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.
Deadline: February 23, 2025
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
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: January 16, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET
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: February 1, 2025 4PM PT
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 2025 Rhodes Scholarships are now open. Fees and stipend to study at the University of Oxford in England.
Deadline: TBD, September 2025
McCall MacBain Scholarship - External
Tuition, fees and living stipend to study at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.
Deadline: TBD, September 2025
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 Scholarships - Masters (CGS-M) - Federal
$27,000 in funding over 1 year.
Deadline: TBD, December 2025
Canada Graduate Scholarship Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement - Federal
This is a supplement of up to $6,000 for students holding a CGS award.
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
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
Application deadline: January 16, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET
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: February 1, 2025 4PM PT
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.
Deadline: TBD, September 2025
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship - Federal
$50,000 per year for 3 years.
See the Vanier quotas for 2024-2025 to 2026-2027 here.
Deadline: TBD, September 2025
Canada Graduate Scholarship-Doctoral (CGS-D) - Federal
$40,000 per year for 3 years.
Deadline: TBD, September 2025
Canada Graduate Scholarship Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement - Federal
This is a supplement of up to $6,000 for students holding a CGS award.
Internal Deadline: June 1 and October 1 annually
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