If you are looking to pursue doctoral studies in Canada with full financial backing, the University of British Columbia Doctoral Fellowship ranks among the most competitive opportunities available to international students today. This fellowship provides fully funded PhD programs at UBC spanning a broad spectrum of academic disciplines. This guide covers everything you need to know about the UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship 2026 — from benefits and eligibility requirements to required documents and a clear step-by-step application process.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship Program (4YF) 2026-2027 is a fully funded award for both domestic and international PhD students. It provides a guaranteed annual stipend of $18,200 plus complete tuition coverage for up to four years of doctoral study.
UBC’s Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) Program was established to attract and retain the most exceptional PhD candidates — domestic and international alike — by guaranteeing stable, base-level financial support throughout the critical first four years of their doctoral research journey.
Through the 4YF program, UBC ensures its top PhD, DMA, and MD-PhD students receive a minimum of $18,200 per year plus full tuition for up to four years. The program is central to UBC’s commitment to building a world-class research community by removing financial barriers for outstanding doctoral scholars.
UBC 4YF Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Doctoral (PhD)
- Institution: University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Study Destination: Canada
- Program Duration: Four Years
- Deadline: Check program-specific deadlines here
UBC 4YF Scholarship Coverage
The UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship is one of the most comprehensive doctoral funding packages available in Canada. Recipients receive a minimum annual stipend of $18,200 plus full tuition coverage for each of the four funded years — giving scholars the financial certainty to focus entirely on their research and academic growth.
Eligibility Criteria for the UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship 2026
Before applying for the University of British Columbia Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- Required Language: English
- Eligible Countries: All countries — both domestic and international students are welcome.
- Fellowships are primarily awarded to students entering their first year of PhD studies, though continuing PhD students may also be considered in certain cases.
- The 4YF may fund students for up to four years, though the duration may vary depending on individual circumstances. Refer to the official 4YF Guidelines for full details.
- Continued funding is conditional on satisfactory academic progress throughout the program.
- Students who hold the following tri-agency awards are automatically designated as 4YF recipients: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Doctoral Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGSD), CIHR Doctoral Research Awards, NSERC Doctoral Postgraduate Scholarships (PGSD), and SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships. Once their external funding concludes, these students receive 4YF stipend and tuition support through to the end of their fourth doctoral year.
- Recipients of other major external scholarships who are selected as 4YF designates may also qualify for tuition coverage, with 4YF support beginning once their external funding ends.
How to Apply for the UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship 2026
The application process for the UBC Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship is straightforward — there is no separate fellowship application. Follow the steps below:
- Submit your graduate admission application to your chosen doctoral program at UBC. This automatically places you in consideration for 4YF funding.
- All PhD applicants who receive an offer of admission are automatically reviewed for 4YF eligibility — no additional application is required.
- Each graduate program receives an annual allocation of four-year fellowships. Faculty review both incoming and continuing doctoral students and award fellowships to their strongest candidates, with incoming students given first priority.
- Graduate programs formally nominate selected students by submitting a signed University Award Recommendation Form (Award Number 6456) to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
- There is no requirement to specify an award amount on the recommendation form.
- All nomination forms must be submitted at least eight weeks before the intended 4YF start date to allow sufficient processing time.
Official Website
For full details on the University of British Columbia Four-Year Doctoral Fellowship Program, visit the official UBC Graduate Studies page: