$60,000 KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025 Canada | University of British Columbia (UBC)

KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025 Canada

Are you considering advancing your academic career through a postdoctoral research opportunity? Great news for international students! The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is currently accepting applications for the year 2025. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the details of this prestigious fellowship, highlighting its numerous benefits, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step process required to apply for it.

The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is a unique and valuable opportunity for scholars seeking to undertake advanced research in Canada. With generous financial support and a focus on promoting academic and professional growth, this fellowship allows postdoctoral researchers to pursue their studies at one of the world’s leading institutions. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this incredible opportunity.

Overview of the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, which will run for the period 2025-2026, is open to international scholars who wish to further their research in Canada. This fellowship provides a significant annual stipend of $60,000 for a maximum of two years, as well as a travel research allowance of $4,000 over the course of the two years. It is awarded by the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies, a fund created in memory of Izaak Walton Killam, a Canadian philanthropist, and his wife, Dorothy Johnston Killam.

The Killam family established this fellowship with a goal to support advanced education and research at Canadian universities. The fellowship is open to scholars across a wide array of academic disciplines, ensuring that the most talented researchers are able to benefit from this generous funding.

The program embodies the Killam family’s vision of encouraging the development of learning, fostering innovation, and promoting academic distinction. Applicants are selected for their potential to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and their dedication to making meaningful research contributions in their fields.

Benefits of the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship provides an outstanding package of benefits designed to support researchers as they continue their academic journey. The fellowship offers:

• Annual Stipend: The recipient will receive a substantial annual stipend of $60,000. This amount ensures that fellows can focus on their research without worrying about financial concerns for up to two years.
• Travel Research Allowance: In addition to the stipend, the fellowship provides a research allowance of $4,000 over the course of the two years. This amount can be used for travel expenses related to the research, including conferences, fieldwork, or other research-related travel.
• Flexible Research Areas: The fellowship is open to scholars across all academic fields. Whether you are conducting research in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, or other disciplines, you can apply for this fellowship to further your studies at UBC.

These benefits make the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship one of the most competitive and generous funding options available to international postdoctoral researchers. By receiving this support, fellows can dedicate their time to advancing their research without the burden of financial constraints.

Eligibility Criteria for the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

To be eligible for the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, applicants must meet several key criteria. These include:

1. Language Requirements: Applicants must have a strong command of the English language, as the fellowship is conducted in English. Proficiency in English is crucial for communication, research, and collaboration within the UBC community.
2. Eligible Countries: The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is open to applicants from all countries around the world. This ensures that the fellowship is accessible to a global pool of talented researchers.
3. Previous Study Requirements: Applicants must not have previously pursued PhD-level studies at any campus of the University of British Columbia. This condition ensures that the fellowship is available to new postdoctoral researchers rather than those already established in the UBC academic community.
4. Recent PhD Completion: Applicants must have completed all requirements for their PhD within the 24 months preceding the anticipated fellowship start date. This means that applicants should have completed their doctoral studies no more than two years before they begin their postdoctoral research.
5. No Tenure-Track Position: Applicants must not currently hold a tenure-track or continuing faculty position at any university or college. However, those who currently hold temporary, term, or non-tenure track faculty appointments are eligible to apply. This criterion ensures that the fellowship is available to early-career researchers who are in the early stages of their academic careers.

How to Apply for the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

The application process for the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship involves several important steps. Below is a detailed guide on how to submit your application:

1. Prepare Your Academic Records: Begin by obtaining a copy of your original academic records. This includes your transcripts and any relevant academic certificates or qualifications.
2. Verification and Attestation: Forward the original records to your home university and request them to verify the photocopies against their official records. The university must also verify that these copies are genuine by stamping them with an official university seal. The records must be in sealed envelopes, signed by the registrar, to protect the documents.
3. Submit Documents to UBC: Once your academic records have been verified and confirmed, forward the sealed, signed envelopes to the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies at UBC. Send your submission to this address: Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies Attention: Killam Postdocs 6371 Crescent Road Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
4. Contact Information: If you have any questions or require more information about the application process, you can email the fellowship office at UBC at killam.fellowships@ubc.ca. The fellowship team will be happy to assist you with any questions you might have.
5. Official Website: For more in-depth information, visit the official website of the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. This website provides more resources, guidelines, and updates regarding the fellowship.

Key Dates and Deadlines

The deadline to apply for the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is November 2024. Applicants should initiate the application process early to ensure all required documents and forms are submitted before the deadline.

What I Love About the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

What I love most about the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is the opportunity it provides to international scholars for pursuing cutting-edge research in Canada. The fellowship not only offers an attractive financial package but also gives postdoctoral researchers the chance to contribute to the academic community at one of the world’s most prestigious universities, the University of British Columbia (UBC).

The stipend of $60,000 per year, along with the $4,000 travel research allowance, gives recipients the financial freedom to focus entirely on their research projects. Additionally, UBC’s reputation for fostering innovation and supporting research in diverse fields makes it an ideal institution for postdoctoral work. It is also an incredible opportunity for international researchers to enhance their career development by gaining valuable experience in a globally recognized research environment.

