Earning a doctoral degree (UBC Canada: Four Year Doctoral Fellowship) represents a significant achievement in an academic career. However, the journey is often accompanied by the challenge of securing long-term financial support. For students aiming to pursue advanced research at one of Canada’s leading institutions, the University of British Columbia provides a comprehensive solution.
The 4YF is a highly respected program that offers consistent, multi-year funding for both Canadian and international PhD students across all disciplines at UBC. The fellowship emphasizes academic excellence and research promise, ensuring recipients can fully engage with their academic pursuits without financial concern.
Whether you are transitioning from a master’s program or are an early-career researcher, this fellowship can significantly impact your professional and scholarly development.
This in-depth article outlines everything you need to know about the UBC 4YF program, including eligibility, application procedures, benefits, and important deadlines.
About the UBC Canada Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF)
Program Name: University of British Columbia Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF)
Current Status: Currently active and accepting applications for the 2025–2026 academic cycle.
Overview & Objectives
The Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) program demonstrates UBC’s dedication to nurturing outstanding doctoral students. By offering long-term financial stability, UBC enables scholars to dedicate themselves to impactful research and academic achievement. The fellowship aligns with UBC’s institutional mission of promoting globally relevant and interdisciplinary research.
Duration: Up to four years (48 months), contingent on satisfactory academic progress.
Study/Work Mode: Full-time, in-person attendance required at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver or Okanagan campus).
Core Focus Areas
The 4YF program supports doctoral research in all fields offered by UBC, including:
- Science and Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Law and Policy
- Environmental Sustainability
- Interdisciplinary Research
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must either be enrolled in or applying to a full-time doctoral program at UBC. This includes PhD, DMA, or MDPhD tracks. Strong academic performance and demonstrated research potential are essential.
Professional/Research Experience
While not a formal requirement, prior involvement in research—through publications, lab work, or assistantships—enhances an applicant’s competitiveness.
Age Limit
There are no age restrictions. However, applicants must meet the criteria for the UBC doctoral program to which they are applying.
Nationality Restrictions
The fellowship is open to both Canadian citizens and international applicants.
Language Requirements
UBC requires proof of English language proficiency, demonstrated through either:
- IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5 overall (no section below 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90
Applicants who completed prior education in English may be exempt.
Other Requirements
Recipients must maintain academic progress throughout the duration of the fellowship. Additionally, students holding specific external awards (e.g., Vanier, NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR) are automatically designated as 4YF fellows.
Application Process
No separate application is needed for the 4YF. Consideration is integrated within the UBC doctoral admission process.
Step-by-Step Process
- Submit a Doctoral Application: Choose a PhD, DMA, or MDPhD program and apply through UBC’s Graduate Studies portal.
- Automatic Review: Eligible candidates are automatically reviewed for the 4YF based on their submitted application.
- Graduate Program Nomination: UBC departments nominate the most qualified applicants.
- Notification: Selected candidates are informed by their graduate program.
Application Portal
Required Documents
To be eligible for admission and 4YF nomination, applicants must provide:
| Document | Purpose |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) | Outline of academic, research, and professional achievements |
| Statement of Purpose | Research interests and academic goals |
| Academic Transcripts | Records from all post-secondary institutions attended |
| Letters of Recommendation | Typically 2-3 letters from academic mentors |
| Language Proficiency Scores | TOEFL or IELTS scores if applicable |
| Writing Samples | Required by select departments (e.g., Humanities) |
| Passport or ID | Verification for international students |
| Additional Forms | May include departmental forms, research proposals, or portfolios |
Documents in languages other than English or French must be officially translated.
Fields of Study / Research Areas Supported
UBC encourages doctoral research across a wide array of disciplines. The 4YF is applicable to students in:
- Faculty of Science: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Computer Science
- Faculty of Applied Science: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical Engineering
- Faculty of Medicine: Public Health, Neuroscience, Biomedical Science
- Faculty of Arts: Psychology, Political Science, History, Languages
- Faculty of Forestry: Environmental Conservation, Climate Research
- Faculty of Law: Environmental and Indigenous Law
- Interdisciplinary Programs: Urban Design, Sustainability, Global Affairs
Cross-disciplinary research proposals are especially encouraged, particularly those addressing complex global issues such as sustainability, equity, and public health.
