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
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 |
