The University of British Columbia (UBC) Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) Program 2025–2026 offers a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for exceptional doctoral students worldwide to pursue advanced research in Canada. Designed to attract top-tier domestic and international talent, the 4YF program provides stable, long-term financial support that enables students to focus entirely on their academic and research goals. With an annual stipend of $18,200 plus full tuition coverage, the fellowship ensures that scholars have the resources they need throughout the first four years of their PhD studies.
UBC’s 4YF program supports Doctoral, DMA, and MDPhD candidates and emphasises the university’s commitment to excellence in graduate education. Fellows benefit from a research-intensive environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant academic community. The program helps foster innovation and educational excellence by ensuring that students can fully dedicate themselves to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in their chosen fields. Students with major external awards, such as the Vanier or other Tri-Agency scholarships, are eligible for 4YF support once their external funding ends.
Summary
Host Institution: University of British Columbia (UBC)
Fellowship Location: Canada
Category: Doctoral Fellowship (PhD, DMA, MDPhD)
Eligible Countries: All nationalities
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Details of the UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) 2025
UBC’s Four-Year Fellowship (4YF) program delivers comprehensive, flexible, and consistent financial support to outstanding doctoral students across all academic disciplines. Consequently, this support empowers PhD candidates to devote their time and energy to long-term, original research projects that contribute meaningfully to their field of study. In doing so, it promotes academic excellence and research innovation across the university. Moreover, by easing financial stress, the program enables students to fully engage with their educational pursuits without the burden of financial uncertainty. In addition, it encourages deeper collaboration with faculty, fosters participation in interdisciplinary initiatives, and supports involvement in scholarly activities that enhance professional development.
Importantly, the fellowship is available to newly admitted and continuing PhD students. However, preference is typically given to incoming students who are just beginning their doctoral studies. UBC allocates a limited number of 4YF awards to its graduate programs each year. In turn, these programs are responsible for evaluating applicants and nominating the most competitive candidates, ensuring that the awards support students with the most substantial academic and research potential.
Furthermore, students who hold other major external scholarships may also qualify for continued 4YF funding after their award ends. This potential eligibility depends on the specific terms of their external award and the policies set by their graduate program. Ultimately, the 4YF program is crucial in providing stable, long-term financial support, enabling PhD students at UBC to pursue advanced research and academic excellence with confidence and focus.
Benefits of the UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship 2025
Fellows selected for the UBC 4YF program will receive the following benefits:
- Annual stipend of CAD $18,200
- Full tuition coverage for up to four years
- Continued financial support for students with expiring external scholarships
- Access to UBC’s world-class research facilities and academic resources
- Supportive and dynamic international research environment
Eligibility for the UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship 2025
To qualify for the UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Open to both Canadian and international students
- Eligible Programs: PhD, DMA, and MDPhD programs
- Enrollment: Students must be either newly admitted to or currently enrolled in an eligible doctoral program
- Academic Progress: Funding is contingent on satisfactory academic performance
- Duration: Funding may be granted for up to four years; some exceptions may apply based on academic status or previous awards
- Tri-Agency Awards: Students with Vanier CGS, CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC doctoral awards automatically qualify as 4YF designates
- Other External Awards: Recipients of major external scholarships may also be nominated as 4YF fellows once their funding ends
Required Documents
To be considered, students must apply for admission to a UBC doctoral program and prepare the following:
- Application for PhD program at UBC
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of intent
- Letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal or outline (depending on program)
- English language test scores (if applicable)
Note: There is no separate application for the 4YF—eligibility is automatically considered upon PhD program admission.
How to Apply for the UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship 2025
- Apply for Admission to a PhD Program
Submit a complete application to an eligible UBC doctoral program. All PhD applicants are automatically considered for the 4YF. - Departmental Nomination
Each graduate program receives a quota of 4YF awards. Departments evaluate applications and nominate their top candidates. - University Award Recommendation Form
The graduate program submits a signed University Award Recommendation Form (award number 6456) to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. - Confirmation and Notification
Students selected for the 4YF will be notified by their program. No additional forms or award amounts are required.
Note: Recommendation forms should be submitted at least eight weeks before the proposed start date of the fellowship.
Application Deadline
There is no fixed deadline for the 4YF. Applicants should check the specific deadlines of their intended PhD program to ensure timely submission and eligibility for fellowship consideration.
For complete information and application details, visit the link below.