Financial Benefits
The UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship provides extensive financial assistance to enable doctoral students to focus on their academic goals.
Key Benefits
| Funding Component | Details |
| Annual Stipend | $18,200 CAD per year |
| Tuition Coverage | Full coverage of tuition fees for the duration of the fellowship |
| Program Duration | Up to four years (subject to progress) |
| Additional Resources | Research and academic support available through departments |
Supplementary Benefits
- Travel and conference funding (varies by faculty)
- Health and dental insurance through UBC
- International student housing options
- Family bursaries and child care support (limited availability)
This level of funding allows students to concentrate fully on research and academic success without the burden of financial stress.
Selection Process
Multi-Tier Review
There is no centralized interview. The selection is driven by academic departments and faculties.
Evaluation Timeline
| Phase | Estimated Timeframe |
| Doctoral Application | October to February (varies by program) |
| Nomination by Department | 6–8 weeks following application |
| Notification of Outcome | Spring or Summer 2025 |
| Fellowship Commencement | September 2025 (Fall intake) |
Review Criteria
- Academic achievement and research capacity
- Relevance and quality of research proposal
- Alignment with departmental strengths and UBC mission
- Strength of recommendation letters
- Commitment to inclusive, diverse research environments
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
While no additional application is required for the 4YF, being selected for nomination is highly competitive. Consider the following strategies:
Statement of Purpose
- Be clear about your research goals and how they align with UBC faculty.
- Address the broader societal or scientific impact of your proposed research.
Academic CV
- Highlight publications, conferences, assistantships, and awards.
- Keep the layout organized and use an academic-focused format.
Recommendations
- Choose referees who are familiar with your academic and research capabilities.
- Provide them with context about the 4YF and your research focus.
Research Alignment
- Investigate current UBC labs and projects.
- Mention potential supervisors and how their research complements your own.
Early Submission
- Meet or exceed deadlines.
- Ensure your application is thorough and professionally presented.
Contact Information
For general inquiries about the fellowship and PhD admissions:
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, UBC
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 604-822-2848
For department-specific questions, contact the relevant graduate advisor.
Conclusion
The Four Year Doctoral Fellowship at the University of British Columbia provides unmatched support for doctoral students aiming to contribute meaningful research in their fields. The program enables high-performing scholars to excel through steady funding and access to world-class academic resources.
With funding up to four years, a competitive stipend, and full tuition coverage, 4YF empowers candidates to fully immerse in their studies. If you are considering a PhD and seek institutional support from a globally recognized university, this fellowship is a strategic opportunity to begin your academic future.
Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
| Program Name | University of British Columbia Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) |
| Host Country / Region | Canada (Vancouver or Okanagan, British Columbia) |
| Funded By | University of British Columbia (UBC) |
| Duration | Up to 4 years |
| Study Mode | Full-time, Onsite |
| Eligibility | Domestic and International PhD, DMA, MDPhD applicants |
| Financial Support | $18,200 CAD annual stipend + full tuition coverage |
| Fields of Study | All disciplines offered at UBC |
| Application Deadline | Matches respective UBC PhD program deadline |
| Official Website | UBC 4YF Program Page |
Citation: UBC Graduate Admission Application Portal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The 4YF provides full tuition and an annual stipend to support doctoral students at UBC for up to four years.
Domestic and international students applying to or enrolled in full-time PhD, DMA, or MDPhD programs at UBC are eligible.
There is no separate application. All eligible doctoral applicants are automatically considered during the admission process.
The fellowship offers an annual stipend of $18,200 CAD plus full tuition coverage for up to four years.
Yes, international students receive full tuition coverage along with the annual stipend under the 4YF.
Selected students are notified by their academic department, usually in spring or early summer.
Required documents include CV, statement of purpose, transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency.
Yes, students with major awards like Vanier or NSERC are automatically considered 4YF designates.
All PhD disciplines at UBC are eligible, including sciences, engineering, arts, law, and interdisciplinary studies.
No entrance exam or separate interview is required specifically for the 4YF fellowship nomination.
