Funding

For domestic MSc students, the Oceans and Fisheries (OCF) minimum funding package for 2023/24 is $29,008 per year† for each of the first 2 years of their MSc.

For international MSc students, the Oceans and Fisheries (OCF) minimum funding package for 2023/24 is $33,101 per year† for each of the first 2 years of their MSc.

The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, and graduate research assistantships.

Funding Details

The OCF minimum funding package is comprised of (1) tuition support and (2) a base amount.

The tuition support for the 2023-24 academic year is $5,408 for domestic students and $9,500 for international students. It may come in the form of external support (e.g., from a sponsoring government) or an internal award and, if eligible, an International Tuition Award. For OCF MSc students, this may come through TA or GRA payments on a semi-monthly basis. This tuition support will increase each year to match tuition increases.

The base amount for the 2023-24 academic year is $23,600. This increases by 2% per year to adjust for cost of living. In 2022 the increase was 6%, and 2023 the increase was 7%, to compensate for the drastic inflation increase for those years.

Each year, the Graduate Program Officer will provide the student with a summary of the commitment for the coming year and how they can expect to receive the support. These amounts may change during the year. If a student gets an award, their GRA stipend may go down. If a planned TA opportunity does not happen, their GRA stipend will go up. If a student gets an award, the GRA stipend may go down.

Funding Guarantee

The guarantee of funding for the second year will require that the student has achieved satisfactory progress in their first year of study.

Student Progress

The student’s progress will be assessed every year by their Supervisory Committee during the annual Committee meeting. One of the main goals of these meetings is to assess whether the student can complete their degree within two years. It is the responsibility of the student, supervisor, and Committee to develop a project that can be completed within two years.

Definition of satisfactory progress

The minimum passing grade in any course taken by a student enrolled in a master's program is 60%. However, only 6 credits of courses with grades in the C to C+ range (60-67%) may be counted towards a master's program. For all other courses, a minimum of 68% must be obtained. Some graduate programs may require a higher passing grade for specific courses.

If a student has not made satisfactory progress, the Committee will indicate this on their Committee meeting form, and will provide the student with a set of milestones to be achieved during the next six months. Students on probation will continue to receive financial support, however, they must schedule their next Supervisory Committee meeting within six months. If the student has not achieved the milestones during the probation period, then financial support can be withdrawn and the student may have to withdraw from the graduate program.

Achieving minimum funding

All students are expected to apply for the scholarships and awards for which they are eligible. If received, these will normally count as part of the student’s minimum funding package.

To achieve the minimum funding package, a student may be required to TA up to 1 term per year on average.

While the IOF has negotiated TAship placements to teach biology and intro-level statistics classes, it cannot guarantee a student a placement in the associated departments, as these depend on qualifications, training session attendance, satisfactory TA evaluation scores, and professional behaviour in previous TAships. Therefore, the supervisor is required to have sufficient funding to cover the student stipend in case no TAship is found for the student. Supervisors are expected to inquire with their student and OCF GPO or other suitable academic units for potential placement options.

Students are responsible for paying both their tuition and their student fees as assessed in the SSC.

A note about tuition support

Students are responsible for paying their tuition – even if it’s from an award or scholarship.

Students need to go into their SSC and accept their award in order for it to pay their tuition. Also note that tuition support covers tuition only, not student fees.

UBC’s minimum funding package for Ph.D. students is $22,000 per year for the each of the first 4 years of their Ph.D. The Oceans and Fisheries (OCF) minimum funding package is higher than the UBC minimum.

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For domestic Ph.D. students, the Oceans and Fisheries (OCF) minimum funding package for 2023/24 is $32,548 per year† for the each of the first 4 years of their Ph.D.

For international Ph.D. students, the Oceans and Fisheries (OCF) minimum funding package for 2023/24 is $36,641 per year† for the each of the first 4 years of their Ph.D.

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The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, and graduate research assistantships.

Funding Details

The OCF minimum funding package is comprised of (1) tuition support and (2) a base amount.

The tuition support for the 2023-23 academic year is $5,408 for domestic students and $9,500 for international students. It may come in the form of external support (e.g. from a sponsoring government) or an internal award (e.g. a 4YF scholarship). For most OCF Ph.D. students this will come in the form of an award from the Faculty of Science and, if eligible, an International Tuition Award. This will increase each year to match tuition increases.

The base amount for the 2023-24 academic year is $27,140. This increases by 2% per year to adjust for cost of living. In 2022 the increase was 6%, and in 2023 the increase was 7%, to compensate for the drastic inflation increase those years.

Each year, the Graduate Program Officer will provide the student with a summary of the commitment for the coming year and how they can expect to receive the support. These amounts may change during the year. If a student gets an award, their GRA stipend may go down. If a planned TA opportunity does not happen, their GRA stipend will go up.

