Graduate Student Initiative

Graduate Student Initiative (GSI) funding is distributed by Faculty of Graduate and Post-Doctoral Studies (G+PS) and is a system for funding graduate students through various mechanisms including entrance scholarships, multi-year funding packages, tuition awards and scholarship top-ups and is, therefore, available to both new and returning students. This funding is available to both international and domestic students.

Funding decisions regarding GSI monies are made in relation to the stipulations, priorities and guidelines set out by G+PS, and directed by the ECED Advisory Committee members comprised of faculty representatives from each of the four academic departments in the Faculty of Education. The ECED Advisory Committee identifies students within the ECED thesis-based programs (MA) who will make important contributions to their communities, to scholarship, to academic leadership, and who will be competitive in the academic job market in Canada and internationally. A key factor in fulfilling this commitment is recruiting a diverse and talented pool of applicants. We also acknowledge that there is growing competition for outstanding applicants and that UBC must compete for these applicants with other universities.

The evaluation criteria, applied by ECED, are:

  • Academic excellence, as demonstrated by past academic results, transcripts, awards and distinction
  • Academic record
  • Scholarships and awards held
  • Research potential, as demonstrated by the applicant’s research history, their interest in discovery, the proposed research, and its potential contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field

Students do not apply for GSI but rather are automatically considered if they are eligible.

For more information about GSI funding, please visit the G+PS website.