Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded PhD Canada
Introduction
The Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded doctoral scholarship offered by the University of Alberta in Canada. This prestigious scholarship supports outstanding PhD students from all countries and all fields of study. It provides high financial support for two years to help students focus fully on their research in Canada.
Scholarship Overview
The Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship is one of the most prestigious graduate scholarships in Canada. It is funded by the Killam Trusts and administered by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies at the University of Alberta. The scholarship aims to support excellent doctoral students who show strong academic ability, research potential, and good personal character. The goal of this scholarship is to help scholars contribute to the advancement of knowledge and achieve distinction in their profession.
Host Country
Canada
The scholarship is hosted in Canada at the University of Alberta, one of the top research universities in the country.
Host University
University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a leading public research university located in Edmonton, Alberta. It is well known for high-quality research, innovation, and global academic collaboration.
Degree Level
PhD (Doctoral Degree)
Fields of Study
All academic fields are eligible.
Students from all disciplines can apply, including but not limited to:
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Humanities
- Education
- Business
Scholarship Benefits
The Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship 2026 provides strong financial support:
- Up to $45,000 per year
- Funding for two years
- Coverage of International Graduate Differential Fees, if applicable
- Official scholarship certificate
- Opportunity to hold honourary status if an external scholarship is received
The scholarship allows students to fully focus on their doctoral research without financial stress.
Scholarship Duration and Start Date
- Duration: Up to 2 years
- Start Date:
- May 1, 2026
- or September 1, 2026
Funding for the second year depends on meeting eligibility rules and submitting a renewal request through the GSMS Awards Portal.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must be registered full-time in a PhD program or admissible to a doctoral program
- Must have completed at least 12 months of graduate study before May or September 2026
- Must not have completed more than 48 months in the doctoral program by December 31, 2025
- Must have at least 18 months of full-time doctoral registration remaining after May 2026
- Students who transferred from Master’s to PhD will have Master’s months counted
- No citizenship restriction (open to all nationalities)
- All fields of study are eligible
- Must have first-class academic standing (minimum GPA equivalent to 3.5)
- The scholarship can be held only once
Selection Criteria
The Killam Scholarship selection is highly competitive. Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research potential
- Quality of research proposal
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal character and leadership qualities
The Killam Trust emphasizes balanced scholars who combine strong intellect with sound character and a clear ability to contribute to knowledge and society.
Required Documents
A complete application package includes the following documents:
- Completed Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship Application Form
- Two Letters of Reference:
- One from the academic supervisor (or co-supervisor)
- One from another academic referee
- Optional confidential letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Up-to-date transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate studies
- Transcript legends (reverse pages)
- Research proposal (recommended to follow GPS guidelines)
All reference letters must be submitted directly to the applicant’s department.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship 2026:
- Contact your academic department at the University of Alberta
- Review the 2026 Killam Scholarship Department Memo
- Prepare all required documents carefully
- Submit your complete application package to your department before the internal deadline
- The department nominates selected applicants through the GSMS Awards Portal
- Final evaluation is done by the GPS Graduate Scholarship Committee
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline
- Department Deadline: Set individually by each department
- University Nomination Deadline:
February 19, 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and order transcripts in advance.
Adjudication Process
The Graduate Scholarship Committee at the University of Alberta evaluates all nominations. Final decisions are approved after the Killam Trustees meeting. Successful applicants are notified directly.
Honourary Status Explanation
If a student wins an external scholarship, they must accept it. In this case, the Killam Scholarship may become honourary. The stipend may be reduced or set to zero depending on the value of the external award.
Paid Parental Leave
Eligible scholarship holders may apply for paid parental leave. Applicants must:
- Meet eligibility requirements
- Request an approved leave of absence
- Submit a Graduate Award Interruption Request Form
This benefit supports students during important family life events.
Dorothy J Killam Memorial Graduate Prizes
Top Killam Scholarship recipients may receive the Dorothy J Killam Memorial Graduate Prize.
Key details:
- Cash prize of $5,000
- Awarded annually
- No separate application required
- Selection based on academic excellence, research, leadership, and references
Why Choose This Scholarship
- One of the most prestigious PhD scholarships in Canada
- Very high funding support
- Open to all nationalities
- All academic fields accepted
- Strong academic reputation
- Excellent research environment
Tips to Win the Killam Scholarship
- Maintain a strong GPA
- Write a clear and focused research proposal
- Choose referees who know your research ability well
- Follow all application instructions carefully
- Submit a complete and error-free application
- Apply early and confirm department deadlines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing transcripts or outdated documents
- Weak or unclear research proposal
- Late reference letters
- Ignoring department-specific rules
- Submitting incomplete applications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Killam Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, it provides up to $45,000 per year plus fee support.
Is it open to international students?
Yes, students from all countries can apply.
Can Master’s students apply?
No, this scholarship is only for PhD students.
Is IELTS required?
Language requirements depend on the PhD program, not the scholarship.
Can I apply without a supervisor?
You should be connected to a department and usually have a supervisor.
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