Getting a full scholarship to study abroad can completely change your academic path. The University of British Columbia Friedman Award for Scholars in Health is one of the most respected and generous awards for students pursuing advanced health-related research. Many international scholars searching for admission to Canadian universities with funding often come across this competitive opportunity, especially those applying for visa-sponsored research fellowships in Canada.
This award gives high-achieving students the chance to gain deeper experience in global health studies and participate in valuable international research. Whether you are a current graduate student or applying for a doctoral program in health sciences, the Friedman Award stands out as a high-value opportunity for your academic and professional growth.
For students looking to combine international education with real-world research, this award supports both your visa application process and your admission to the University of British Columbia, a world-class institution. The benefits are not only financial but academic and career-oriented as well. With rising interest in Canadian institutions due to their post-graduation pathways and strong healthcare systems, this award attracts competitive applicants from across the world. If you are a scholar aiming to make real contributions in public health, medical innovation, or clinical research, then applying for the UBC Friedman Award in 2025 could be your best step forward.
Details of the University of British Columbia Friedman Award
The University of British Columbia Friedman Award is an annual scholarship designed to support graduate students pursuing health-related research outside of Canada. The program funds travel and living expenses for UBC students who want to undertake research at top institutions abroad. The award is named after Edwin S.H. Friedman, a notable philanthropist and supporter of global health initiatives, and aims to help scholars gain global perspectives in health sciences.
Each year, several deserving candidates are selected for the award through a highly competitive application process. The award amount varies based on the proposed project, location, and duration of research abroad. However, students can receive funding ranging from CAD 25,000 to CAD 50,000 depending on their research needs. This generous funding allows scholars to engage in fieldwork, partner with global health organizations, and collaborate with international experts in various areas of health research.
The Friedman Award is open to students from multiple health disciplines, including but not limited to public health, medicine, epidemiology, biomedical engineering, and social determinants of health. Unlike many other awards limited to domestic activities, this one encourages international mobility and experience. Scholars often use this opportunity to conduct studies in developing countries, perform clinical trials in global research labs, or support health policy projects in international agencies.
For students aiming to build careers in global health, earn recognition through research, and strengthen their academic CVs, the Friedman Award is more than just funding—it is a powerful springboard to future success. It also provides a strong academic credential when applying for postdoctoral fellowships, public health leadership roles, or permanent residency through Canada’s skilled immigration pathways.
Benefits of the University of British Columbia Friedman Award
The UBC Friedman Award is not just another research grant. It offers a range of benefits that significantly support both your academic journey and international exposure. The most direct benefit is the financial support of up to CAD 50,000, which covers international travel, research materials, and extended living expenses abroad. For students pursuing research in expensive cities or remote areas where costs are high, this funding can make a major difference.
In addition to funding, this award opens doors to international research collaborations with top universities, hospitals, and research institutions. Scholars are encouraged to go beyond Canada to gain unique insights and practical skills that are rarely available in their home country. This global exposure enhances their profile when applying for academic positions, high-level internships, or even government research roles.
For international students, the award strengthens your visa sponsorship case by demonstrating your value as a skilled and high-potential scholar. Canadian study permit applications are often assessed more favorably when applicants are tied to competitive funding programs like this. Furthermore, graduates who hold this award can leverage it to apply for post-graduate work permits and even permanent residence through skilled worker streams.
The Friedman Award also boosts your chances of being published in international journals, increasing your visibility in the academic community. Many past recipients have used their funded research to present at major conferences, contribute to global health policies, or launch Ph.D. dissertations with real-world relevance.
The award reflects UBC’s commitment to research excellence, international development, and student success. It enables graduate students to gain not just theoretical knowledge but field-based experience that aligns with real-world health challenges. In the competitive field of public health and medical sciences, that practical advantage can be the deciding factor between getting shortlisted or not in a job application or postdoc program.
Eligibility Criteria for the University of British Columbia Friedman Award
To qualify for the University of British Columbia Friedman Award for Scholars in Health, applicants must meet specific eligibility standards set by UBC’s Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Only current graduate students enrolled at UBC are eligible, meaning you must already have active admission to a master’s or doctoral program in a health-related field.
The award is open to both domestic and international students, giving foreign scholars with a valid student visa and strong academic standing a fair chance at competing. However, your research must be conducted outside Canada. The destination can be any country, as long as the project aligns with UBC’s academic values and contributes to the field of health. Preference is usually given to proposals that include clear outcomes, collaborations with recognized institutions, and measurable contributions to public health.
Applicants must have completed at least one year of graduate-level study at UBC by the time of travel. You should also have a minimum GPA of 75% or higher, as the selection process is academically rigorous. In addition, applicants must submit a well-written research proposal outlining the purpose, timeline, host institution, and expected contributions of their project.
