Canada at UBC offers exactly that – an annual stipend of $40,000 for up to two years. This prestigious award supports outstanding PhD students from around the world to pursue cutting-edge research in any discipline. Named after Dorothy J. Killam’s husband, the program reflects a legacy of excellence and character – Killam scholars are expected to be “likely to contribute to the advancement of learning” and be well-rounded individuals.
What is the Killam Doctoral Scholarship?
The Killam Doctoral Scholarships are UBC’s most prestigious PhD awards. Created through the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund, they support advanced research at UBC (and four other Canadian universities). Each year, about 25 top doctoral candidates are selected as Killam Scholars. Recipients receive a generous living stipend and the freedom to focus entirely on their studies and research. For Vancouver-campus winners, the scholarship also includes additional tuition support through UBC’s Four Year Fellowship program. In short, this is a life-changing, fully funded PhD opportunity in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Killam Doctoral Scholarship, you must meet UBC’s criteria:
- Enrollment: Be a full-time PhD student at UBC (or admitted to start) in any field. All doctoral programs are eligible.
- Progress: Have completed no more than 24 months of PhD study by the scholarship start date. In practice this means you are in roughly your first two years of the program.
- Citizenship: Open to all nationalities – Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students alike. UBC encourages diversity and global talent.
- Excellence: Demonstrate strong academic and research potential. Since only a few scholarships are awarded, candidates are typically among the very best in their programs. (Note: Dorothy Killam valued well-rounded scholars, so leadership and community involvement can strengthen your profile.)
Benefits and Funding
This scholarship is fully funded. Key benefits include:
- Stipend: $40,000 CAD per year for each of two years (total up to $80,000). This generous stipend covers living expenses so you can focus on research.
- Additional Support: If you are at UBC’s Vancouver campus and meet eligibility, the award is supplemented by UBC’s Four Year Fellowship Program (4YF), which covers tuition and fees.
- Prestige: Being a Killam Scholar also comes with recognition and networking opportunities. You join a community of high-achieving scholars across Canada.
In summary, winners receive full financial support (living stipend and tuition), making this one of Canada’s most rewarding scholarships.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Applying for the Killam Scholarship involves UBC’s Affiliated Fellowships (Doctoral) process. Here are the typical steps:
- Apply to UBC: First, gain admission to a UBC PhD program. Check your faculty’s admission deadline (usually late fall or early winter).
- Prepare Scholarship Documents: Gather transcripts, CV, research proposal, and references. For Canadian applicants, this overlaps with the Graduate Canadian Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS-D) application. (International students should prepare equivalent documents.)
- Submit to Affiliated Fellowships: By early September 2025 (typically the first Tuesday), submit your materials through UBC’s Affiliated Fellowships portal. All CGS-D applicants are automatically entered into this pool. You do not fill out a separate form labeled “Killam” – just apply to the Doctoral Fellowships competition.
- Department Nomination: Your graduate department will review applications and forward the strongest candidates (by Oct 7, 2025) to the central committee. No extra action is needed from you beyond the fellowship application.
- Selection: A committee evaluates all nominees and awards the Killam Scholarships to the top-ranked students. If selected, you’ll be notified through the university’s awards system.
(For specific details, visit UBC’s Graduate School Awards webpage or attend an information session. UBC often hosts info sessions to help applicants navigate this process.)
Apply for the Killam Doctoral Scholarship, visit the official website and complete the application form before the deadline.
Important Deadlines
Timing is crucial:
- Scholarship Deadline: The affiliated fellowships (and Killam) application deadline is September 9, 2025. This is the cutoff for submitting the application and all documents.
- Program Application: PhD program applications usually close by late fall 2024 or early winter 2025 (varies by department), so check UBC’s program pages.
- Nominations: After applications, departments must submit nominations around early October 2025.
Tip: Mark early September in your calendar and start preparing application materials in advance. Confirm exact dates on UBC’s Graduate School website as they are finalized.
Tips for Applicants
Applying can be competitive, so here are some friendly tips:
- Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to polish your application and letters of reference before September.
- Showcase Your Strengths: Highlight both your research achievements and broader qualities. Dorothy Killam wanted scholars who were “not one-sided”. If you volunteer, mentor, or have cross-disciplinary interests, mention them.
- Strong Proposal: Present a clear, compelling research idea. Engage with potential supervisors at UBC to refine your proposal.
- Letters of Recommendation: Choose referees who know you well and can speak to your academic and personal strengths.
- Connect and Learn: Talk to past Killam Scholars or faculty mentors. Attend UBC’s info sessions for insights on winning applications.
- Stay Positive: Even if it feels daunting, remember that UBC considers a wide range of students. Believe in your passion for research and present it confidently!
Conclusion
The Killam Doctoral Scholarship 2025 in Canada is a golden ticket to pursue PhD studies without financial worries. With full funding and a supportive academic environment at UBC, this opportunity can launch your research career. If you meet the criteria (especially being within your first two years of a PhD) and have a passion for your field, don’t hesitate to apply. Share this opportunity with peers and mentors who might be interested.
Go for it – your dedication and ideas deserve this level of support. Good luck with your application and future research journey.