Funding Guarantee

The guarantee of funding for years 2, 3 & 4 will require that the student has achieved satisfactory progress in the previous year of study.

Student Progress

The student’s progress will be assessed every year by their Supervisory Committee during the annual Committee meeting. One of the main goals of these meetings is to assess whether the student can complete their degree within two years. It is the responsibility of the student, supervisor, and Committee to develop a project that can be completed within two years.

Definition of satisfactory progress

A minimum of 68% (B-) must be achieved in all coursework taken for credit. Where a grade of less than 68% (B-) is obtained in a course, and on the recommendation of the graduate program and the approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the student may repeat the course for higher standing or take an alternate course.

If a student has not made satisfactory progress, the Committee will indicate this on their Committee meeting form, and will provide the student with a set of milestones to be achieved during the next six months. Students on probation will continue to receive financial support, however, they must schedule their next Supervisory Committee meeting within six months. If the student has not achieved the milestones during the probation period, then financial support can be withdrawn and the student may have to withdraw from the graduate program.

Achieving minimum funding

All students are expected to apply for the scholarships and awards for which they are eligible. If received, these will normally count towards reaching the minimum funding level for their stipend.

To achieve the minimum level of support, a student may be required to TA up to 1 term per year on average.

While the IOF has negotiated TAship placements to teach biology and intro-level statistics classes, we cannot guarantee a student a placement in the associated departments, as these depend on qualifications, training session attendance, satisfactory TA evaluation scores, and 25 UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries professional behaviour in previous TAships. Therefore, the supervisor is required to have sufficient funding to cover the student stipend in case no TAship is found for the student. Supervisors are expected to inquire with their student and OCF GPO or other suitable academic units for potential placement options.

Students are responsible for paying both their tuition and their student fees as assessed in the SSC. During the first four years of Ph.D. student’s program, they will receive a GSI Award in the SSC which they need to accept in order for it to be applied against their tuition. Note: students must be enrolled in a course (e.g., FISH 699) to get the award.

A note about tuition support

Students are responsible for paying their tuition – even if it’s from an award or scholarship.

Students need to go into their SSC and accept their award in order for it to pay their tuition. Also note that tuition support covers tuition only, not student fees.

The OCF minimum funding provides students with enough support for tuition fees, but students are personally responsible for paying both their tuition and their assessed student fees.

Tuition fees are to be paid in three instalments annually, and must be paid by the student. If the student’s tuition is ‘covered’ by the OCF program, please keep in mind that this still means the student must pay it either by accepting an award in the SSC system, or by paying the fees up front and being reimbursed over the term through TA-ships, GRA appointments, or other means of support.

Payment of fees

If a student does not pay the fees on time, the student’s records will be placed on “financial hold”, all registration activities will be blocked, and the student will be charged a penalty fee.

Student fees cover AMS and GSS fees, Medical and Dental Extended Health Plans, Sports and Athletics, U-Pass/Compass Card, etc. More information about these fees can be found on the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS) site.

Opt Out

Students may "opt out" of some of these fees. More information is available here

Payment of fees

If a student does not pay the fees on time, the student’s records will be placed on “financial hold”, all registration activities will be blocked, and the student will be charged a penalty fee.

These are the fees for 2023/4 from G+PS (as of June 29, 2023)

Note: This table is updated every year. The most current and accurate version for the M.Sc. and the Ph.D. programs will be found under their respective 'Tuition and Financial' Support tab.

Many students are paid Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) directly from their supervisor’s research grant. This represents a major way in which a student’s pay is brought from the amount given by teaching assistantships and awards to the total support required by the department.

GRAs are given in support of the student’s own research towards their degree, but work unrelated to the student’s research program should not be required. Satisfactory progress towards the student’s research is expected for payment of a GRA. It is the student’s responsibility to inform their supervisor and the OCF Graduate Program Offer of their current sources of funding and TAships. It is the responsibility of the student’s supervisor to confirm to the student the level of funding they will allocate them that year and to inform the OCF Graduate Program Officer of the sources of support funding to the student and amounts from each. It is the responsibility of the OCF Graduate Program Officer to verify that the proposed total amount meets the IOF funding requirements.

Graduate students may be hired as a Graduate Academic Assistant (GAA) for additional pay for work unrelated to their degree, and these wages may be counted towards their minimum level of support depending on circumstances. The graduate advisors will need to be consulted for approval in such instances. Just as for TAship, to insure that this work does not hinder thesis or dissertation progression, the total time commitment for an academic term cannot exceed 192 hours, the maximum hours per week is 24, and one day duties cannot exceed eight hours without the student’s consent.

All students are expected to contribute to the shared chores of a lab and to fulfil weekly requirements of the supervisor. The latter category can include lab meetings, one-on-one meetings, seminar attendance, etc. The total time for tasks required by the supervisor can be up to an average of five hours per week across the four academic terms in the year. Any additional work not directly related to a trainee’s own research must be paid either through an hourly wage at the GTA1 marking rate or through an additional GAA.