Another key requirement is a letter of support from a UBC supervisor or department head, which should explain how the proposed research aligns with the scholar’s degree objectives. The host institution abroad must also confirm their readiness to receive and support the student during their research period. These two letters are important for showing that the project is both feasible and beneficial to the student’s academic progression.
While there is no age limit, the award is best suited for graduate students who are in the early to mid-stages of their research and who can demonstrate the relevance of international exposure to their final thesis or dissertation. It is also helpful for students planning to work in international NGOs, WHO, or global research organizations, as the experience strengthens their long-term career goals.
Required Documents for the University of British Columbia Friedman Award
Applying for the Friedman Award for Scholars in Health involves more than just filling out a form. UBC requires a complete and well-prepared set of documents that must be submitted before the application deadline. These documents are essential for verifying your eligibility and evaluating the quality of your proposed research project.
The most important document is your research proposal, which must explain the nature of your project, its global health relevance, and why it should be conducted at an international location. The proposal should include the name of the host institution, detailed activities, timeline, expected outcomes, and the potential impact on your academic work and public health.
Next, you need to provide a current academic transcript from UBC, showing your performance in your graduate program. If you are an international student, your visa status and study permit should also be up-to-date and attached to your application profile.
A budget estimate is another mandatory requirement. You must outline your expected costs, including airfare, living expenses, health insurance, research supplies, and local transportation. This document helps the review committee determine how much funding you should receive if selected.
You’ll also need two letters of recommendation: one from your UBC supervisor or department head and one from the host institution abroad. These letters must clearly state the relevance and feasibility of your project and confirm that both institutions support your research objectives.
Additional documents such as language proficiency proof (if your host institution requires it), previous publications, or any prior awards may help strengthen your application but are not always mandatory.
Submitting an incomplete application or failing to follow document guidelines can lead to disqualification. Therefore, it is critical to review the checklist on the UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website and ensure all required documents are prepared professionally and submitted on time. This level of detail also supports your visa application by proving the legitimacy of your international research plans.
Courses Offered by the University of British Columbia Friedman Award
The Friedman Award is not tied to any one course or department. Instead, it supports a wide variety of graduate-level studies at UBC, all within the broader umbrella of health-related disciplines. Students pursuing master’s and doctoral programs in public health, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, psychology, and health policy are all eligible to apply.
Programs such as the Master of Public Health (MPH), Doctor of Medicine (MD), and PhD in Population and Public Health are some of the common fields where past awardees have come from. But students enrolled in interdisciplinary studies that intersect with health—such as social work, global studies, or bioinformatics—may also qualify, provided their research proposal has a strong health component.
While UBC does not restrict the award to any particular course, your project must clearly show how it contributes to advancing health knowledge or improving health outcomes. This means students in courses focusing on infectious disease control, mental health, child and maternal wellness, environmental health, or digital health innovation are especially encouraged to apply.
The university offers a wide array of research-based graduate programs that promote collaboration, innovation, and impact. These programs often require thesis projects or major research components, which align well with the Friedman Award’s purpose of supporting international research.
Applicants are encouraged to choose host institutions that complement their academic program at UBC. For example, a public health student might conduct fieldwork in Sub-Saharan Africa in collaboration with a local ministry of health. A medical sciences student might partner with a leading hospital in Europe to study rare genetic diseases. The goal is to ensure the student’s coursework at UBC is enhanced by the experience gained abroad.
Having a clear connection between your UBC program and your proposed international research project will increase your chances of being selected and help in securing support letters from both institutions. It also reflects well when submitting your student visa extension or applying for post-graduate work opportunities in Canada.
Application Process for the University of British Columbia Friedman Award
The application process for the Friedman Award is competitive but straightforward. Interested students must begin by visiting the UBC Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website, where the official application form and updated deadlines are posted every year. It’s important to start early, as preparing the required documents and obtaining institutional support can take several weeks.
The first step is to submit an online application form through the UBC graduate awards portal. This includes entering your personal details, academic program, and a short summary of your research plan. After that, you will need to upload all required documents: your detailed proposal, budget, transcripts, visa status (if applicable), and letters of support.
UBC recommends that students contact both their faculty advisor and their chosen host institution early in the process. This ensures you have enough time to get strong, well-thought-out recommendation letters. Without these letters, your application will be considered incomplete.
After submission, applications are reviewed by a university committee made up of academic experts from health-related departments. They assess applications based on academic merit, clarity of research goals, global impact, and feasibility. The more relevant and well-documented your project is, the higher your chances of being selected.
If selected, you’ll be notified by email and asked to confirm acceptance. You may also be required to attend a short virtual interview or submit additional information before funds are released. Recipients are expected to keep in touch with UBC during their research stay and submit a final report after returning.
The award is usually distributed as a lump sum before your departure, and may also include guidance on visa requirements, international travel health insurance, and risk management. UBC provides support to ensure you comply with the terms of the award and remain eligible for future academic opportunities.
