Most full scholarship applications for MSc or PhD funding are due the fall prior to the September when the student is starting the program (ie. 12 months in advance). There are a few exceptions, but not many.
Full federal or provincial scholarships range from $16,000-50,000/year, but smaller organizations often offer smaller amounts (e.g., $5000) and their deadlines vary. A minimum of an 80% average is needed to be competitive, although the cut-off is usually higher. It is important to note that all agencies differ in their appraisal of an application. Dates and regulations change from year to year, so it is advisable to carefully scan their websites for information.
Note that simultaneous applications to CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC are not permitted. Each student must choose only one of these three; this rule is strictly enforced. As a courtesy, a minimum of 4 weeks should be given to people who will be writing reference letters, so early preparation is required. In addition, many of the competitions require substantial input and a full curriculum vitae module from the potential supervisor for the description of the project to be undertaken. Thus, it is ideal to contact Dr. Eng well before the grant deadline if you are interested in pursuing scholarship funding.
Lastly, “Top-Up” Grant Supplement Awards may be available for holders of national fellowships. Please contact Dr. Eng if you have a fellowship already. Teaching assistant positions within the Department of Physical Therapy (PT) or Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (OSOT) are usually available, particularly for those with clinical skills or strong backgrounds in anatomy, neuroanatomy or kinesiology. Note that clinicians (PTs, OTs) who hold a current Canadian license compete in the post-doctoral fellowship competition of CIHR no matter what stage they are at (MSc, PhD, or post-doc) and there are 2 deadlines per year. Available scholarship competitions are listed below.
Master Level
- University Graduate Fellowship (UBC)
- Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)
- Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
- Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada
- Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
Doctorate Level
- University Graduate Fellowship (UBC)
- Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)
- Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
- University Graduate Fellowship (UBC)
- Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
- Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada
- Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
Post-doctorate Level
- Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) (spring and fall deadline)
- Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
- Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
- Killam Post-doctoral fellowship (UBC)
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