The IOF does not have an undergraduate program, and so it is unable to offer TA-ships.

The Graduate Program Officer will send out calls for TAships that are available in other departments when they become available. OCF graduate students who would like to TA should seek a teaching assistantship with other departments with an undergraduate program and courses compatible with the graduate student’s background and training.

Students interested in a TAship should contact the department in which they would like to apply for a TAship in either in early July or early November. Once a TA position is secured, students should contact the instructor directly regarding duties and scheduling issues, and contact the OCF Graduate Program Officer as soon as possible about any scheduling conflicts between assigned positions and courses.

TA-ships often require the supervisor’s approval, and students are expected to discuss potential TA positions with their supervisor prior to applying for a TAship position. There is a preference system for hiring TA’s, based on length in program and experience (see CUPE 2278 Collective Agreement article 13.03 for full details.

The maximum time allowed for TA work is determined through the CUPE 2278 collective agreement. The current rules are that the total time commitment for an academic term cannot exceed 192 hours. The average number of hours per week is 12 and the maximum hours per week is 24. One day duties cannot exceed eight hours without the TA's consent.

To achieve the minimum level of support a student may be required to TA up to two terms per year. Graduate students are not permitted to TA more than two times in an academic year.

UBC Graduate Student Travel Fund

All UBC graduate students are eligible for the Graduate Student Travel Fund, once per degree program. The Travel Fund provides one-time travel support to a maximum of $500 per graduate student who presents a paper or poster at an official conference or symposium. (Note: Student workshops are ineligible). More information

IOF does not endorse these opportunities, but makes information for students to explore. If you are aware of award, scholarship and funding opportunities that may interest our students, please send an email to the IOF Communications Manager.

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American Fisheries Society

J Frances Allen Scholarship
Deadline: April 1

The qualified applicant must be a female Ph.D. student who was an AFS member as of December 31 in the year previous to application. The award recipient will receive a US$2,500 scholarship and there are no restrictions on the use of the funds.

Steven Berkeley Marine Conservation Fellowship
Deadline: February 1

The fellowship comprises a competitively based US$10,000 award to a graduate student actively engaged in thesis or dissertation research relevant to marine conservation; a focus on fisheries issues is not required.

John E. Skinner Memorial Fund
Deadline: April 1
The fund provides monetary travel awards for deserving graduate students or exceptional undergraduate students to attend the AFS annual meeting. Travel support (up to $800 per award) will be made available to successful applicants. Award winners will also receive a one year paid membership to the American Fisheries Society.

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Anne Vallee Ecological Fund (AVEF)

Anne Vallée Ecological Fund Scholarships
Deadline: likely mid-March

Offers two $1,500 scholarship to support students registered in animal research at the master or doctoral level in a Québec or British Columbia University. The AVEF is focussed on supporting field research in animal ecology, in relation with the impact of human activities such as forestry, industry, agriculture, and fishing.

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Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Research (ACUNS)

Canadian Northern Studies Trust Awards
Deadline: end of January annually

Student awards for exceptional northern-based research, to foster scholars and scientists with northern experience and to enhance educational opportunities available for northern residents. Offered to Canadian citizen or permanent resident, enrolled in full time post-secondary education at a recognized Canadian University or College (except for post-doctoral applicants), and who have an aspect of northern or circumpolar fieldwork included as part of their research. Value: The CNST provides a range of scholarships, studentships and awards from endowments and annual donors, ranging in value from $1,500 to $50,000 per year

Dr. Jim McDonald Scholarship for Northern Research
Deadline: January 31

The Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Research (ACUNS), with the support of the family of the late Dr. Jim McDonald, is sponsoring one scholarship valued at $5,000 for Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada currently enrolled in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities as these pertain to Canada’s north and its inhabitants. Community-based-research, interdisciplinary research and local Aboriginal collaboration will be given special consideration, as will those that can demonstrate a specific focus to their project.

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Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

Conservation Grants Fund
Deadline: March 15

In support of the cooperative conservation-related scientific and educational initiatives of AZA, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, and their collaborators. CGF grants are awarded in six categories: Animal Health; Animal Welfare; Conservation Education; Field Conservation; Management / Captive Breeding; and Research. The average project award is approximately US$18,000

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Auckland Zoo

Small grants programme
Deadline: accepted throughout year

The Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund Small Grants Programme provides relatively small levels of funding for ongoing projects or pilot programmes with clear conservation value. This programme of funding is open to individuals or organisations for projects in New Zealand or for projects in countries outside the First World - though applicants can be based anywhere in the world.

Small grants will be awarded up to a maximum of NZD$5000. However, in most cases, successful grants will be in the region of NZD$1000 - $3000. The amount applied for through the programme should represent a minimum of 25% of the project's overall budget.

