IOF is constantly looking for funding and award opportunities for its students. IOF does not endorse these opportunities, but makes information about them available for students to explore.
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.
International Scholarship Program
AKF ISP awards are structured as half grant and half loan – where you need to repay 50 percent of the award amount. Scholarships for Master’s studies are granted for the entire duration of the degree course. For PhD students, scholarships are awarded for the first two years, after which you are expected to find funding from alternative sources.
The award covers tuition expenses and student living expenses. It does not cover, for example, the cost of international travel, clothing, furniture, or living expenses for family members.
In order to maintain an AKF ISP award, you need to demonstrate good academic standing, as well as ongoing financial need, during the course of your postgraduate programme.
Deadline: Opens January 1, Deadline usually March 31
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.
Raymond L. Lindeman Award
Deadline: Early February annually
This annual award recognizes an outstanding paper young aquatic scientist, dealing with the aquatic sciences. Nominated papers must be written in English and have a journal publication year prior to or within four years of the primary author earning a PhD. The paper must be published in a peer-reviewed journal two years before the award year (e.g., 2022 award will be presented for work published in 2020). The nominee must be first author if there is more than one author. Nominations may be made by any ASLO member, with the exception of the authors, or members of ASLO Executive, Board, or Award Committees. This award is for an individual.
Raelyn Cole Editorial Fellowship
Deadline: Early February annually
The Raelyn Cole Editorial Fellowship was established to contribute to the development of early career aquatic scientists and their outreach to peers in the context of scientific publishing, including open-access publishing, peer review, and writing. Fellows get exposure to all, and experience in most, aspects of the publishing process. The skills developed are aimed to enhance the Fellows’ research careers and future contributions to journals as peer reviewers and editorial board members. The Fellows also undertake activities to share their learning and experiences with the scientific community, particularly other early-career researchers, via a range of outreach activities. The Fellows serve a two year period working with the Editors of ASLO journals, currently Limnology and Oceanography: Letters.
Canadian Northern Studies Trust (CNST) Awards
Deadline: end of January annually
The Canadian Northern Studies Trust (CNST) offers one scholarship valued at $10,000 available to students who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada presently enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian university. This award supports any researcher engaged in research culminating in a thesis or equivalent, including interdisciplinary and comparative studies.
Dr. Jim McDonald Scholarship for Northern Research
Deadline: end of January annually
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 Indigenous collaboration will be given special consideration, as will those that can demonstrate a specific focus to their project.
Dr. Weston Blake Jr Memorial Doctoral Scholarship
Deadline: end of January annually
The award supports graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities relevant to Canada’s north and its inhabitants that culminates in a thesis or equivalent. Community-based-research, interdisciplinary research and local Indigenous collaboration will be given special consideration, as will those that can demonstrate specific focus and contribution to the North.
The Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) offers one scholarship valued at $10,000 available to students who are citizens or permanent residents of Canada presently enrolled in a doctoral program at a Canadian university.
Kay and Peter McGeer Scholarship for Northern Research
Deadline: end of January annually
The Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS), with the support of the family of the late Kay and Peter McGeer, is sponsoring one scholarship valued at $3,000 for Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada currently enrolled in graduate studies at a Canadian University.
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
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
Deadline: mid-March annually
Value: $17,500 (one-year, non renewable). The objective of the BC NEIHR Master's Scholarship program is to help develop research skills and assist in the training of Indigenous (Fist Nations, Métis or Inuit) Master’s students in British Columbia (BC) institutions, who demonstrate achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies and partnership potential with Indigenous communities, collectives and organizations.
Doctoral Scholarship Program
Deadline: beginning of March annually
Value: $35,000 (one-year, non renewable). The objective of the BC NEIHR Doctoral Scholarship program is to help develop research skills and assist in the training of Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) doctoral students in BC institutions, who demonstrate achievement in early graduate studies and partnership potential with Indigenous communities, collectives and organizations.
Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
Deadline: beginning of March annually
Value: $70,000 (one-year, non-renewable). The objective of the BC NEIHR Postdoctoral Fellowships program is to provide funding to Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) postdoctoral applicants who wish to conduct research within a BC host institution. Recipients of these fellowships demonstrate achievement in graduate studies, a research-intensive career pathway, as well as partnership potential with Indigenous communities, collectives and/or organizations.
Thesis Fellowship - Doctoral Only
One year; $6,000 (non-renewable). The BC NEIHR launches an annual competition for up to three (3) Thesis Fellowships. Each year, recipients are invited to the Gathering for Indigenous Health Research (GIHR) with other funded trainees and Indigenous communities, collectives and organizations, where they have the opportunity to present their work and speak about their participation in this fellowship program.
Research Experience Award
$5,000 (short-term, non-renewable). Rolling, no deadline. This award is intended to support Indigenous graduate students in BC who have partnered with an Indigenous community, collective or organization (ICCO) to engage in a wellness-related research project that is mutually beneficial. Partnerships can form in response to a placement advertised by BC NEIHR or can be a pre-existing relationship. Applicants must be studying in and conducting research in British Columbia institution. Applicants must also have an academic mentor at an CIHR BC-based eligible institution for funds to be transferred.
CSEE Excellence in Doctoral Research Award
Deadline: Applications for the Excellence in Doctoral Research Award open annually on November 30th and are due on February 1st (or the next business day).
The CSEE Excellence in Doctoral Research Award showcases excellent Ph.D. student research in ecology and evolution from society members. These awards seek to recognize the high quality of work being conducted by student members of CSEE, while also seeking to celebrate the diversity of applicants themselves, research topics, regions, and institution type/size. The selection committee will consider applications through the lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Five awardees will receive a $600 award and an invitation to present their doctoral research during the Graduate Student Award Symposium at the annual CSEE meeting. In addition, awardees are eligible to receive up to $1,200 allowance to assist with travel and participation in the annual CSEE meeting. For example, childcare services are considered an eligible expense for the allowance.
Avian Conservation Award
Deadline: March 1
The Avian Conservation Award (previously the James L. Baillie Student Research Award up to 2024) is open to any student undertaking ornithological research that will make a substantial contribution towards the conservation of birds in Canada. Funds are granted for student stipend, research or travel costs associated with the project. The award is funded with revenue generated by participants of Birds Canada’s Birdathon and is administered by SCO-SOC. A single award of up to $2000 is made annually.
Fred Cooke Student Award
Deadline: March 1
The Fred Cooke Award is offered jointly by Birds Canada and administered by SCO-SOC to honour the contributions of Professor Fred Cooke to Canadian ornithology by supporting ornithological conference travel or research activities by a student conducting research on birds that occur in Canada. The Award shall be for travel to ornithological conferences at which the student will make an oral or poster presentation, or research activities related to their project. A single award of up to $1000 is made annually.
Taverner Awards
Deadline: March 1
Taverner Awards are offered by the SCO-SOC to honour Percy A. Taverner and to further his accomplishments in increasing the knowledge of Canadian birds through research, conservation, and public education. The awards are aimed at people with limited or no access to major funding, regardless of professional status, who are undertaking ornithological work in Canada. Two awards of up to $2,000 each are made annually.
Student Discovery Award
Deadline: March 1
The SCO-SOC is committed to removing barriers and promoting diversity and inclusion within the ornithology community in Canada. The Student Discovery Award is offered to students who self-identify as being from equity-denied groups, including but not limited to: visible minorities (e.g., Black, Indigenous, and/or members of other racialized groups), minority sexual orientations or gender identities (e.g., 2SLGBTQIA+), and individuals with disabilities. You do not need to disclose which equity-seeking group(s) you belong to during the application, but you are welcome to do so if you wish. Awards may be used for professional development, conference travel or research. Download the terms of reference for the Student Discovery Award.
T. W. M. Cameron Outstanding Ph.D. Thesis Award
Deadline: August 15 annually
This is an annual award, established by the Canadian Society of Zoologists to recognize the author of an outstanding Ph. D. Thesis 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 conference. He/she will be presented with a commemorative scroll at the time. In order to facilitate attendance of the recipient at the meeting, reasonable expenses for air travel at minimum rates and all accommodation and meals at the meeting will be paid by the Society, up to a maximum of $1,500.
L. Margolis Scholarship
Deadline: June 1
Award: Scroll and cash award of $500. This scholarship has been established as a memorial to Dr. Leo Margolis, an internationally preeminent parasitologist and a staunch supporter of the Canadian Society of Zoologists since its inception in 1961. The competition for the scholarship is 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 fish or fisheries biology.
Science Outreach Award
Deadline: June 1
This award is intended to recognize efforts toward increased public awareness of, and/or education about, environmental, biological or zoological topics through science communication and/or outreach efforts broadly conceived. Science advocacy is also recognized independently and need not be an additional requirement. This may include but is not limited to in-person events, online forums including social media outlets, and legacy media outlets. Science advocacy may also be considered within the fields of the society. The award comprises a $300 cash prize and a scroll.
CPB Student/PDF Research Grant
This award will assist student and post-doctoral members of the CPB section with expenses incurred during visits to other laboratories, research facilities, field stations or sites to conduct zoological research. The intention is to support ancillary research activities that will supplement and enhance the applicant’s core research program, and applications of this type will be given priority over those to fund core research, which is normally the responsibility of the applicant’s supervisor and/or funding agency. Cash award of up to $500.
CSZ Conference Travel Grants
This award provides funds to selected students or postdocs intended to offset costs of travel to/from the Annual Meeting of the CSZ. The amount the award is subject to available funds and will typically consider the distance traveled.
PDF Travel Award to Annual CSZ Meeting
This award is to assist post-doctoral fellows (PDFs) with expenses associated with attending the CSZ Annual Meeting. This is a need-based travel award and preference will be given based on distance to the meeting and to PDFs outside of Canada. Cash award of up to $500.
William S. Hoar Award
The Award is given for the best student talk at the Annual Conference of the Society, and is intended to encourage and acknowledge excellence in scientific research and communication by students. Cash prize (currently $500) and a scroll.
Mick Burt Award (PIE)
The Mick Burt Award is a $300 prize award for an outstanding student poster presentation presented at the Annual Conference of the Canadian Society of Zoologists. It is intended to encourage excellence in scientific research and communication by students and is presented by the Parasitism, Immunity and Environment (PIE) Section.
A. Murray Fallis Award (PIE)
The Murray Fallis Prize is a $300 prize awarded for an outstanding student presentation at the annual meeting. It is funded through the Murray Fallis Fund of the Zoological Education Trust.
Brian K. Hall Award (CMDB)
The Award is given for the best oral presentation by a student on a topic in comparative morphology, development, and behaviour at the Annual Meeting. The recipient currently receives an award of $400.
George F. Holeton Prize (CPB)
The G. F. Holeton Prize is given for the most outstanding student poster presentation in the Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry (CPB) Section at the Annual Conference of the CSZ. The prize is intended to encourage and acknowledge excellence in scientific research and communication by students. The recipient currently receives an award of $400.
H.I. Battle Award
The Battle Award is given for the most outstanding student poster at the Annual Conference of the CSZ. The prize is intended to encourage and acknowledge excellence in scientific research and communication by students from all levels.The recipient currently receives an award of $500.
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.
Elizabeth Henry Scholarship for Communities and Environmental Health
Deadline: May 12
The Elizabeth Henry Scholarship for Communities and Environmental Health supports graduate students working on research projects in partnership with one or more Indigenous and/or non-Indigenous British Columbia communities that are addressing air quality, environmental health issues and/or promoting environmental sustainability through cooperative initiatives. A scholarship of $4,000 is offered in 2025, with the possibility of a second, smaller scholarship as funds allow.
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. Scholarships are available to students enrolled in a fish culture or natural resource management program within a recognized post-secondary educational institution in British Columbia.
BC Indigenous Student Award
Deadline: beginning of April
Indigenous Student Awards: $1000-$5000 (renewable annually) for students pursuing trades training, apprenticeship, diploma, certificates, degree or post-degree programs.
Scholarship for Canadian Women
Deadline: Mid-April
Any female Canadian citizen currently enrolled in and pursuing a Ph.D. program is eligible to apply. Permanent Residents are NOT eligible for this award. You do not have to be a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation of Canada to apply. You also do not have to be a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity to apply.
L'Oreal Women in Science - Canada National Fellowship
Must be female Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Candidates for this fellowship program must conduct their research at a Canadian host institution/organization. Life & Physical Sciences Fields research eligible. Five annual endowments.
Open Scholarship
Deadline: February annually
The Open Scholarship is available to graduates of Canadian universities who pursue graduate study in any discipline, in Canada or elsewhere. One Open Scholarship is awarded each year. The value has recently been about $12,000 but it is subject to change.
Travelling Scholarship
Deadline: February annually
The Travelling Scholarship is available to graduates of Canadian universities who pursue graduate study in the United States or the United Kingdom in the areas of international relations or industrial relations. Recently four scholarships of $13,500 each have been awarded annually, but the number and the amount are subject to change.
Globalink Research Award
Must be registered as full-time senior undergraduates, graduate students, or postdoctoral fellows at an eligible Canadian institution or eligible international institution and remain as such throughout their Globalink Research Award. Under the joint supervision of a home and host professor, successful senior undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows can do one or two 12-24 weeks internship(s). Each intern will receive $6,000 per internship unit (IU)
Grants
Deadline: End of February
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. However, it is very competitive indeed with only around 12% of applicants receiving a grant. Grants will be awarded based on their ability to meet criteria pre-determined by the Species Fund, and are for maximum of $25,000 for each project.
Grant and Investments
Assorted projects and deadlines
The National Geographic Society warmly welcomes and encourages applicants from historically and currently underrepresented and underserved populations to apply. National Geographic is committed to funding a diverse and globally representative cohort of Explorers. The National Geographic Society does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, or disability.
Depending on the project they are funding, applicants will either are need to have advanced degrees (Ph.D. or equivalent), or not, though all will be required to show a commensurate level of expertise and experience.
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.
Student Scholarship and Bursaries
First Nation (status or non-status) member of a B.C. First Nation Community and planning to attend university, college, skilled trades, and technology programs full-time at an accredited post-secondary institution anywhere in the world. The annual intake and approval process will open each calendar year in May and close August 1st.
Graduate Student Research Awards
Deadline: February annually
NPRB offers a competitive Graduate Student Research Award in the amount of $26,000 to qualified Master’s and Doctoral level students. Students must be accepted by, or enrolled in, a graduate degree program at an accredited university or college by the time of application. Applicants must have a graduate research topic relevant to the research themes and issues identified in the 2018 NPRB Science Plan.
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 $10,000 USD for one academic year minimum, renewable for an additional year
Scholarship Awards
Deadline: April 1
The Pacific Northwest Shell Club offers an annual scholarship to students who are doing research which involves mollusks in the Pacific Northwest. Students must be currently enrolled graduate students or post-doctoral researchers at a university within the Pacific Northwest or their associated marine centers. The research should include mollusks in some way to advance our understanding of mollusks or their role in their environment. Scholarship recipients will be expected to either present a program to the club describing their results, or provide an article for the newsletter. Their dissertation, or resulting publication, will be included in our club's library.
International Peace Scholarship Fund
Deadline: mid-December
The International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund provides scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate study in the U.S. or Canada. The scholarship is based upon demonstrated need; however, the award is not intended to cover all academic or personal expenses. At the time of application, the applicant is required to indicate additional financial resources adequate to meet her estimated expenses. Examples of additional resources are personal and family funds, tuition waivers, work, scholarships, teaching assistantships, study grants and other scholarships. The maximum amount awarded to a student is $12,500. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual needs.
Educational Loan Fund
The P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund (ELF) is a loan fund established in 1907 to lend money to qualified women students to assist them in securing a higher education. The maximum loan amounts are $12,000 for an accredited non-degree program or an associate degree; $15,000 for bachelor’s degree programs; $20,000 for master’s degree programs; and $25,000 for doctoral degree programs.
Scholar Awards
The P.E.O. Scholar Awards (PSA) was established in 1991 to provide substantial merit-based awards for women of the U.S. and Canada who are pursuing a doctoral-level degree at an accredited college or university. The maximum award amount is $25,000. The Scholar Award is a one-time, competitive, merit-based award is intended to recognize and encourage academic excellence and achievement by women in doctoral-level programs. In addition to recognizing and encouraging excellence in higher education, these awards provide partial support for study and research for women who will make significant contributions in their varied fields of endeavor. All applicants are nominated by a local P.E.O. chapter.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Program
Deadline: Usually the end of November
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship program is for students at the doctoral level only. The Foundation does not offer funding for undergraduate or Master's programs. However, you can apply if you are in your last year of your Master’s program or the first two years of your doctoral program. The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a three-year program. Scholars are expected to participate in Foundation events and activities over the course of the three years. Often, even after the three years, the community of Scholars will continue connecting. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholars receive: Up to $50,000 per year for three years to cover tuition and reasonable living expenses to support Scholars to focus on their doctoral studies and the Foundation's programs; Up to $20,000 per year for three years, as a research, networking, and travel allowance related to the Scholar's doctoral research and the Foundation’s programs; and Membership in a vibrant community of Scholars, Mentors, and Fellows, all of whom are leaders in their respective disciplines and sectors, and lifelong membership in the Foundation’s alumni network.
Keystone Grants
Applications open in April
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 threatened marine 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 (2024, 2026, 2028, etc.), and the grant covering the period from March 2025 to June 2026, 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
Applications open in May
The Small Grant is designed for short (12- to 18-months) and small projects (grants average US$5,000) 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.
Ocean Storytelling Grant
New emerging Ocean Storytelling Grant, which will focuses on photography and writing on alternating years.The funding cycle is annual and the grant will cover the period from March to June the following year, for example. Funds are allocated on an annual basis and include a day rate for a shoot lasting 3–4 weeks, logistical costs, a year of mentorship and a cash prize.
SOSF Conservation Fellowship
The SOSF Conservation Fellowship is intended to provide financial support to individuals working on shark and ray conservation projects to help retain and develop their expertise within the field. These funds are intended to be used to cover the living costs of the grantee, not any project costs. For each fellowship, the amount awarded will be USD 8,000 per year over two years. Fellowships will be available to previous SOSF grantees from developing regions, with three fellowships awarded every two years, one for each of central/south America, Africa, and Asia.
Graduate Student Award of Merit
At least four awards, each in the amount of $4,000, 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.
Women registered in Master’s or PhD programs at any Member Institution of Universities Canada within a designated region are eligible to be nominated. Regions and number of awards are defined as follows, and eligibility shall rotate among them:
- Western Provinces (2028) – 4 awards
- Quebec (2025) – 4 awards
- Atlantic Provinces (2026) – 4 awards
- Ontario (2027) – 5 awards
SWAAC Student Leadership Award
At least two awards, each in the amount of $4,000, will be awarded annually to the women students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the college or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records.
Women who are registered at any Member Institution of CIC (Colleges and Institutes Canada) within a designated region are eligible to be nominated. Regions are defined as follows, and eligibility shall rotate among them:
- Western Provinces (2028) – 4 awards
- Quebec (2025) – 4 awards
- Atlantic Provinces (2026) – 4 awards
- Ontario (2027) – 5 awards
Student Award in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
An award, in the amount of $4,000, will be given annually to a woman university or college student * who advances equity, diversity and inclusion within and/or outside their institution through outstanding dedication and excellence or community outreach and activism. Students should demonstrate an exceptional commitment to and engagement with a particular issue of social justice, community, and/or community organization. Such community activism can take place on or off campus. Regions are defined as follows, and eligibility shall rotate among them:
- Western Provinces (2028) – 4 awards
- Quebec (2025) – 4 awards
- Atlantic Provinces (2026) – 4 awards
- Ontario (2027) – 5 awards
Robert H. Peters Award
Deadline: May 15 annually
The Robert H. Peters Award recognizes the best aquatic sciences paper published in the preceding year by a Canadian student or a student working in Canada. The student must be an undergraduate or graduate student and must be first author on the publication. The value of the award is $500 and a complimentary one-year membership to the Society of Canadian Aquatic Sciences. The award is presented at the annual Society meeting at which time the awardee presents a summary of their paper.
Clemens-Rigler Travel Award
Deadline to apply is November 20
Eligible recipients of the Clemens-Rigler Travel Award include graduate students registered in a Canadian university and Early Career Researchers who are presenting either a poster or an oral presentation at the SCAS annual meeting. SCAS now budgets for at least 25 awards at $500 each.
SCB Graduate Student Research Fellowship Awards
Deadline: August 30
SCB is excited to offer ten Graduate Student Research Awards to support students whose research advances the science and practice of conserving Earth's biodiversity. The ten $1,000 awards support travel, materials or equipment for graduate student members to conduct field research in conservation science.
Grants for Women Graduate Students
Deadline: end of January
The Soroptimist Foundation of Canada annually offers several $8,500 grants to female graduate students in Canada who are pursuing careers that focus on improving the quality of women’s lives. Examples of such careers include, but are not limited to providing medical services, providing legal counselling and assistance, counselling mature women entering or re-entering the labour market, counselling women in crisis, counselling and training women for non-traditional employment, and positions in women’s centres.
Edwin S.H. Leong CSC UBC PhD Scholarship
Deadline: Likely October
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 PhD 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).
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
October is deadline for institutions to submit nominations to the Vanier CGS program.
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program helps Canadian institutions attract highly qualified doctoral students.The scholarship is valued at $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies. Candidates are considered in three equally weighted selection criteria: Academic Excellence, Research Potential, and Leadership (potential and demonstrated ability). Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada and foreign citizens are eligible to be nominated for a Vanier CGS.
Weston Family Foundation, Boreal Research Fellowships
With generous support from the Weston Family Foundation, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Canada is pleased to offer one-year Boreal Research Fellowships to graduate students pursuing their Master's or Doctoral degree. Successful applicants will receive financial support for their projects, mentorship from WCS Canada scientists, and an opportunity to network with other Fellows. The Fellowships support field-based research that contributes to WCS Canada’s conservation objectives or priority research projects in the Ontario Northern Boreal and the Northern Boreal Mountains of BC and Yukon. We encourage research that partners with Indigenous communities in these regions. Boreal research that takes place outside of the priority regions that supports WCS Canada’s vision and mission may also be eligible if it aligns with the conservation and research objectives of the priority regions.
WCS Canada will award one-year Fellowships of up to $20,000 each. Recipients of Weston Family Boreal Research Fellowships will be expected to report on their projects through verbal and written reports, plain-language summaries, and an online webinar series, and are encouraged to participate in mentorship opportunities on science communication, policy, conservation, and knowledge sharing and co-creation with Indigenous communities.
First Nations Women Transforming Conservation Fellowship
First Nations women are at the forefront of conservation and stewardship. This fellowship aims to support leaders by expanding their professional experiences within the conservation movement. Together with the Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI), Wildlife Conservation Society Canada is offering two one-year fellowships to support First Nations women leaders in conservation.
The First Nations Women Transforming Conservation Fellowship recognizes the critical leadership of Indigenous women in renewing, mobilizing, and sharing knowledge pivotal to the conservation of healthy lands and waters, and aims to create spaces where these leaders can build relationships, find mentorship, enhance their impact, and experience learning opportunities that align with their values.
Fellows will receive:
- A stipend from an organization based on reserve, as well as coverage for work-related travel and eligible expenses.
- Mentorship from Indigenous women leaders and their allies in conservation, stewardship, education, politics, or community advocacy.
- Opportunities for training, networking, and community-building.
Bullitt Environmental Fellowship
Deadline: May 16, 2025
The $100,000 Bullitt Prize is awarded annually based on the following eligibility:
- An individual 35 years or younger,
- From an underrepresented group
- From Washington state (or the Pacific Northwest region if their work impacts Washington)
- Have demonstrated academic, professional, or grassroots leadership that advances the conservation and environmental justice movement
The goal is to broaden, strengthen, and diversify the current and future leadership of the environmental movement by investing in emerging leaders advancing conservation and environmental justice efforts in the Pacific Northwest.
Russell E. Train Fellowships
Deadline: Mid-December
WWF Food Systems Fellowship
WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) invites applications from aspiring and experienced researchers, practitioners, and leaders to pursue graduate-level studies (master’s and PhD) geared towards research that cultivates a better understanding of the place-based nature of food systems and transformation. There is substantial evidence at the global scale of the urgent need for food system transformation, but less attention has been paid to how transformations toward more healthy and sustainable food systems might play out at the national level.
The aim of the Food Systems Fellowship is to support outstanding master’s or doctoral students to develop evidence-based, innovative, and interdisciplinary research on food systems at the national level to catalyze the process of generating an improved understanding of the country-specific nature of food systems and transformation. Fellows will also have an opportunity to join the expansive global community of EFN alumni to enable knowledge exchange and collective success. Applicants may apply for up to two years of funding and request up to $30,000 per year. The amount of funding approved will vary.
The fellowship is open to nationals of eligible countries within WWF-US priority areas who are already enrolled/are interested in enrolling in a master’s or PhD program. Eligible countries include: Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Dem. Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Fiji, French Guiana, Gabon, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Republic of Congo, Suriname, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia.
WWF Current and Aspiring University Faculty Fellowship
To strengthen local capacity in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and Caribbean, WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) seeks to support current and aspiring faculty members to pursue their PhD in-country, regionally, or globally. The objective of this competitive fellowship is to advance the development of a critical mass of outstanding and well-trained experts, natural and social scientists, and practitioners who will continue to increase the learning, research, and engagement in conservation science and leadership. Applicants may apply for up to three years of funding and request up to $30,000 per year. The amount of funding approved will vary.
The fellowship is open to nationals of eligible countries within WWF-US priority areas who are already enrolled/are interested in enrolling in a PhD program. Eligible countries include: Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Colombia, Dem. Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Fiji, French Guiana, Gabon, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Republic of Congo, Suriname, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia.