Why UBC Okanagan? Why Now?

Join a close-knit community of innovative researchers within a vibrant graduate population. UBC Okanagan offers a growing selection of doctoral programs across many disciplines that foster collaboration and creativity in an intimate campus setting.

Now is an ideal time to pursue your doctoral studies at UBC Okanagan. Competitive funding opportunities, personalized mentorship, and a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment are just a few reasons to attend UBC Okanagan. For international students, a streamlined study permit process with fast approval times makes starting your journey even easier.

Streamlined Immigration

Canada’s strong commitment to innovation, research excellence, and attracting top global talent is opening new pathways for international doctoral students. With the removal of the provincial attestation letter requirement and study permit applications processed in as little as two weeks, graduate students relocating to Canada can expect a more simplified process.

More Reasons to Study in Canada

You can bring your spouse or partner and children to Canada.

After graduation, there are clear work options, making it easier to build your career in Canada.

Learn more about the latest updates from the Government of Canada.

Why UBC Okanagan?

At UBC Okanagan, our Global Engagement Office is here to support you with international student advising, intercultural programming, and your transition to Canada.

Research Excellence

Local and Global Impact

At UBC Okanagan, research spans disciplines and impacts communities locally and globally. Our scholars in the humanities and social sciences explore the complexities of culture, history, and human experience, while our scientists and engineers develop innovative technologies and materials that shape the future. Many projects are rooted in the unique opportunities and challenges of the Okanagan region, while others contribute to global solutions. From using AI to study wildfires to mapping cycle paths for city planning, our graduate student research transforms our local and global communities.

Receive a Funding Package

At UBC Okanagan, PhD funding is designed to ensure students can focus on their research without financial pressure. We have a minimum funding policy for PhD students, which means that all PhD students are guaranteed to receive at least $25,000/year for the first 4 years of their PhD studies. While all PhD students receive at least $25,000/year, 50% of PhD students receive more than $42,000/year. This support typically comes from a mix of graduate research assistantships, teaching assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships.

Apply for Government of Canada Funding

Canada Research Training Awards Suite

Funding through the three federal research funding agencies, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is now streamlined into a talent program called the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS). With this new program, the number of awards for doctoral students will increase by 1,200, with each award valued at $40,000 per year. These awards are open to international students, with 15% of all doctoral awards earmarked for international applicants.

Explore more facts and figures about our campus and the Okanagan Valley.

Meet Our Students

From exploring the limitations of Western trauma theory on the Global South to delving into infant feeding practices and sleep behaviours to assessing the sustainability of Urban Water Systems our current international PhD students are positively impacting the world around them. Read more about their research and what brought them to UBC Okanagan.

Programs