The Killam International Research Scholarship 2026 in Canada is a prestigious funding opportunity that supports outstanding PhD researchers at Dalhousie University in conducting short-term research abroad, providing up to $ 6,000 CAD in financial support. It is designed as a travel‑research award for current Killam Doctoral Scholars, not a full degree scholarship. It targets those who want to add an international dimension to their ongoing doctoral work.

Basic information about the scholarship (2026)

• Official name: Killam International Research Scholarship / Killam International Research Award 2026 at Dalhousie University, Canada.
  • Host institution: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.Award Value: Up to $6,000
• Type: In-program supplement
• Degree Level: Doctoral (PhD)
• Available to: Current Killam Doctoral Scholars
• Number of Awards: 2
• Duration Abroad: Up to 3 months
• Scholarship type: In‑program, short‑term international research award for current PhD (Killam Doctoral) scholars.
• Funding amount: Up to 6,000 CAD to support research‑related travel and living costs abroad.
• Application deadline 2026:
  • For the 2026 round at Dalhousie University, the last date to apply is Friday, 20 February 2026 at 4:00 pm AST.

This award is anchored in the broader Killam tradition of supporting advanced research and is reserved for scholars who already hold, or have accepted, a Level 2 Killam Predoctoral/Doctoral Scholarship at Dalhousie.

University/institution details

Dalhousie University is one of Canada’s leading research‑intensive universities, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is part of the national Killam network. The Killam International Research Scholarship is administered by Dalhousie’s Faculty of Graduate Studies as a supplement for existing Killam Doctoral Scholars.

Key institutional points:

• Dalhousie is a U15 research university with strong doctoral programs in science, engineering, health, social sciences, and humanities.
• The Killam funding at Dalhousie comes from the Killam Trusts, created to support advanced scholarship and international research collaboration.
• The International Research Scholarship is specifically designed to extend Dalhousie doctoral research beyond Canada’s borders, strengthening international networks and visibility.
• Support international research experiences for outstanding Killam Scholars
• Encourage advanced study, global collaboration, and academic excellence
• Enhance doctoral research through hands-on research outside Canada

Because this is an in‑program award, you must already be enrolled at Dalhousie and part of the Killam Doctoral Scholarship community when you apply.

Study areas and eligible programs

The award is open to a wide range of doctoral disciplines, as long as you hold a qualifying Killam doctoral award and the proposed project is directly related to your PhD research at Dalhousie.

Typical eligible study areas include (examples):

• Natural and applied sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, engineering, computer science).
• Health sciences (e.g., medicine‑related research, health policy, nursing, pharmacy).
• Social sciences (e.g., sociology, political science, economics, psychology).
• Humanities and arts (e.g., history, literature, philosophy, cultural studies).

Program names will vary by faculty, but the core requirement is: you must be registered in a doctoral program at Dalhousie and hold a Level 2 Killam Predoctoral/Doctoral Scholarship when you apply.

Killam International Research Scholarship benefits

The Killam International Research Scholarship 2026 focuses on removing the financial barriers to short‑term overseas research connected to your PhD.

Main benefits:

• Funding up to 6,000 CAD: Helps cover travel and cost of living for a research stay of up to 3 months outside Canada.
• Coverage of key expenses, including:
• International travel costs (airfare or equivalent).
• Accommodation and meals during your stay abroad.
• General living expenses while you conduct your research.
• Research‑related fees and supplies needed at the host institution.
• Visa and related study/travel permit costs for the destination country.
• Insurance and other necessary expenditures related to the research stay.
• Opportunity to conduct fieldwork, lab work, or archival research that requires physical presence abroad, which can significantly enhance your PhD thesis.
• Enhanced academic profile through international collaboration, co‑authored publications, and broader research impact.

This funding is supplementary to your main Killam Doctoral Scholarship at Dalhousie, meaning it is an add‑on rather than a replacement of your existing support.

Benefits not included

While the award is generous for a short visit, it does not cover everything. Certain costs remain your responsibility or must be covered by other funding sources.