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British Columbia Network Environment For Indigenous Health Research

BC NEIHR Indigenous Graduate and Postdoctoral Funding
Deadline:Likely January

To develop research skills and assist with student burdens related to financial, family, community and cultural responsibilities, the BC NEIHR supports Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) graduate students and postdoctoral fellows by annual competitions for Master’s and Doctoral scholarships and biennial (every two years) for Post-Doctoral fellowships.

Master’s Scholarship Program

The BC NEIHR launches an annual competition for nine (9) Master’s Scholarships valued at $17,500 each. Each year, recipients are invited to a Learning and Sharing Circle (with funded Indigenous communities, collectives and organizations), where they present their work and speak about their participation in this Scholarship program.

Doctoral Scholarship Program

The BC NEIHR launches an annual competition for three (3) Doctoral Scholarships valued at $35,000 each. Each year, recipients are invited to a Learning and Sharing Circle (with funded Indigenous communities, collectives and organizations), where they present their work and speak about their participation in this Scholarship program.

Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

The BC NEIHR launches a competition for Postdoctoral Fellowship(s) every two (2) years. Should more funds become available, additional fellowships may be awarded. Recipients are invited to a Learning and Sharing Circle (with funded Indigenous graduate students as well as communities, collectives and organizations), where they present their work and speak about their participation in this Fellowship program.

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Bullitt Foundation

Bullitt Environmental Fellowship
Deadline: April 1

The fellowship is awarded each year to an outstanding graduate student at a university in the Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana, southern Alaska, and British Columbia) who has a strong academic record, a demonstrated capacity for leadership, the promise of emerging as an environmental leader, and a faculty nomination. Value: Two-year, US$50,000/year fellowship

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Canadian Society of Ornithologists

James L. Baillie Student Research Award
Deadline: February 15

Open to any student conducting ornithological research at a Canadian university. Supports: studies of Canadian birds in their natural environment; projects which contribute to preservation of birds; and projects which disseminate knowledge of birds. Applicants must be SCO-SOC members to be eligible. Value: $1000.

Fred Cooke Student Award
Deadline: February 15

Offered jointly by the SCO-SOC and Bird Studies Canada, the award shall be open to any student conducting ornithological research at a Canadian university, except that previous recipients of the award shall not be eligible. The award shall be for travel to ornithological conferences at which the student will make an oral or poster presentation, or research in any aspect of ornithology anywhere in the world. Applicants must be SCO-SOC members to be eligible. Value: $1000.

Taverner Awards
Deadline: February 15

Aimed at people with limited or no access to major funding, regardless of professional status, who are undertaking ornithological work in Canada. Applicants must be SCO-SOC members to be eligible. Value: Up to $2000.

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Canadian Society of Zoologists

T. W. M. Cameron Outstanding Ph.D. Thesis Award
Deadline: August 15, 2016

This is an annual award to recognize the author of an outstanding Ph.D. dissertation in Zoology submitted to a Canadian University. The recipient of the award will be invited to present a lecture on the subject of the dissertation to the Annual General Meeting. Value: Travel costs up to $1500, scroll.

L. Margolis Scholarship
Deadline: November 1, 2016

Open to any Canadian who is registered in a graduate studies program at a Canadian university at the time the scholarship is taken up and whose research is in the field of fisheries biology. Value: Cash award of $500

CPB Travel Research Grant
Deadline: Currently January 31

This award will assist student and post-doctoral members of the Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry section with expenses incurred during visits to other laboratories, research facilities, field stations or sites to conduct zoological research. Value: Cash award of $500

Student/PDF Research Grant
Deadline: Currently January 31

This award will assist students and post-doctoral fellows from Canadian universities with expenses incurred during collaborative visits to other laboratories, research facilities, field stations or sites to conduct zoological research. Value: Cash award of $500

Public Awareness Award
Deadline: October 1, 2016

This award is intended to encourage and stimulate increased public awareness of zoology through articles in the popular press that deal with environmental, biological or zoological issues. The article will have been published in any recognized newspaper or periodical available to the public. Value: Cash award of $100

Public Education Award
Deadline: October 1

This award is intended to recognize excellence in public education about zoology. Value: Cash award of $300

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China Scholarships Council

China Scholarships Council Doctoral Scholarships
Deadline: Likely March

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) is a government agency in China which provides scholarships to students for doctoral and postdoctoral studies abroad. UBC has developed an agreement with the CSC to be a preferred host institution for CSC scholarship holders. These scholarships will be awarded to students across a wide range of disciplines.

