Funding

The Social Dimensions of Health program does not have guaranteed core funding for students. Graduate students receive funding from many different sources, including: fellowships, scholarships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships

You can approach Faculty of Graduate Studies or the Graduate Advisor with questions, concerns, or for guidance on funding matters. More details on funding opportunities can be found on the FGS website.

Entrance graduate awards

SDH receives funding from FGS that is used to provide one-time entrance awards for eligible incoming students. The amount per award varies depending on available funds and the number of incoming students.

Funding is not guaranteed, however: the Program Committee endeavours to distribute funds as equitably as possible.

To be eligible, students must have at least a 7.0 GPA on entrance to the program. You do not need to apply for these awards; all eligible incoming students will be considered automatically. Entrance awards are one-time only (they are not renewed each year).

Donor awards

Each year, students will also have the opportunity to apply for awards established through donations to the University. These include donor awards that are specific to the SDH program, to health research more generally, or to students with specific backgrounds or areas of study.

Amounts, the application process, and eligibility criteria vary across the awards. A list of donor awards will be circulated in September of each year, and eligible students will be invited to apply.

External fellowships and scholarships

There are numerous fellowship and scholarship programs for Canadian graduate students. Most relevant are the Canada Graduate Scholarship Master’s and Doctoral programs administered by the TriCouncil granting agencies, of which the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) are typically most relevant to SDH students. Michael Smith Health Research BC, also provides Research Trainee awards to students in active clinical service (i.e. have a licence to practice).

Amounts, eligibility, and funding conditions differ across programs. Most have deadlines in the fall term. While these awards tend to be highly competitive, we encourage you to consider applying. SDH students have had good success with these awards in the past. More information on external fellowships and scholarships is available on the FGS website.

Research assistantships

Joining an existing research team or project can be a great way to enrich your experience as a graduate student while earning money to support your studies.

The SDH program does not have its own Research Assistant (RA) positions; however, many faculty members associated with the program routinely have opportunities for paid RA positions through research grants.

Speak with your supervisory committee and other faculty at the time you apply to explore opportunities for RA positions during the program. Confirmed RAships or other supports from your supervisor is given consideration during the admissions process as it is relevant to the quality of your training environment.

Teaching assistantships

The SDH program does not have internal opportunities for TA positions; however, you can apply for positions in supervisors’ home departments, or in departments where you have qualifications (e.g., undergraduate training).