External funding

We enjoy a number of strong partnerships with external organizations that help to provide support to UNB graduate students, and that also sponsor awards that celebrate the accomplishments of students who have been recognized with major national awards.

The Rhodes Scholarship ranks among the oldest and most prestigious global scholarship programs, providing an opportunity for top young scholars around the world to study at the University of Oxford. Rhodes scholars are noted for outstanding academic achievement , character, leadership and commitment to service.

If you are considering applying for a Rhodes Scholarship, consult carefully the eligibility and application criteria associated specifically with applying for a Rhodes Scholarship for Canada.

Students seeking endorsement for their application through UNB must be a current UNB student or graduate and must submit the following to Emily Lefloch: a current CV, up-to-date transcripts and a copy of their personal and academic statements for the Rhodes application. These materials must be received no later than August 15 annually.

Application is very competitive. Students selected through the review process to be endorsed by UNB will be contacted and provided a code which will allow them to complete their Rhodes application.


ResearchNB offers several funding programs for Masters, PhD and even undergraduate scholarships.

  • Knowledge Translation Grants are intended to support defrarying the costs associated with knowledge translation and/or travel expenses for students conducting research in priority sectors: health, energy, forestry, agriculture, or oceans.

Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS) targeted programs supports innovation in defence policy and aims to foster the next generation of defence and security experts.

  • Targeted Engagement Grant Program: provides non-recurring financial support, up to a maximum of $50,000 to fund projects such as conferences, roundtables, workships, research, and publications.
  • Young MINDS Initiative: MINDS supports undergraduate and master's student interested in defence and security with grants value at $10,000, projects must be linked to the MINDS Policy Challenge.

Eligible doctoral candidates can apply for the prestigious Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Graduate Fellowships in the fall annually. Students interested in applying must submit their application online to the Foundation.

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation scholarships provide:

  • $40,000 per year for three years;
  • $20,000 per year for three years, as research and travel allowance;
  • Opportunity for a fourth year: writing or dissemination scholarship;
  • Advice from a mentor from various spheres of Canadian public life, starting the second year of the scholarship;
  • Development of leadership potential;
  • Support from an outstanding community of scholars, fellows and mentors, and opportunities for interaction with 350 leaders and personalities in every sector of the humanities and social sciences;
  • Involvement in lively exchange with other researchers or scholars and a keen interest in contributing to public dialogue;
  • Collaboration with Foundation mentors, fellows and scholars on interdisciplinary projects going beyond their own field of expertise;
  • Sharing of innovative ideas at events organized by or in conjunction with the Foundation.

The Mackenzie King Scholarships were set up under the will of the Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King (1874-1950), who was Prime Minister of Canada 1921-26, 1926-30, and 1935-48.

University of New Brunswick graduate students are eligible to apply for both the Open and Travelling scholarships.

Applications must be forwarded to the School of Graduate Studies no later than Feb. 1 annually.


Our relationship with Mitacs provides funding support for students while they also gain real-world work experience, either locally or abroad, and while continuing towards completion of the graduate programs.

Online and in-person workshops are also available throughout the year through the Mitacs Professional Development Program.

Interested in studying abroad? MITACS Globlink program offers funding for students to travel to a number of destinations on projects lasting 12-24 weeks.


A legacy of former New Brunswick Lieutenant Governor J. Leaonard O'Brien (1958-1965) and his wife Kathleen, the O'Brien Foundation Fellowships are one-time (non-renewable) awards that support post-graduate research or training in any disciplinary field.

UNB Graduate students who demonstrate significant potential in their field and have resided in New Brunswick for a minumum of 5 years can apply online through the foundation's web portal for an O'Brien Fellowship. The annual deadline for submission of application is Nov. 1.


Announced in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill are Canada’s first comprehensive, leadership-driven scholarships for master’s and professional degree students.

The McCall MacBain Scholarship covers:

  • Tuition and fees for an eligible master’s or professional program

  • A living stipend of $2,000 per month during academic terms

  • A comprehensive enrichment program including mentorship, interdisciplinary learning, and access to a global community.

Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholarships (20 Domestic and 10 International) will be offered to students to begin their studies at McGill in the fall of 2023.

Selection criteria

McCall MacBain Scholars will have a track record of community engagement, informed by a sense of duty, empathy, intellectual curiosity, grit, and a willingness to take risks. They aim to create meaningful and lasting change, while improving the lives of others.

Scholars will be selected based on:

  • Exceptional character

  • Community engagement

  • Leadership potential

  • Entrepreneurial spirit

  • Academic strength and intellectual curiosity

Eligibility criteria

Education: You have a bachelor’s degree, or are on track to graduate with one by August of the year of application and meet the minimum degree and language requirments for McGill masters program admission.

Please note that candidates must plan to apply for Summer/Fall admission to an eligible full-time master’s or professional program at McGill University.

Value

The McCall MacBain Scholarship covers tuition and fees, as well as a living stipend of $2,000 per month during academic terms. It also provides access to a comprehensive enrichment program.