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The College of Applied Biology

Linda Michaluk Scholarship
Deadline: Likely March

The Linda Michaluk Scholarship (LMS) is a scholarship of $2,500 established to honour the contributions to the College of Applied Biology by the founding Chief Executive Officer (Executive Director). The College of Applied Biology is the regulatory body for applied biology professionals working with natural resources in British Columbia.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to a Master or Doctor of Philosophy degree candidate at a Canadian university whose project advances science-informed decisions/decision making in the public interest with respect to natural resources in Canada. Advancing science-informed decisions/decision-making includes supporting the development of legislation (Acts), regulations or policies that affect the practice(s) of natural resource management in Canada.

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David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowships

Smith Fellows
Deadline: September 9

Post-doctoral fellowship program identifies and supports early-career scientists who will shape the field of applied conservation biology. David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowships are available to post-doctoral researchers (of any nationality) affiliated with a United States institution, proposing research that addresses pressing conservation issues for the United States. Value: Two year annual salary of US$52,500, research funds totaling US$32,000 and an US$8,000 travel budget.

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David Suzuki Foundation

David Suzuki Fellowships
Deadline: Likely February

The David Suzuki Fellowship program empowers emerging scholars to tackle complex environmental problems. It reduces financial barriers, provides mentorship and fosters leadership and creativity so fellows can conduct research and engage and inform the public and policy-makers.

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Elizabeth Henry Scholarship for Communities and Environmental Health

Elizabeth Henry Scholarship for Communities and Environmental Health

Deadline: May 10

Supports graduate students working on research projects in partnership with British Columbian communities that are addressing environmental health issues and promoting environmental sustainability through cooperative community initiatives.

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Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC

Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Scholarships
Deadline: Applications are typically accepted between mid-March and May 31.

The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC awards up to four scholarship grants annually, each with a value of up to $1,500. These scholarships are available to students enrolled in a fish culture or fisheries management program within a recognized post-secondary educational institution in British Columbia.

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Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society

BC Indigenous Student Award
Deadline: Likely April

The Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society has established an award program for Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education in BC. They are available to students who identify as Indigenous, defined as First Nations (Status or Non-Status), Métis or Inuit. All are renewable in order to provide sustained funding over multiple years. Renewable awards of $5,000 per year are available.

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John W. Davies Memorial Award

John W. Davies Memorial Award
Deadline: TBA

One award of $3,000 is offered by the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, Arctic Section in memory of John W. Davies, a former Chairman of the Arctic Section.

More information

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Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation of Canada

Scholarship for Canadian Women
Deadline: Likely March

The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation of Canada offers two scholarships to female Canadian citizens pursuing Ph.D. studies.

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L'Oreal Women in Science - Canada National Fellowship

L'Oreal Women in Science - Canada National Fellowship

Female Ph.D. and postdoctoral fellows.

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Mackenzie King Scholarships

Open Scholarship
Deadline: February annually

The Mackenzie King Open Scholarship is open to graduates of any Canadian university who engage in (commence or continue) postgraduate study in any field, in Canada or elsewhere. You must be a graduate of a Canadian university when tenure of the scholarship begins.

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Mitacs

Globalink Research Award

The Mitacs Globalink Research Award helps faculty members and students at Canadian universities build an international research network and undertake research abroad. The award provides $6,000 for senior undergraduate and graduate students to undertake 12- to 24-week research projects supervised by professors at accredited universities overseas. The award is open to all disciplines.

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Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund

Grants

The Fund has been established to provide targeted grants to individual species conservation initiatives, recognize leaders in the field and elevate the importance of species in the broader conservation debate. Its focus is global and eligibility for grants will extend to all plant, animal and fungi species conservation efforts, without discrimination on the basis of region or selected species. Value: Maximum US$25,000 for each project.

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National Geographic

Committee for Research and Exploration Grant

The National Geographic Society awards grants for scientific field research and exploration through its Committee for Research and Exploration. All proposed projects must have both a geographical dimension and relevance to other scientific fields and be of broad scientific interest. Applications are generally limited to the following disciplines: anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, biology, botany, geography, geology, oceanography, paleontology, and zoology. In addition the committee is emphasizing multidisciplinary projects that address environmental issues (e.g., loss of biodiversity and habitat, effects of human-population pressures).

Funding is not restricted to United States citizens. Researchers planning work in foreign countries should include at least one local collaborator as part of their research teams. The committee will not consider applications seeking support solely for laboratory work or archival research. While grants are awarded on the basis of scientific merit and exist independent of the Society's other divisions, grant recipients are expected to provide the Society with rights of first refusal for popular publication of their findings.

Grants to PIs in Developing Countries: While the first priority of the CRE is to fund high-quality scientific research, there is also a particular interest in funding projects that promote the growth of scientific infrastructure in geographic locations where such infrastructure is lacking.

This grant program does not pay educational tuition, nor does it offer scholarships or fellowships of any kind.

