The University of Victoria Graduate Fellowship 2026 in Canada is now accepting applications from outstanding international and domestic students. This highly regarded fellowship program offers funding and academic support to graduate researchers passionate about studying the connections between religion, culture, and society.
Hosted by the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (CSRS) at the University of Victoria (UVic), this program encourages deep, interdisciplinary inquiry into how religion interacts with politics, ethics, technology, and modern life. The fellowship aims to nurture critical thinkers who want to explore the diverse ways belief systems shape human experience — historically and in the contemporary world.
About the University of Victoria and CSRS
The University of Victoria (UVic) is one of Canada’s top research universities, recognized globally for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence. Within UVic, the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (CSRS) stands as a unique interdisciplinary hub that brings together scholars from various disciplines — from sociology and philosophy to art, history, and the natural sciences.
The CSRS provides an inclusive, non-sectarian environment where researchers analyze how religion and spirituality influence society, public policy, art, science, and culture. Fellows at the Centre benefit from access to an intellectual community that values dialogue, collaboration, and diversity of thought.
Overview of the University of Victoria Graduate Fellowship 2026
University: University of Victoria
Program: Graduate Fellowship (MA & PhD)
Funding Type: Partially Funded
Eligible Nationality: All international and domestic students
Host Country: Canada
Application Deadline: 10 November 2025
This fellowship is open to both Master’s and PhD candidates at UVic and select students from other universities whose research aligns with the CSRS’s mission. Successful applicants will receive financial support, office space, and access to a vibrant academic network that enhances their graduate research experience.
Financial Benefits
The University of Victoria Graduate Fellowship 2026 provides more than just monetary assistance — it’s an opportunity to become part of a world-class research community. Fellows will enjoy several benefits, including:
• Annual stipend: CAD $6,500 for up to 12 months (pro-rated for shorter terms)
• Access to UVic research facilities: Including the UVic library, archives, special collections, and photocopying and scanning services
• Dedicated workspace: Fellows receive personal office space within the CSRS, equipped for focused research and collaboration
• Academic community participation: Fellows join daily coffee and tea sessions, weekly lectures, public talks, and interdisciplinary workshops
• Eligibility for named awards within CSRS, such as:
• CSRS Graduate Student Fellowship
• Scales Family Fellowship
• Ian H. Stewart Graduate Student Fellowship
• Rev. Heather J. Lindstedt & Dr. Brian A. Pollick Graduate Student Fellowship (for Art History & Visual Studies majors)
• Flexibility to combine funding: Fellows can hold this award alongside other scholarships, grants, or tuition waivers to reduce educational costs further
This combination of financial and institutional support ensures that students can dedicate themselves fully to their research without the burden of financial strain.
Research Focus and Eligible Topics
Applicants must propose a research project that examines religion in relation to broader social, political, and cultural frameworks. The fellowship supports studies that contribute new insights into the role of religion in modern life and human development.
Potential areas of study include (but are not limited to):
• Religion and Public Policy
• Gender and Sexual Identity
• Technology and Media Studies
• Environmental Ethics and Sustainability
• Religion and Health Studies
• Philosophy, Ethics, and Moral Thought
• Conflict, Peace, and Interfaith Relations
• Art, Literature, and Cultural History
• Religion and the Natural Sciences
The interdisciplinary nature of the CSRS allows scholars to cross traditional academic boundaries, combining methodologies from humanities, social sciences, and even STEM disciplines to approach their research questions creatively.
Required Application Documents
All applicants must submit the following documents to be considered for the University of Victoria Graduate Fellowship 2026:
1. Completed online application form (available on the CSRS website)
2. Official academic transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended
3. Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements, publications, and research experience
4. Two reference letters (PDF format):
• One from the applicant’s primary supervisor
• One from another faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic work
• Both references must be sent directly to csrs@uvic.ca
Applicants are strongly advised to ensure that all documents are clear, up-to-date, and professionally formatted before submission.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Must be enrolled as a graduate student (MA or PhD) at the University of Victoria or another recognized university.
• Research must align with the CSRS mission, focusing on the intersection of religion, culture, and society.
• Candidates should be in the thesis or dissertation writing phase during the fellowship period.
• MA students may apply if they are in their final writing stage.
• Previous MA award holders can reapply only at the PhD level.
• PhD candidates are eligible to receive one CSRS fellowship during their program.
• Students cannot hold multiple UVic center-based fellowships simultaneously, as this award already includes office space.
• International students are welcome to apply but must cover their own travel, visa, accommodation, and health insurance costs.
These criteria ensure that only committed, research-active students whose work directly contributes to the CSRS’s objectives are selected.
Application Timeline and Selection Process
The application deadline for the University of Victoria Graduate Fellowship 2026 is 10 November 2025.
All submitted applications will undergo a comprehensive review by the CSRS Program Committee in December 2025. Successful candidates will receive notifications in early 2026 and begin their fellowship on 1 September 2026.
The selection process emphasizes research relevance, academic excellence, and the applicant’s potential contribution to the CSRS intellectual community.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should follow these steps to submit a complete application:
1. Visit the official CSRS Graduate Fellowship page on the University of Victoria website.
2. Fill out the online application form with accurate personal and academic details.
3. Upload the required documents, including transcripts and CV.
4. Request referees to send their letters directly to csrs@uvic.ca before the deadline.
Incomplete applications or those missing reference letters will not be reviewed.
Official Application Link: University of Victoria CSRS Graduate Fellowship Application
Why Apply for the University of Victoria Graduate Fellowship?
The UVic Graduate Fellowship is more than a financial award — it’s a gateway to academic growth, interdisciplinary learning, and global collaboration. Fellows gain:
• Exposure to leading researchers and scholars from diverse backgrounds
• Access to Canada’s top-tier academic resources
• A chance to present and publish their research in a supportive environment
• Opportunities for networking and professional development
Whether you’re studying religion’s influence on technology, exploring ethics in environmental policy, or analyzing spirituality in art and literature, this fellowship offers the platform and resources to advance your research career.