The University of British Columbia offers and administers programs that provide financial help to Postdoctoral Fellows. Some of these funding opportunities are external to UBC, however others can be applied to a UBC PDF appointment.
Award Highlights
Funding Agencies
Canada’s three federal research funding agencies —the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) — administer a federal research talent investment program as part of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite. Launched in 2025, this program, called the Canada Postdoctoral Research Award, recognizes and supports the next generation of outstanding innovators, knowledge workers, creative thinkers and researchers at a pivotal time in their careers. The program provides funding and flexibility, empowering Canadian and international leaders in innovation and scholarship of tomorrow to develop the skills to build world-class research and drive Canadian prosperity and competitiveness.
- Michael Smith Health Research BC - British Columbia's health research agency. Health Research BC is working toward a future where BC is recognized worldwide for its vibrant, coherent, inclusive and globally competitive health research system that improves the health of British Columbians, the health system and the economy.
- Mitacs - Through unique research and training programs, Mitacs is developing the next generation of innovators with vital scientific and business skills. In partnership with companies, government and academia, Mitacs is supporting a new economy using Canada's most valuable resource – its people. MITACS offers multiple funding opportunities, several of which are applicable to postdocs.
Other Canadian Funding Sources
- Alzheimer Society of Canada
- Arthritis Society
- Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada
- Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
- Canadian Blood Services
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute
- Crohn's and Colitis Canada
- Kidney Foundation of Canada
- Liber Ero Foundation
- L'Oréal Canada Fellowships for Women in Science
- MS Canada
- Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE)
- WorkSafe BC
Applying for Funding
Please visit Funding Opportunities for a listing of funding opportunities that may be available to you.
Some funding opportunities require institutional endorsement of applications. Unless otherwise specified, please follow the procedures outlined in the UBC Office of Research Services website.
Please consult with your appointing department/unit and faculty to determine if there are any internal deadlines.