Applicants are expected to have advanced degrees (Ph.D. or equivalent) and be associated with an educational organization or institution. Independent researchers or those pursuing a Ph.D.-level degree may apply, but awards to non-Ph.D. applicants are rare. As a general rule, all applicants are expected to have published a minimum of three articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

While grant amounts vary greatly, most range from U.S. $15,000 to $20,000.

Conservation Trust Grant

The objective of the Conservation Trust is to support conservation activities around the world as they fit within the mission of the National Geographic Society. The trust will fund projects that contribute significantly to the preservation and sustainable use of the Earth's biological, cultural, and historical resources. While the Conservation Trust acknowledges the need to preserve archaeological sites and artifacts, our current budget limits prevent us from funding such requests.

National Geographic Society grants may not be used for indirect costs, overhead, and other expenses not directly related to the project. Fringe benefits are also excluded, as are salaries. Funds may not be used for travel to scientific/professional meetings or conferences, legal actions, land acquisition, endowments, construction of permanent field stations, or publication of research results.

Applicants are not required to have a Ph.D. or other advanced degrees. However, applicants must provide a record of prior research or conservation action as it pertains to the proposed project. Funding is not restricted to United States citizens. Researchers planning work in foreign countries should include at least one local collaborator as part of their research teams.

While grant amounts vary greatly, most range from U.S. $15,000 to $20,000. As National Geographic Society funds are intended to function as complementary support, the trust strongly encourages applicants to seek additional, concurrent funding from other funding agencies.

Grant recipients are expected to provide the National Geographic Society with rights of first refusal for popular publication of their findings.

Global Exploration Fund — Northern Europe

In order to be considered for funding, the applicant must be a resident of one of the following countries: Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, or the United Kingdom.

The GEF—Northern Europe Research grants must have hypothesis-based scientific research as a primary focus and are awarded based on potential for new advances in field sciences. All proposed projects must have a geographical dimension and be of broad scientific interest.

Applications are generally limited to the following disciplines: anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, biology (including fields such as botany, behavioral ecology and zoology), geography, geology, oceanography and paleontology. In addition, the advisory board is emphasizing multidisciplinary projects that address environmental issues (e.g., loss of biodiversity and habitat, effects of human-population pressures).

Applicants are expected to have advanced degrees (Ph.D. or equivalent) and be associated with an educational organization or institution. Researchers planning fieldwork outside of Northern Europe should include at least one local collaborator as part of their fieldwork team.

While grant amounts vary greatly, the average award is €20000.

National Geographic Society/Waitt Grants

The National Geographic Society/Waitt Grants Program funds projects that require venture capital, supporting exceptional projects while foregoing a time-consuming peer-review process. NGS/Waitt grants are able to fund "proof of concept" research for applicants at an earlier stage in their careers than other NGS grant programs. Special emphasis is placed on expedited grant processing and turnaround.

Funding is not restricted to United States citizens. Applicants planning work in foreign countries should include at least one local collaborator as part of their research teams. The selection committee will not consider applications seeking support solely for laboratory work or archival research. While grants are awarded on the basis of scientific merit and exist independent of the National Geographic Society's other divisions, grant recipients are expected to provide National Geographic with rights of first refusal for popular publication of their findings.

Applicants are not required to have advanced degrees to be eligible for funding, though they will be required to show a commensurate level of expertise and experience. Applicants must have an affiliation with an educational organization or other institution.

National Geographic Society/Waitt grants are awarded on a rolling basis and range from U.S. $5,000-$15,000. There is no set quantity of grants awarded, but budget constraints keep the number to approximately a hundred per year.

This grant program does not pay educational tuition, nor does it offer scholarships or fellowships of any kind. National Geographic Society grants may not be used for indirect costs, overhead, and other expenses not directly related to the project. Fringe benefits are also excluded, as are salaries. Funds may not be used for travel to scientific/professional meetings or conferences, legal actions, land acquisition, endowments, construction of permanent field stations, or publishing research results. Tuition costs are not allowable.

Science and Exploration in Asia

In order to be considered for funding, the applicant must be a legal resident of Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, or Vietnam.

National Geographic’s research grants must have hypothesis-based scientific research as a primary focus and are awarded based on potential for new advances in field sciences. All proposed projects must have a geographical dimension and be of broad scientific interest. Applications are generally limited to the following disciplines: anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, biology (including fields such as botany, behavioral ecology, and zoology), geography, geology, oceanography, and paleontology. In addition, the scientific advisory committee is emphasizing multidisciplinary projects that address environmental issues (e.g., loss of biodiversity and habitat, effects of human-population pressures).

Applicants are expected to have advanced degrees (Ph.D. or equivalent) and be associated with an educational organization or institution. Researchers planning fieldwork outside of Asia should include at least one local collaborator as part of their fieldwork team.

While grant amounts vary greatly, the average award is U.S. $30,000.