Common exclusions:

• It does not fund your full PhD program or general tuition at Dalhousie.
• It is not a full‑ride “fully funded” scholarship for an entire degree abroad; it funds only a 3‑month (max) research stay outside Canada.
• It does not usually cover dependants’ or family members’ travel and living expenses.
• It does not extend your main Killam Doctoral Scholarship’s duration; your core award terms and time limits remain the same.
• Any personal, non‑research travel or luxury expenses during your stay will not be covered.

Applicants should plan a realistic budget and be ready to combine this award with other funding if their projected costs exceed 6,000 CAD.

Eligibility criteria for Killam International Research Scholarship

To apply for the Killam International Research Scholarship 2026 at Dalhousie, you must meet all the key eligibility requirements.

Core criteria:

• Hold or have accepted a Level 2 Killam Predoctoral Award
• Not have received a Killam International Research Award or other international travel award before
• Conduct research related to your Dalhousie PhD
• Require physical presence abroad to conduct the research
• To remain eligible while abroad, you must:
  • Hold an active Killam award
  • Be registered full-time in a PhD program
  • Use the award within one year of receiving it
  • Return to Dalhousie to complete your degree

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Alignment with the Killam Trust mission
• Academic merit, feasibility, and significance of the research
• Justification for host institution/supervisor
• Benefits to your doctoral training and future career

Post-Award Responsibilities

Successful applicants must:

• Follow Dalhousie’s International Travel Policy
• Complete required Before You Go steps
• Acknowledge Killam funding in publications
• Consent to social media sharing

Required documents for the application

Exact requirements can vary slightly each year, but typical documentation for the Killam International Research Scholarship includes:

• Budget Proposal
  • Covers travel, living, accommodation, visas, insurance, etc.
  • Total costs may exceed $6,000, but requested amount cannot
  • Costs vary by location—research carefully
• Research Proposal (Max 2 Pages)
  • Written in plain language
  • Include:
    • Research objectives, significance, methodology, and outcomes
    • How the research enhances your doctoral study
    • Benefits of the international research experience
    • Timeline with start/end dates and milestones
• Two Letters of Support (1 page each)
  • From your current research supervisor
  • From your host supervisor abroad (confirming support and resources)

Killam International Research Scholarship application process (step‑by‑step)

Here is a clear, step‑by‑step guide to applying for the Killam International Research Scholarship 2026 in Canada:

• Confirm your eligibility
  • Ensure you are a current Killam Doctoral Scholar (Level 2 Killam Predoctoral Award holder) at Dalhousie and have not received this travel award before.
  • Discuss your international research plan
  • Meet your supervisor to identify a suitable host institution abroad, define the research question, and confirm that a short‑term stay is feasible within your PhD timeline.
• Contact the host institution/supervisor
  • Reach out to potential hosts, discuss collaboration, and secure a written confirmation or invitation that supports your research stay.
• Prepare your research proposal
  • Write a concise but strong proposal outlining objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and the added value of doing the work abroad.
• Draft your budget and timeline
  • Estimate travel, accommodation, living, and research costs, clearly showing how you will use up to 6,000 CAD during your 3‑month stay.
• Collect supporting documents
  • Gather supervisor support letters, host confirmation, CV, academic records, and any internal Dalhousie forms required by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
• Complete the application form
  • Fill out the official Killam International Research Scholarship application form carefully and accurately.
• Submit by the deadline
  • Submit your complete application to the appropriate Dalhousie office by 20 February 2026 at 4:00 pm AST (for the 2026 round).
• Await selection and notification

Tips for a successful application

To improve your chances of winning the Killam International Research Scholarship 2026, focus on quality, clarity, and impact.

