For deserving students with a serious interest and advanced involvement in research, there are several grants available to further their research work, studies and participation at conferences. Students in need of financial aid may be granted bursaries as well while studying at the University. For information on possible internal and external sources of grants and funding, please see the following list, and consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies web site at http://www.dalgrad.dal.ca that has links to hundreds of additional funding resources.
Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University Graduate Studies Scholarships
Mowat Prize for First Year Students
To recognize outstanding achievement by a student who is in their first year of a Master's program in any discipline at Dalhousie University.
Funding: The prize is valued at $1,500.
How to apply: Applications should be made to the Faculty of Graduate Studies using the A.S. Mowat Prize Application Form. The application form can be found at http://dalgrad.dal.ca/forms/students/#mowat
Application deadline: March 15
Webpage: http://dalgrad.dal.ca/currentstudents/funding/mowat
Phi Kappa Pi Joe Ghiz Memorial Award
This annual memorial award is given to a student of first-class standing who is enrolled in a graduate degree program in any discipline at Dalhousie University.
Funding: $750
How to apply: Applications or nominations should be made to the Faculty of Graduate Studies using the Phi Kappa Pi Joe Ghiz Application Form. The link to this application form is accessible trough the award webpage.
Application deadline: October 31
Webpage: http://dalgrad.dal.ca/prospectivestudents/funding/ghiz
Research Grants for Thesis Students
Students in the thesis track are eligible for University Killam scholarships and for grants from the Research Developmental Fund of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies website for more information.
Eligibility: Not for first-year students
Webpage: http://www.dalgrad.dal.ca
Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship
Purpose: These awards are offered in support of studies in programs requiring a thesis and leading toward either a Master's or Doctoral degree. Approximately 80 scholarships are awarded annually. The scholarships are tenable for two years for Master's candidates and up to four years for Doctoral candidates, subject to satisfactory progress. For students not already studying at Dalhousie, a travel allowance to move to Halifax is included.
Funding: The awards are valued at $20,000 for Master's candidates and $25,000 for Doctoral candidates. The scholarship will also pay all differential fees for international award holders.
How to apply: For further information contact Danielle Walsh Tel: (902) 494-6246, Fax: (902) 494-8797, E-mail: Danielle.walsh@dal.ca
Webpage: http://www.killamtrusts.ca/Dalhousie.asp
James Robinson Johnston Graduate Scholarship for African Canadians
Eligibility: Scholarships will be awarded to African Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Masters or Doctoral programmes at Dalhousie University. While any discipline is eligible, applications are particularly encouraged from students whose programme of study has the potential to contribute to African Canadian community enhancement and advancement. The award must be taken up upon commencing the first year of the degree programme.
Funding: The Master's scholarship is valued at $15,000 for one twelve-month academic year of full-time study.
Duration: The award is renewable and can be held for a maximum of 24 months of full-time study.
Application deadline: March 15 for both application and annual renewal request.
How to apply: Application forms can be found on the FGS website.
Webpage: http://dalgrad.dal.ca/forms/students/#jrj
Nova Scotia Black and First Nations Students Graduate Entrance Scholarships
Purpose: Dalhousie University offers entrance scholarships for students from First Nations and Indigenous Black communities. The scholarships are awarded annually for graduate students at the Master’s or doctoral level, and may include professional, course-based or thesis-based programs.
Eligibility: A First Nations and an Indigenous Black student entering a Dalhousie graduate program for the first time following graduation from a Dalhousie University undergraduate program.
Funding: $15,000 per year
Competition deadline: May 15, 2012
How to apply: The application form can be downloaded from http://dalgrad.dal.ca/docs/nsbafnsges.doc or contact Danielle Pottie at Danielle.Pottie@dal.ca (tel. 494-6246).
Webpage: http://dalgrad.dal.ca/forms/students/#nsbafn
Eliza Ritchie Doctoral Entrance Scholarship for Women
South African Student Education Project (SASEP)
The scholarship assists Black South Africans who wish to study for a one or two year master's degree at Dalhousie University. Administered by Dalhousie's Lester Pearson International, this opportunity is provided to students so that after completing their degrees, they may return to South Africa to further contribute to the development of their country. To date, eleven students from South Africa have earned graduate degrees from Dalhousie with SASEP support.
Funding: The scholarship includes funding for tuition; allowances for monthly living, books, winter clothing, thesis expenses; medical insurance; and return airfare from South Africa.
Application: For more information and/or to submit an application, contact SASEP Advisory Council, c/o Dr. David Black. E-mail: david.black@dal.ca
Application deadline: April 1, 2010 to begin studies in September 2010
Webpage: http://intlresearchdevelopment.dal.ca/International_Projects/Current_Projects/SASEP_student_info.php
Graduate Thesis Student Conference Travel Grant
Conference travel grants can be awarded to full time graduate students in a Master's thesis program. Eligibility: In order to be eligible, students must present a poster or paper based on the results of their graduate thesis research at a national or international scholarly meeting or conference.
Available funding: The maximum travel grant awarded is $400
Application: Students wishing to apply for a Conference Travel Grant must complete and submit a Conference Travel Grant application for approval.
Webpage with guidelines: http://dalgrad.dal.ca/currentstudents/forms
Dalhousie University President’s Award
For graduate students starting PhD programs who have a full doctoral scholarship from one of a list of specified agencies. The award will be granted for up to two years. It will cover tuition but not international differential fees or other student fees.
Webpage: http://dalgrad.dal.ca/currentstudents/funding/presidents
Dalhousie University Bursaries
Faculty of Graduate Studies Bursary
Students may apply to the Faculty of Graduate Studies for university bursaries made available through Dalhousie's Student Assistance Program. Bursary awards are based on eligibility and need. Normally students cannot receive more than one bursary award in an academic year.
Funding: Awards are for a maximum of $600, lower amounts may also be awarded.
Application: Bursary applications are considered monthly throughout the year by the Faculty of Graduate Studies Graduate Bursary Committee.
John and Lina Graham Commonwealth Bursary
The donors established this fund to mark the 75th anniversary of the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Its goal is to assist graduate students who find themselves in need of financial aid while studying in Nova Scotia.
Eligibility: Recipients must be residents of Commonwealth countries, other than Canada, who in the opinion of the selecting body demonstrate need.
Funding: A bursary of $500 will be awarded
Application: To apply, fill out the application form of Faculty Graduate Studies for bursaries. Applications or nominations should be sent by letter to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Application deadline: March 15 and October 31 each year
Webpage: http://dalgrad.dal.ca/currentstudents/funding/bursaries/#graham
Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS)
Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships Master’s Award - administered by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)
Purpose: To provide special recognition and support to students who are pursuing a Master's degree in a health related field in Canada. These candidates are expected to have an exceptionally high potential for future research achievement and productivity.
Funding: The maximum amount for a single award is $17,500 for up to one year. Non-renewable.
Application deadline: Next competition to be launched in June 2011
Eligibility: Individuals eligible to apply to the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program (see below) may submit an application to both programs. This is the only exception where an individual may submit two applications in the same academic year (September through August).
Web link: http://www.researchnet-recherchenet.ca/rnr16/vwOpprtntyDtls.do?prog=1051&&view=currentOpps&org=CIHR&type=AND&resultCount=25&sort=program&all=1&masterList=true
CIHR Health Professional Student Award
Purpose: To further clinical research by providing research training to health professionals and strengthen talent development.
Eligibility: For health professional students enrolled in a graduate program leading to Canadian licensure. Candidates must have completed at least the first year of study in their designated program.
The maximum amount awarded for a single award is $5,961 for a term. Non-renewable.
Application deadline: February 15 (check website for details)
Web link: http://www.researchnet-recherchenet.ca/rnr16/vwOpprtntyDtls.do?prog=1170&view=search&terms=student&org=CIHR&type=AND&resultCount=25
Visit CIHR‘s funding opportunities database for more information and updates.
Webpage: http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca.
Doctoral Foreign Study Award
Purpose: To provide special recognition and support to students who are pursuing a doctoral degree in a health-related field abroad.
Eligibility: All candidates are expected to have an exceptionally high potential for future research achievement and productivity.
Funding: The maximum amount for a single award is $35,000 for up to 3 years. CIHR's and partner contribution to the amount available for this initiative is subject to availability of funds. This award is non-renewable.
Web link: http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/index-eng.aspx
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program (VCGS)
In honour of former Governor General Georges Vanier
Purpose: To attract and retain world-class doctoral students by supporting graduate students who demonstrate both leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in their studies.
Funding: $50,000 per annum for up to 3 years
Eligibility: Canadian and international students
Nomination deadline: For next competition see CIHR announcement.
Webpage: www.vanier.gc.ca
CGS Foreign Study Supplements
To support successful Canadian graduate students in building international contacts through the pursuit of exceptional research.
Eligibility: Available only to holders of active CGS awards (Master’s, Doctoral or Vanier)
Funding: Valued at up to $6,000, to help offset the costs, including travel and accommodation, of undertaking research studies outside Canada (three to six months). Not renewable.