How We Found Out About the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

We came across the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship while searching for prestigious research opportunities available to international scholars in Canada. The fellowship is well-known in academic circles for its financial support and its ability to attract brilliant minds from around the world. Our research led us to discover that UBC, in partnership with the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund, has been offering these fellowships annually for many years. It’s an opportunity that many researchers dream of, as it combines financial support with the chance to make a significant contribution to their field of study.

Through detailed research and discussions with academic advisors and former recipients of the fellowship, we were able to gather comprehensive information about how the fellowship works, who is eligible, and the application process. It became evident that this is one of the most prestigious and sought-after fellowships for postdoctoral research.

What We Expect You to Learn from the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

By reading about the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, we expect that you will gain a clear understanding of how this fellowship can benefit your academic and research career. The fellowship offers much more than just financial assistance—it provides an opportunity to work alongside top researchers and academics at one of Canada’s leading universities.

We hope you will also learn about the steps involved in applying for the fellowship, including the eligibility criteria, required documents, and the application procedure. Understanding the fellowship’s requirements and benefits will help you make an informed decision about whether this is the right opportunity for your postdoctoral studies.

Next Step After Reading About the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

After reading about the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, the next step is to assess whether you meet the eligibility criteria and if the fellowship aligns with your academic goals. If you feel that this fellowship is a great fit for you, it’s important to start preparing your application materials well in advance. Ensure that you have the necessary documents, such as academic records, reference letters, and research proposals, ready for submission.

We also recommend contacting the fellowship office at UBC or visiting their official website for any updates or additional information that may assist you in your application process. Taking the initiative now will allow you to put together a strong application and increase your chances of being selected for this prestigious fellowship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

1. What is the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship? The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is a prestigious fellowship program that provides financial support to international postdoctoral researchers. It offers a stipend of $60,000 per year for up to two years, along with a travel research allowance of $4,000. The fellowship aims to support advanced education and research at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
2. Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship? The fellowship is open to international scholars who meet certain criteria, including having completed a PhD within 24 months prior to the fellowship start date. Applicants should not hold a tenure-track or continuing faculty position at a university and must have a strong command of English.
3. How long does the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship last? The fellowship lasts for a maximum of two years. The recipient will receive the annual stipend and travel research allowance for the duration of the fellowship.
4. What is the stipend amount for the fellowship? The fellowship provides an annual stipend of $60,000 for each year of the two-year program.
5. Can I apply for the fellowship if I have previously been a research postdoctoral fellow elsewhere? Yes, you can apply if you are eligible, which includes having completed your PhD within 24 months prior to the fellowship start date.
6. What is covered by the travel research allowance? The $4,000 travel research allowance can be utilized for research-related travel expenses, such as attending conferences, conducting fieldwork, or visiting collaborators.
7. How do I apply for the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship? To apply, you must submit your academic records to UBC’s Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies and ensure they are verified and attested by your home university. The application also requires a research proposal and other supporting documents.
8. Are there any other funding opportunities available for KILLAM fellows? The KILLAM fellowship is frequently awarded in addition to other funding sources. For instance, if you have a Tri-Agency award, you might receive additional funding once your external award ends.
9. Do I need to be English fluent to apply for the fellowship? Yes, applicants must demonstrate they are proficient in English since the fellowship and research are conducted in English.
10. Can I apply if I’m still in the process of completing my PhD? No, applicants must have completed all requirements for their PhD no more than 24 months prior to the fellowship start date.
11. How competitive is the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship? The fellowship is highly competitive, as it attracts some of the brightest minds from all over the globe. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic records, research potential, and a good fit with the goals of the fellowship.
12. Do I need a supervisor at UBC to apply? While having a supervisor at UBC is not a requirement to apply for the fellowship, having one can strengthen your application, as it demonstrates that you have support for your research at UBC.
13. When is the deadline to apply for the fellowship? The deadline for applications is typically in November 2024. However, applicants should check the official UBC website for specific deadline details.
14. What documents do I need to submit with my application? You will need to submit your academic records, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and any other documents requested by UBC’s Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
15. How can I improve my chances of receiving the KILLAM fellowship? To improve your chances, focus on preparing a strong research proposal, obtaining solid recommendation letters, and demonstrating a clear alignment between your research and UBC’s academic goals.
16. Is there a limit on how many times I can apply for the KILLAM fellowship? There is no specific limit on the number of times you can apply, but you must meet the eligibility criteria each time.
17. What happens if I am awarded the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship? If you are awarded the fellowship, you will receive a financial package that includes the stipend and travel research allowance. You will also begin your postdoctoral research at UBC.
18. Can I hold the KILLAM fellowship alongside other fellowships? Yes, it is possible to hold the KILLAM fellowship alongside other fellowships, provided you meet the specific conditions of the other fellowships.
19. Can I extend the fellowship for longer than two years? The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is only available for a maximum of two years, and extensions are generally not granted.
20. How can I get more information about the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship? For more detailed information, you can visit the official UBC website or contact the fellowship office directly at killam.fellowships@ubc.ca.

Conclusion

The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is a prestigious and highly competitive opportunity for international researchers who wish to conduct postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia. With a generous stipend and additional benefits such as a travel research allowance, this fellowship offers valuable support for researchers as they pursue their academic and professional goals.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about furthering your research in Canada, this fellowship could be the perfect next step in your academic career. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity and submit your application today!

For more information on how to apply for the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship or to explore other funding opportunities, please visit the official UBC website. We wish you the best of luck in your application!