University of British Columbia Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) 2026, Canada
The Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral funding programs. Designed to attract and support outstanding PhD-level students, the fellowship provides stable, long-term financial support for up to four years of doctoral study. Open to both domestic and international students, the 4YF ensures that UBC’s top researchers can focus on advanced research and academic excellence without financial burden.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of Canada’s leading public research universities, consistently ranked among the top 40 globally. Located in Vancouver and Kelowna, UBC offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across fields such as sciences, engineering, business, arts, and medicine. Renowned for its cutting-edge research, sustainable campus initiatives, and strong international community, UBC attracts students from around the world. The university emphasizes experiential learning, innovation, and global engagement, providing numerous opportunities for research, internships, and community involvement. Its scenic campuses, diverse student life, and strong academic reputation make it a top choice for both domestic and international students seeking high-quality education in Canada.
Degree Level
The UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship is available for the following degree programs:
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
- DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts)
- MDPhD (Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy)
Available Subjects
The fellowship is open to all academic disciplines offered at UBC, including but not limited to:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Forestry and Environmental Studies
- Geography
- Education
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
There are no subject restrictions, making the 4YF one of the most inclusive doctoral scholarships in Canada.
Benefits
The UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship offers comprehensive financial and academic benefits, including:
- Guaranteed funding for up to four years
- Minimum annual stipend of $18,200
- Full tuition coverage
- Eligibility to combine funding with major external scholarships
- Financial stability that allows students to focus on doctoral research and innovation
- Recognition as one of UBC’s top doctoral scholars
Eligible Nationalities
The UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship is open to:
- Canadian citizens
- Permanent residents of Canada
- International students
- Students from all countries are eligible to be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF), applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must apply for admission to a full-time PhD, DMA, or MDPhD program at UBC
- Must demonstrate excellent academic performance
- Funding is generally offered to incoming first-year doctoral students, though continuing students may also be considered
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout the funding period
- Selection is made based on academic excellence and graduate program recommendation
- Students holding major Tri-Agency awards (Vanier, CGSD, CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) automatically become 4YF designates and may receive tuition and stipend support after external funding ends.
Application Procedure
There is no separate application for the Four Year Doctoral Fellowship. Follow these steps to be considered:
- Apply for admission to an eligible PhD, DMA, or MDPhD program at UBC
- Submit all required academic documents through the UBC graduate application system
- All applicants offered admission are automatically considered for 4YF funding
- Graduate programs nominate top candidates internally
- Successful applicants are notified by their academic department
- Students are encouraged to apply early to improve admission and funding consideration.
