Introduction
Are you an ambitious student dreaming of pursuing graduate studies in one of the world’s top universities? Look no further than the 2025 UBC Killam Scholarship in Canada. Offered by the University of British Columbia (UBC), this prestigious scholarship provides full financial support for exceptional graduate students from around the world.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the UBC Killam Scholarship — including eligibility, benefits, application steps, tips for writing a winning statement, and why studying in Canada could be a life-changing decision. Let’s dive in.
About the University of British Columbia (UBC)
The University of British Columbia is one of Canada’s leading academic institutions, consistently ranked among the top 40 universities globally. Located in Vancouver and Kelowna, UBC is known for its academic excellence, world-class research, and a diverse, inclusive community of students and scholars.
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Global Ranking: Top 40 in the QS World University Rankings.
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Campuses: UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan.
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International Students: Over 18,000 from 160+ countries.
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Fields of Study: Engineering, Science, Medicine, Arts, Law, Education, and more.
What Is the UBC Killam Scholarship?
The UBC Killam Scholarship is one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships available for graduate students at UBC. It is funded through a generous bequest from the Killam Trusts and is awarded to outstanding doctoral students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for research.
Types of Killam Awards at UBC:
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Killam Doctoral Scholarships
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Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
In this post, we’ll focus on the Killam Doctoral Scholarship for graduate students enrolling in 2025.
2025 UBC Killam Scholarship Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | UBC Killam Doctoral Scholarship |
| Institution | University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada |
| Level of Study | Doctoral (PhD) |
| Scholarship Duration | Up to 2 years (renewable annually) |
| Scholarship Value | $30,000 per year + tuition coverage |
| Application Deadline | September 2024 (for 2025 intake) |
| Application Fee | None (for scholarship consideration) |
Benefits of the UBC Killam Scholarship
Receiving the Killam Scholarship is not just about financial aid — it’s a stepping stone to academic excellence and international recognition.
✅ Full Financial Support
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Annual stipend of $30,000
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Partial or full coverage of tuition fees
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Additional $2,000 allowance for research-related travel
✅ Prestige & Career Boost
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Join a legacy of global scholars and researchers
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Increased opportunity for postdoctoral funding
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Access to international academic conferences
✅ Campus Privileges
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Priority access to UBC housing
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Access to elite research facilities and mentorship programs
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Integration into UBC’s Graduate Student Society (GSS)
Eligibility Criteria for 2025
To be eligible for the 2025 UBC Killam Scholarship, applicants must:
✔️ Be Admitted to UBC:
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Be a full-time student enrolling in a doctoral (PhD) program at UBC in 2025.
✔️ Demonstrate Academic Excellence:
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A minimum A-grade average in the last two years of study.
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Strong academic transcripts, publications, and research experience.
✔️ Showcase Leadership and Community Involvement:
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Leadership roles in community, academic, or extracurricular activities.
✔️ Meet English Language Requirements:
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TOEFL, IELTS, or other recognized English proficiency tests (if applicable).
Eligible Fields of Study
You can apply for the Killam Scholarship in virtually any field of study offered at UBC, including:
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Environmental Science & Climate Change
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Engineering (All Disciplines)
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Medicine & Public Health
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Business & Economics
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Artificial Intelligence & Computer Science
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Law & Political Science
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Education, Psychology, and Social Sciences
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Indigenous Studies and Global Development
How to Apply for the UBC Killam Scholarship 2025
Here’s a step-by-step guide to submitting a strong application:
1. Choose Your Program
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Explore UBC’s doctoral programs at www.grad.ubc.ca/programs
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Identify your supervisor and research interests
2. Apply to UBC Graduate School
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Submit an online application to UBC for Fall 2025 intake
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Ensure all documents are submitted before the program deadline
3. Submit the Killam Application
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Indicate your intent to apply for Killam funding in your UBC application
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Upload a statement of interest, CV, academic references, and research proposal
4. Interview (If Required)
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Some departments may invite you for an online interview
5. Wait for Notification
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Results are typically announced by Spring 2025
Tips to Win the UBC Killam Scholarship
Here’s how to make your application stand out:
✍️Write a Powerful Statement
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Clearly outline your academic goals, research vision, and leadership impact.
🧠 Highlight Academic Excellence
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Mention honors, awards, GPA, publications, and previous scholarships.
🌍 Show Leadership & Impact
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Include volunteer work, community service, or professional achievements.
📝 Get Strong Recommendations
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Ask referees who know your academic and research potential very well.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada is known for its world-class education, multicultural society, and welcoming immigration policies.
📚 Academic Excellence
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Home to top universities recognized globally.
🌎 Post-Graduation Opportunities
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Get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years.
❤️ Safe & Diverse Community
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Vibrant, inclusive campuses and cities.
💼 Pathway to Permanent Residency
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Many scholarships, including Killam, lead to long-term settlement opportunities in Canada.
FAQs About the 2025 UBC Killam Scholarship
🔹 Is this scholarship open to international students?
Yes! Both Canadian and international students can apply.
🔹 Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
No. You must indicate your interest in Killam funding during your UBC admission application.
🔹 Can Master’s students apply?
Only doctoral (PhD) students are eligible.
🔹 What’s the deadline?
Most programs have internal deadlines by September–October 2024. Confirm with your department.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 UBC Killam Scholarship is more than just a scholarship — it’s an opportunity to join a legacy of scholars shaping the future. With full financial support, access to world-class research facilities, and the chance to live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, the Killam Doctoral Scholarship is a game-changer for your academic journey.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t wait — start preparing your application today and take the first step toward an extraordinary future at the University of British Columbia.