UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies’ flagship scholarship program, the Public Scholars Initiative, will be accepting applications for its 11th cohort, from Monday, March 17 to Friday, May 16.
The innovative program supports impactful, cross-disciplinary and multisectoral doctoral research. Public Scholars enjoy academic support, professional development and networking opportunities, and up to $20,000 in funding over two years ($10,000 twice) for research expenses and/or stipend.
The PSI diversifies potential PhD pathways and helps researchers contribute more directly to the public good. Launched in 2015, the program has won national and international recognition for “reimagining the PhD,” its impact on society and enhancing career readiness.
In the last 10 years, almost 400 Public Scholars have conducted a variety of cross-disciplinary research, from developing new technologies to protecting old-growth forests. As part of their PhD work, Public Scholars have created documentaries, podcasts, phone apps, exhibits, graphic novels and more. The 2025/26 applications also feature the third cohort of the special 'Health Equity Stream' created in partnership with UBC Health - a dedicated funding source to further increase the number of PSI scholars from all faculties and departments whose work address health issues and seek to impact health equity within local, national, and global health systems.
UBC Vancouver students in PhD, EdD and DMA programs and UBC Okanagan doctoral students are eligible.
A general information session will be held on Monday, March 24 from 12 to 1 pm. Applications for the 2025/26 cohort are open until Friday, May 16. To apply, visit the application page.
For more information on the program, application details and any other questions, visit the PSI website.