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Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Collaborative Research and Training Experience program
Deadline: Program Specific

UBC has a number of active NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience Programs that support the training of teams of highly qualified students and postdoctoral fellows from Canada and abroad. These programs offer innovative training that:

encourages collaborative and integrative approaches
addresses significant scientific challenges associated with Canada’s research priorities
facilitates the transition of new researchers from trainees to productive employees in the Canadian workforce

NSERC CREATE programs are designed to foster the acquisition and development of important professional skills among students and postdoctoral fellows that complement their qualifications and technical skills, and improve their job-readiness for careers in industry, government, non-governmental organizations, and/or academia.

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New Relationship Trust Foundation

Scholarships
Deadline: June 29

The New Relationship Trust Foundation and BC First Nations communities realize the importance of education. Interested and eligible BC First Nation students are encouraged to apply for the NRT Foundation Post-Secondary Scholarship Awards. Successful applicants will be eligible for a maximum of four consecutive years of undergraduate post-secondary funding, a maximum of two years at the Master’s level and a maximum of two years for the Doctorate level. Scholarships are awarded annually and students must re-apply for any subsequent years.
Eligibility

Students must meet the below criteria to be eligible for a NRT Foundation First Call award.

Eligibility:
• First Nations (status or non-status) member of a British Columbia First Nation community
• Planning to attend an accredited post-secondary institution on a full-time basis anywhere in the world
Available Scholarships

NRT Foundation Scholarship awards
First Nations Health Authority Scholarship awards
Keegan Combes Memorial Scholarship award
Indigenous Leaders Scholarship award

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North Pacific Research Board

Graduate Student Research Awards
Deadline: February annually

The North Pacific Research Board (NPRB) funds marine research to improve understanding of the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands, and Chukchi/Beaufort Seas. NPRB-funded research informs effective management and sustainable use of vital marine resources. Qualified masters and doctoral students may apply for one of six or more awards of US$25,000 each.

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Organization of American States (OAS)

Academic Scholarships Program
Deadline: early March annually

The OAS offers academic scholarships for study or research at the Master’s or Ph.D. level that lead to a degree at a university or educational institution in an OAS Member State, except within Canada (the nominating country). Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Canada. Value: The value of the scholarship is US$30,000 (maximum) per academic year.

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Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS)

Graduate Fellowships
Deadline: not available for 2016

Graduate Fellowships are available on an annual basis to outstanding Masters and Ph.D. students at the Institute's four collaborating universities: University of British Columbia, University of Northern British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria. Fellowships are valued at $18,500 per year for Masters students and $21,000 per year for Ph.D. students.

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Pacific Northwest Shell Club

Scholarship Awards
Deadline: April 1

These grants are intended to promote and encourage the scientific study of Pacific Northwest molluscan life – marine, freshwater and terrestrial. A candidate must be a currently enrolled graduate student, a post-doctoral researcher or a supervised third or fourth year undergraduate student at a university or college located within one of the United States Pacific Northwest coastal states of Washington, Oregon, Alaska, or of the Canadian Province of British Columbia. They must be actively pursuing a project of merit that is in keeping with the purpose of the grant. The research should be malacological in nature and advance our understanding of mollusks or their role in their environment. Value: The amount of individual scholarship awards may vary, depending upon the merits of the project, the number of worthy applicants and the current financial holdings of the club. No award will exceed US$1500.

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Philanthropic Educational Organization

International Peace Scholarship Fund
Deadline: Likely December

The International Peace Scholarship Fund, established in 1949, is a program which provides scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada. Members of the P.E.O. believe that education is fundamental to world peace and understanding.

An applicant must be a female student who is qualified for admission to full-time graduate study and working toward a graduate degree in an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada.
A student who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada is not eligible. Note: A student with residency for tax purposes only is permitted.
Scholarships are not given for online courses, research, internships or for practical training if not combined with coursework.
In order to qualify for her first scholarship, an applicant must have a full year of coursework remaining, be enrolled and in residence for the entire school year.
Doctoral students who have completed coursework and are working only on dissertations are not eligible as first-time applicants.

Please see the PEO website for complete eligibility requirements.

P.E.O. Scholar Awards
Deadline: Likely November

The P.E.O. Scholar Awards are one-time, competitive, merit-based awards intended to recognize and encourage academic excellence and achievement by women in doctoral-level programs. These awards provide partial support for study and research.

P.E.O. Scholars have demonstrated their ability to make significant contributions in their chosen field of study, having assumed leadership positions in university academics, scientific research, medicine, law, performing arts, international economics, history, literature, government and other demanding fields.

To be eligible for a P.E.O. Scholar Award, you must meet the following requirements:

be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada
have earned, at minimum, a bachelor's degree
be a female student that is within two years of graduating from a doctoral program and have at least one full academic year of work remaining in August of the year you are awarded
be enrolled in full-time doctoral-level study at an accredited U.S. or Canadian post-secondary institution during the entire academic year of the award

Please see the PEO website for complete eligibility requirements.

