How to Secure the 2026 UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) in Canada – A Step-by-Step Guide Using a PhD in Computer Science as an Example

If you’re aiming to pursue a fully funded PhD in Canada, look no further than the UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF). This competitive yet life-changing scholarship offers full funding for four years at one of the world’s leading research universities—the University of British Columbia (UBC).

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about securing this prestigious scholarship, including:

• Eligibility and funding details
• Step-by-step application process
• How to get admission and connect with a supervisor
• A real-world illustration using a PhD in Computer Science
• Key tips to boost your chances

🏆 What is the UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF)?

The UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship provides financial support of at least $18,200 per year, plus full tuition coverage for up to four years. It’s designed to support top doctoral students in any discipline.

💰 What You Get:

• $18,200 annual stipend (minimum)
• Full tuition coverage (domestic or international)
• Renewable for up to four years

Eligible Programs: All PhD and DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) programs at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan.

✅ Who Can Apply?

You’re eligible if:

• You’re admitted to or currently enrolled in a UBC PhD or DMA program.
• You’re international or domestic.
• You meet the academic excellence standards (typically a first-class average or equivalent).
• You have research potential and a strong academic CV.

Good to know: There’s no separate application for 4YF. UBC departments nominate their top admitted students automatically.

📚 Step-by-Step: How to Secure the UBC 4YF (Illustrated with PhD in Computer Science)

Let’s break this down with a real-life example—PhD in Computer Science at UBC.

Step 1: Choose Your Program and Research Area (Start Early)

Visit UBC’s Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies:
👉 https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students

In our case:

🎯 Program: PhD in Computer Science
📍 Campus: UBC Vancouver
📚 Research Interest: Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing

Step 2: Identify and Contact a Potential Supervisor

This is crucial. No supervisor = no admission.

1. Visit the Computer Science Faculty page
2. Find a professor whose work aligns with your interests (e.g., Dr. Giuseppe Carenini – NLP and AI).
3. Email them with:
   • Your CV
   • Academic transcripts
   • A tailored statement of interest explaining your goals and why their work aligns with yours

🔑 Tip: Be specific. Show you’ve read their recent papers. Ask if they’re accepting new students for 2026.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials

You’ll need:

• Online application form via UBC portal
• Statement of Intent / Research Proposal
• Academic transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Resume or CV
• English test score (IELTS/TOEFL if applicable)

Step 4: Submit the UBC PhD Application

🕒 Deadline for most programs: December 1 – January 15 (for 2026 entry)

Apply via the UBC Grad School portal:
👉 https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/application-admission/apply-online

💡 Application fee: CAD $168.25 (waivers available for eligible applicants)

Step 5: If Admitted, Your Department Will Nominate You

You do not apply separately for the 4YF. Departments automatically nominate top incoming PhD students at the time of admission. Your offer letter will specify if you’re awarded the 4YF.

🧠 Strategy: Boost your academic profile, win over your supervisor, and write a compelling statement.

📌 Important Tips to Maximize Your Chances

✅ Start early – Begin supervisor outreach 12–15 months before the deadline.

✅ Tailor every email to show genuine interest in faculty research.

✅ Strengthen your research proposal – this is often the deciding factor.

✅ Publish, if possible – having a paper (even a conference poster) makes you stand out.

✅ Apply to multiple professors (2–3), but personalize each approach.

✅ Show commitment to your research area and how it fits into UBC’s priorities (e.g., AI, sustainability, data science).

📋 Summary Checklist

🌍 Why UBC?

• Top 3 university in Canada
• Located in Vancouver, one of the most livable cities globally
• Over $250 million in research funding annually
• World-renowned Computer Science department
• International student-friendly

🔚 Final Thoughts

The UBC Four Year Doctoral Fellowship is a golden opportunity if you’re dreaming of a world-class PhD in Canada with zero tuition burden and a generous stipend. Start preparing now—email that professor, sharpen your research proposal, and give your future a global edge.