Application deadline: University deadline set by university, SSHRC deadlines June 10 and October 10 each year
Webpage: For funding information and application form, see www.sshrc.ca
Other Scholarship Options for Clinical Vision Science Students
Canadian and International Competitions
IWK Health Centre
Graduate Student Research Scholarship
Eligibility: The supervisor for the student must be a member of IWK staff or an IWK employee and a member of Faculty of Graduate Studies at Dalhousie University. The principal work and study place for the student has to be at the IWK Health Centre or the affiliated Atlantic Research Centre. The student must be involved in a research project that is consistent with the research mission of the Centre. Applications for the Scholarship will be submitted from the graduate student coordinator of the Department.
Application deadline: The annual deadline is March, check for exact date.
How to apply: Application material must be delivered to the IWK Research Office by the deadline.
Contact: bev.white@iwk.nshealth.ca or 902-470-8705.
Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (NSHRF)
Scotia Scholarships
Purpose: These NSHRF funding opportunities are designed to help research programs recruit and fund top research trainees based on evaluation of the research learning environment (Scotia Support Grant) and support individual research trainees based on their achievements (Scotia Scholarship).
Eligibility: Students enrolled at Nova Scotia universities/academic institutions who are completing thesis based degree programs at the Master and Doctorate levels as well as academic post doctoral trainees. Check details of application requirements and evaluation criteria at the NSHRF website.
How to apply: Students need to apply first at the department by the set internal deadline.
Funding and duration: Visit the NSHRF webpage for updated information
Webpage: http://www.nshrf.ca/programs-services/programs/research-programs and http://dalgrad.dal.ca/news/nshrf02162012
The Quest
Purpose: The John Ruedy Award (the Quest) honors the best of the best.
Eligibility: Each year the award is presented to the student researcher who demonstrates the greatest promise and potential for excellence in health research. The winner is selected from among the applicants with the highest standings in all categories in the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation's (NSHRF) annual grants competition. Among the criteria that will be used to determine the winner will be their future plans, long-term goals, career expectations, and prospective contribution to the field of health research.
Funding: In addition to receiving this important recognition, Capital Health contributes an annual award of $5,000 to help the winner further their research.
Application deadline: Annual deadline in May – check for the exact date
Webpage: http://www.nshrf.ca/AbsPage.aspx?ID=3&siteid=1&lang=1
The Canadian Orthoptic Society (TCOS)
Essay Award
Eligibility: For students accepted in accredited Canadian Orthoptic Education Programs who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.
Funding: $1000 for winner of writing contest.
Topic: Essay topic is assigned in first year of Program.
Application deadline: Papers are due by June 30.
How to apply: Contact your Program Director for further information.
Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS)
COS/Coherent-AMT Award for Excellence in Ophthalmic Research
Eligibility: COS is pleased to offer awards to deserving residents, fellows, medical students and graduate students who have conducted research at Canadian university centers. While some preference will be given to the topic of laser technology, abstract on any topic in ophthalmology will be given serious consideration.
Funding: The winner will receive a grant of $3.000 to cover the cost of presenting the paper or poster at the annual meeting of the Ophthalmological Society. Second and third prizes of $1.500 will be also offered.
COS Best Poster Award
The Canadian Ophthalmological Society offers the Best Poster Award for presenters of posters at the COS annual meeting.
Funding: The winner will receive a grant of $500 to cover the cost of presenting the poster at the annual meeting of the Ophthalmological Society.
How to apply: For details about the above COS/CAPO grants contact the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (Tel. 613-729-6779 or 800-267-5763, Fax 613-729-7209).
Application deadline: Check for availability of the grants and for application dates.
Webpage: www.eyesite.ca
Prevent Blindness America Investigator Award
Purpose: Provides funding for clinically based research in public health issues related to the burden of illness of eye-related health and safety topics. All research grants must focus on preserving sight and preventing blindness.
Eligibility: For those conducting research in the US or Canada. Funding priority is given to projects for research relating to clinically important eye diseases. For a preferred research topics list for this program see the website of the Organization.
Funding: $20,000 - $50,000. Payments will be made to the institution of the investigator.
Duration: One-year period, commencing July 1.
Application deadline: March 1 (also for applications for renewal).
Acceptance: Notification of award in writing by June 1.
Webpage: http://www.preventblindness.org/research/#grants
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Additional information and links
Download application forms for scholarships at http://dalgrad.dal.ca/currentstudents/forms
Continuously updated information is posted in Scholarship News: http://www.dalgrad.dal.ca/news
Dalhousie Money Matters website http://www.moneymatters.dal.ca
Funding opportunities for current Dalhousie students http://dalgrad.dal.ca/currentstudents/funding
Scholarships Canada http://www.scholarshipscanada.com
International Scholarships http://www.scholarships.gc.ca
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada http://www.sshrc.ca
Canadian Bureau for International Education http://www.cbie.ca
International Development Research Centre http://www.idrc.ca