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Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline: Likely January

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Program will help shape researchers into engaged leaders who are conscious of the impact of their research, connected to the realities of the communities in which they work, and open to non-conventional forms of knowledge. The Foundation is seeking candidates who are audacious, original, and forward-thinking.

Up to 16 doctoral Scholars are selected each year and receive generous funding for their studies in addition to leadership training in the context of Brave Spaces. This scholarship program supports doctoral students pursing research in one or more of the Foundation’s Four Themes: Human Rights and Dignity, Responsible Citizenship, Canada and the World, and People and their Natural Environment.

Save Our Seas Foundation

Keystone Grants
Deadline: May 31

The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) is committed to protecting our oceans by funding and supporting research, conservation and education projects worldwide, focusing primarily on charismatic threatened wildlife and their habitats. Only projects concerned with marine chondrichthyan species (sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes and chimaeras) will be considered. The funding cycle is biennial, with the grant application window opening in even years (2016, 2018, 2020, etc.), and the grant covering the period from March 2017 to June 2018, for example. Funds are allocated on an annual basis, with the option to apply for continued funding every year. The usual project duration is limited to three years. Grants average $25,000 USD per annum.

Small Grants
Deadline: May 31

This grant is designed for short (12- to 18-month) and small (grants average US$5,000) projects dedicated to early career scientists (within five years of a degree being awarded). Aimed at original and innovative start-up projects, the grant presents early career scientists, conservationists or educators with an opportunity to prove themselves. It targets local projects conducted by local project leaders. Whether or not the project is part of a larger endeavour, SOSF Small Grants are for specific and finite projects. Only projects concerned with marine chondrichthyan species (sharks, rays, skates, sawfishes and chimaeras) will be considered.

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Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada

Graduate Student Award of Merit
Deadline: January 2017

At least three awards, each in the amount of $3000, will be awarded annually to the women graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the university or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records. Eligibility rotates within a designated region: Western provinces are eligible for 2017. Each university in the designated region may nominate, through the Dean of Graduate Studies or her/his delegate, one person for the award.

SWAAC Student Leadership Award
Deadline: January 2018

Women who have completed a prior credential at either the college or university level and are registered at any Member Institution of CIC (Colleges and Institutes Canada) within a designated region are eligible to be nominated. Eligibility rotates within a designated region: Western provinces are eligible for 2018. Each college in the designated region may nominate, through the Vice-President Academic or her/his delegate, one person for the award.

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Soroptimist Foundation of Canada

Canadian Women Graduate Students
Deadline: January 2017

The Soroptimist Foundation of Canada annually offers several $7,500 grants to female graduate students in Canada to assist them with university studies which will qualify them for careers which will improve the quality of women's lives.

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Tai Hung Fai Charitable Foundation

Edwin S.H. Leong CSC UBC Ph.D. Scholarship
Deadline: Likely August

Renewable doctoral scholarships of $35,000 per year for up to four years are offered annually by the Tai Hung Fai Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the China Scholarship Council (CSC). As an UBC alumnus and internationalist, Dr. Edwin S.H. Leong recognizes the importance of global collaboration. To be considered, candidates must be citizens of the mainland of the People's Republic of China who demonstrate academic excellence and who are undertaking Ph.D. research at either of the University of British Columbia campuses, in one of the following areas: health, natural sciences, natural resources, economics or business. Financial need may also be taken into consideration. Furthermore, a Leong Scholar should not only be a person of high intellect but a well-rounded person of sound character. Renewal of scholarship funding for up to the full four years is conditional upon recipients making satisfactory progress in their studies.

The scholarships provide a stipend of $35,000 per year, partially funded by the China Scholarship Council ($26,400) and partially funded by the Tai Hung Fai Foundation ($8,600).

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Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Vanier Scholarship
September 2

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program is designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by supporting students who demonstrate both leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health-related fields. The Vanier CGS is valued at $50,000 per year for up to three years.

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W. Garfield Weston Foundation/WCS Canada

W. Garfield Weston Fellowship Program

With generous support from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, WCS Canada is able to award annual fellowships to graduate students to support field research relevant to WCS Canada’s conservation objectives at our two long-term conservation sites: the boreal region of northern Ontario (IOF relevance: research on lake sturgeon and "thriving populations of iconic fish") and the northern boreal mountains of Yukon and British Columbia (IOF relevance: "longest-distance migration of salmon in the world").

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World Wildlife Fund

Russell E. Train Fellowships

Russell E. Train Fellowships support individuals pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in conservation. Each year, WWF supports committed conservationists from target countries to receive financial support for their studies and field research. Applicants can apply to attend any university around the world and must return to their home countries to work in conservation for at least two years after completing their degree.

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