Graduate Fellowships
The Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (CSRS) at the University of Victoria welcomes applications from graduate students for various one-year fellowship appointments commencing September 1, 2027.
Deadline: The competition for the 2026–27 graduate student fellowships is now closed. The next competition will open in September 2026.
Topics: In accord with the Centre’s mandate (see: www.csrs.uvic.ca), projects must involve the scholarly study of religion in relation to any aspect of society and culture, both contemporary and historical. This includes, but is not limited to, critical examinations of religious themes in the areas of ethics, health, environment, public policy, technology, gender, human conflict, art, literature, the media, law, philosophy or the natural sciences. We welcome applications from individuals immersed in any academic discipline.
Religion does not need to be the central focus of a student’s research, but it should be a significant consideration.
General eligibility: These fellowships are for graduate students (both MA and PhD) whose projects fall within the Centre’s research mandate (above). Awards are meant for UVic students but at least one award is reserved for a non-UVic student each year. The awards are intended for students who have completed coursework and will be at the writing stage of their thesis or dissertation during the period of the fellowship.
Please note:
- Students who have received a previous CSRS award at the MA level may only reapply after they are registered in a PhD program. PhD students may hold a CSRS fellowship only once.
- Applicants may simultaneously apply for fellowships; however, because this fellowship includes dedicated office space and regular in-person attendance, students may only accept one award. Successful students are required to notify the Centre if they are granted multiple awards before commencing a fellowship.
Value: $6,500 for one year (12 months or prorated according to the length of the fellowship); office space on campus; access to UVic’s libraries and special collections; a mailbox, scanner, and photocopier services; enhanced opportunities for research networking and exchange, and admission to the dynamic CSRS coffee talk program, public lectures, and social life.
Conditions: Graduate fellows are expected to regularly participate in the weekly activities (daily coffee talks and weekly public lectures) of the CSRS for the duration of the fellowship, and to use the office space provided at the Centre. Graduate fellows are required to give a public lecture on a theme in the area of their research. The Centre may reassess the award for fellows not meeting these conditions during their fellowship period.
Application procedure: Applications are accepted once a year via email and should include:
- this completed Graduate Student Fellowship application form (link below);
- a current CV;
- university transcripts (copies are acceptable);
- two PDF letters of support for the project from both the applicant's supervisor and another professor, emailed directly to csrs@uvic.ca.
Please note:
- Please note that any research involving human subjects will require approval of the UVic Human Ethics Review Board.
- Successful applicants from outside of Victoria will be responsible for additional costs and protocols, including visas, health insurance, travel, accommodations, etc., associated with the fellowship commitment.
- Applications will be reviewed by the CSRS Program Committee in December.
- Candidates are responsible for ensuring their applications are complete and submitted by the competition application deadlines.
- All materials should be submitted via email to csrs@uvic.ca and addressed to Dr. Rachel Brown, Director.
Next Deadline: Monday, November 9th, 2027
Use the link below to access our online application form. You can edit your responses on any page before submitting.