The Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) is one of the best funding programs at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada. It helps excellent PhD students by giving financial support for up to four years. The goal of this program is to help both local and international students continue their research without financial stress.
About the Fellowship
The Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) offers strong and stable funding to UBC’s top PhD, DMA, and MDPhD students. The fellowship gives at least $18,200 each year plus full tuition for up to four years. It supports outstanding students and helps them focus on their studies and research at one of the best universities in Canada.
Host Country
Canada
Host University
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Fellowship Type
Fully Funded Fellowship
Degree
Doctoral (PhD, DMA, and MDPhD)
Eligibility Criteria
This fellowship is open to both domestic and international students.
Applicants must be enrolled or accepted in a full-time PhD, DMA, or MDPhD program at UBC.
Students must show excellent academic performance and research potential.
Fellowship can be offered to both new and continuing students.
The duration may be less than four years in some cases depending on academic progress.
Students who hold Tri-Agency awards such as Vanier, CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC will automatically receive 4YF support after their external scholarship ends.
Fields of Study
All doctoral fields offered at UBC are eligible, including:
Health Sciences
Engineering
Social Sciences
Environmental Studies
Humanities
Natural Sciences
Arts and Culture
Fellowship Benefits
Selected students receive:
$18,200 annual stipend
Full tuition coverage for up to four years
Stable and long-term financial support for research
Access to UBC’s top research facilities and academic network
Opportunities to work with world-class supervisors and researchers
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
Updated CV or academic resume
Research proposal or statement of purpose
Official academic transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Proof of English language proficiency (if required by UBC)
Admission application to a doctoral program at UBC
Application Process
Apply for admission to a PhD, DMA, or MDPhD program at UBC.
No separate application is needed for the 4YF. All eligible applicants are automatically considered.
Each department reviews applicants and nominates the best students for the fellowship.
Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies office confirms the awards.
Registration Deadlines
The expected deadline for applications is December 2025. However, applicants should check their program’s admission deadlines as they may differ.
Selection Process
Selection is based on academic excellence, research achievements, and recommendations from the graduate program.
Priority is given to new incoming students with strong academic backgrounds.
Tips to Succeed
Maintain a high GPA throughout your studies.
Write a strong and clear research proposal.
Gain good recommendation letters from your professors.
Show your research experience, publications, or relevant work.
Apply early to the UBC program to increase your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to apply separately for the 4YF? No, you will be automatically considered once you apply to a UBC doctoral program.
2. Can international students apply? Yes, both Canadian and international students are eligible.
3. How long does the fellowship last? It supports students for up to four years of doctoral study.
4. What is the value of the scholarship? It includes a $18,200 yearly stipend and full tuition coverage.
5. What happens if I receive another major scholarship? You may still receive 4YF tuition coverage once your other funding ends.
Why Choose This Fellewship
The 4YF is one of the most stable and generous funding programs in Canada. It allows talented researchers to focus on their work without worrying about finances. UBC is also one of the top universities in the world, offering advanced research labs, diverse academic programs, and a strong international community.
Career and Future Opportunities
Graduates of the 4YF program gain valuable research experience and professional skills. Many become university professors, researchers, or industry leaders in their field. The experience at UBC helps them build global connections and develop their academic careers.
Student Experiences
Many 4YF fellows have conducted inspiring research at UBC:
V. Pauahi Souza studied the impact of racism and displacement on health.
Jessica Marques worked on fertility prediction in dairy herds.
Sahar Ghadirianniari focused on mining safety.
Samuel Tobias researched drug supply and public health. These examples show how diverse and meaningful the research fields are at UBC.
Contact Information
UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Graduate School – Vancouver Campus 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z2
The Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) is a great opportunity for talented students who want to study and research at UBC. With full tuition coverage and a generous stipend, it allows students to focus completely on their academic goals. If you dream of doing your PhD in Canada, this fellowship is an excellent choice to start your research journey at one of the best universities in the world.