Practical tips:

• Align strongly with your PhD: Make it obvious that the international work is essential—not just “nice to have”—for advancing your doctoral research.
• Demonstrate clear research impact: Explain how the stay will lead to concrete outcomes: articles, data, experiments, new methods, or high‑value collaborations.
• Show feasibility: Provide a realistic 3‑month timeline and budget with achievable goals, demonstrating that the project can be completed as planned.
• Highlight your track record: Use your CV and proposal to showcase academic excellence, previous awards, publications, and research potential as a Killam Scholar.
• Secure strong letters: Ask for detailed reference/support letters that speak to your research skills, independence, and ability to use the international opportunity effectively.
• Proofread thoroughly: Clear writing, error‑free documents, and a professional tone help the committee trust your planning and attention to detail.

Monthly living expenses for international students (USD)

While the award is managed in Canadian dollars, many international students plan their budgets in USD. Below is an approximate monthly living‑cost breakdown for a 3‑month research stay abroad, based on typical costs in major cities and current exchange rates.

• Assumption: 1 CAD ≈ 0.75 USD (actual rates may vary).
• Expense category Estimated monthly cost (USD) Notes
• Accommodation 600 – 900 Shared apartment or student residence in many cities.
• Food & groceries 250 – 350 Cooking at home most of the time.
• Local transportation 80 – 150 Public transit pass or regular commuting costs.
• Health insurance 60 – 100 Depending on host country rules and coverage needs.
• Study / research costs 80 – 150 Printing, lab fees, local data access, small supplies.
• Miscellaneous / phone 80 – 150 Mobile plan, personal items, basic leisure.

This means many students should prepare for roughly 1,150 – 1,800 USD per month in living expenses during their stay, depending on the city and lifestyle. Careful budgeting is vital if your total award is capped at 6,000 CAD (around 4,500 USD).

Why choose this scholarship? (at least 5 reasons)

The Killam International Research Scholarship 2026 in Canada is highly attractive for ambitious doctoral researchers.

Key reasons:

• Boosts your global research profile
• You gain hands‑on international research experience, access to new labs or archives, and potential co‑authorship with leading global scholars.
• Flexible, research‑driven funding
• The award is designed to cover exactly what PhD researchers need—travel, living costs, and research expenses for a short, focused stay abroad.
• Enhances your Killam scholar status
• Being selected signals that you are among the top Killam Doctoral Scholars at Dalhousie with strong research potential and an international outlook.
• Supports career development
• International collaborations and exposure can open doors to postdoctoral fellowships, joint projects, and future academic positions worldwide.
• Short duration, big impact
• A 3‑month research stay is long enough to collect critical data or build a partnership without derailing your overall PhD timeline.
• Strengthens your thesis quality
• Access to unique datasets, specialized equipment, or local field sites abroad can substantially raise the originality and rigor of your PhD thesis.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

• 1. Is the Killam International Research Scholarship 2026 fully funded?
  • No. It is a supplementary award of up to 6,000 CAD for a short‑term research stay abroad; it does not fully fund your overall PhD or cover every expense.
• 2. Can international students apply?
  • Yes. International doctoral students who are current Killam Doctoral Scholars at Dalhousie and meet all criteria are eligible, alongside Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
• 3. Do I need an offer from a host institution before applying?
  • You typically need at least a clear confirmation or invitation from the host institution or supervisor abroad, demonstrating that your research stay is realistic and supported.
• 4. How long can I stay abroad with this award?
  • The scholarship supports up to 3 months of international research outside Canada, within the timeframe specified by Dalhousie.
• 5. Can I receive this award more than once?
  • No. You must not have previously held a Killam International Research Award or similar international travel supplement to be eligible.
• 6. Does this award extend my Killam Doctoral Scholarship funding period?
  • No. Your main Killam Doctoral Scholarship time limits do not change; this is an additional travel‑research grant only.
• 7. What makes a strong application?
  • A strong proposal clearly links the international stay to your PhD objectives, shows high research potential, provides a realistic budget and timeline, and is backed by strong supervisor and host support.

Application Deadline:

📅 Friday, February 20, 2026 | 4:00 PM AST

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By understanding the eligibility rules, crafting a strong research plan, and applying before the February 20, 2026 deadline, you can use the Killam International Research Scholarship to transform your PhD into a truly global research experience in Canada and abroad.