Awards & funding opportunities
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We understand that students have more important things to worry about than money. We're here to help. There are a number of scholarships, bursaries, and employment opportunities available for EPLS students to keep you focused on textbooks instead of bank books.
Fellowships and scholarships
There are various fellowships and scholarships awarded to students. In general, these are granted on an academic basis:
- The University of Victoria awards a limited number of Graduate Fellowships for full-time study. The awards are competitive and based on academic standing. All students admitted to the program and assessed with a 7.0 or higher GPA will be considered.
- A small number of Faculty scholarships, fellowships, and awards are available to students, usually in their second year of study.
- Students with strong GPAs are encouraged to apply for SSHRC fellowships early in the fall semester. These awards are competitive and based on three main criteria: academic excellence, research potential, and communication skills. MA students should consult with their supervisors to discuss application procedures. Visit our tips for winning SSHRC awards page.
- A list of awards, such as the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR), as well as other information on financial support can be found on the Graduate Studies website.
Bursaries
Bursaries are non-repayable awards based on financial need and reasonable academic standing. They are available both for graduate students entering UVic and those already attending the university. Bursary applications and eligibility information are available from the Student Awards and Financial Aid office.
Application deadlines are October 15 for the winter session (September-April) and June 1 for the summer session (May-August).
Research assistants
Paid research assistantships are available with individual faculty members of the department. These assistantships are usually supported through grant funding and are only available to a limited number of qualified students. Students interested in research assistantships should contact faculty members directly or review postings on our website. In recent years, research assistantships have received additional funding through the Academic Income Supplement (AIS) program.
Teaching assistants
Paid teaching assistantships are available to a limited number of qualified EPLS students. The number of teaching assistantships varies each year. For more information, contact the Graduate Secretary or review postings on our website. In recent years, teacher assistants have received additional funding through the Academic Income Supplement (AIS) program.
Work study
The Work Study Program is funded by Student Awards and Financial Aid. The objective of the program is to provide additional financial assistance through on-campus part-time employment opportunities for students who have documented financial need. The Work Study Program runs from September to April of each academic year and allows students to earn up to a maximum of $3,400 for this 8-month period. Students may only hold one work study position at one time.
Co-operative Education and work placements
It is possible for graduate students to combine their graduate studies with co-op education semesters in which they apply knowledge and skills in paid work placements across Canada. This usually involves extending program completion by two semesters. For more information, contact Co-operative Education.
Recent awards winners
Kathryn Butler who is pursuing a MA in Counselling Psychology was awarded the SSHRC Joseph-Armand Bombardier Master's scholarship for 2012-13 year. Her proposal is on Possible Selves research with youth by exploring aspects of self-concept that includes hopes, dreams, expectations, and fears. The Possible Selves construct involves identity and sense of self that reflects the present and future possibilities we imagine for ourselves. Possible selves are socially contingent, which makes them very interesting to explore in different populations within different social contexts. Check out our tips on how to win big SSHRC awards!

