Killam International Research Award 2026: CAD $6,000 for PhD Students to Research Abroad
Fund Your International PhD Research at Dalhousie University
Are you a doctoral student at Dalhousie University looking to expand your research internationally? The Killam International Research Award 2026 offers exceptional PhD researchers the opportunity to conduct short-term research abroad with financial support up to CAD $6,000.
This prestigious award, supported by the Killam Alumni Fund, enables current Killam Scholars to gain valuable global research experience at international institutions for up to three months.
Award Value and Coverage
The Killam International Research Award 2026 provides up to $6,000 to cover essential research expenses during your international stay:
Eligible Costs Include:
- International travel expenses (airfare and ground transportation)
- Accommodation and living costs during your research period
- Research-related fees (laboratory fees, equipment rental, library access)
- Administrative expenses (visa fees, study permits, insurance)
- Daily meals and necessities while abroad
Important: While your total research costs may exceed $6,000, you cannot request more than this amount from the award. Plan additional funding sources if needed.
Number of Awards: Only two scholarships are available each year, making this a highly competitive opportunity for exceptional Killam Scholars.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Killam International Research Award 2026, you must meet all these requirements:
Essential Eligibility Criteria:
Current Award Status: You must currently hold or have accepted a Level 2 Killam Predoctoral Award at Dalhousie University.
First-Time Applicant: You cannot have previously received this award or similar international travel grants (such as the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement).
Research Requirements:
- Your proposed research must directly relate to your PhD studies at Dalhousie
- The research must require your physical presence at the international location
- You must be registered full-time in your PhD program during the research period
Timeline Obligations:
- Use the award within one year of receiving notification
- Return to Dalhousie University to complete your doctoral degree
Active Status: You must hold an active Killam award when your international research period begins.
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted through the FGS Online Scholarship Portal by February 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM AST.
Required Application Components:
1. Detailed Budget Proposal Provide an itemized breakdown of anticipated expenses up to $6,000, including:
- Travel costs (with estimates or quotes)
- Accommodation expenses
- Research fees and materials
- Visa and insurance costs
- Living expenses
Tip: Research costs thoroughly as they vary significantly by location.
2. Research Proposal (Maximum 2 Pages) Written in plain language, your proposal should include:
- Specific research objectives and activities planned abroad
- Methodology and expected outcomes
- Significance of this international research to your PhD
- Clear timeline with start/end dates and milestones
- Benefits you’ll gain from this international experience
Your proposal should be understandable to someone in your discipline but without specialized knowledge of your specific research area.
3. Two Letters of Support (One Page Each)
- Letter from your Dalhousie supervisor endorsing your research abroad
- Letter from your host supervisor/institution confirming they’ll provide necessary resources (supervision, equipment, library access, financial support if applicable)
Note: Your host supervisor doesn’t need to be at a university, but must be able to provide the required research support and resources.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated based on how well your proposed research aligns with Dorothy Killam’s mission: “to help in the building of Canada’s future by encouraging advanced study… to increase the scientific and scholastic attainments of Canadians… and to promote sympathetic understanding between Canadians and the peoples of other countries” AFS-USA.
Evaluation Criteria:
Research Quality (40%):
- Significance and merit of proposed activities
- Feasibility of your research plan
- Expected outcomes and contributions
Justification (35%):
- Why this specific international institution/location is essential
- How it enhances your doctoral research
- Anticipated benefits to your academic development
Planning (25%):
- Realistic timeline and budget
- Clear resource commitments from host institution
- Alignment with career goals
Post-Award Responsibilities
If selected for the Killam International Research Award 2026, you must:
Before Departure:
- Review and follow Dalhousie’s International Travel Policy
- Complete four “Before You Go” components required for international learning experiences
- Ensure all necessary travel documents are in order
During and After:
- Acknowledge the Killam Trust in any publications or presentations from this research
- Document your experience at three different stages for Killam Trustees and donors
- Share content via social media (with your consent)
- Return to Dalhousie to complete your PhD degree
This documentation helps demonstrate the award’s impact and supports future fundraising to continue this program.
Why This Award Matters
The Killam International Research Award 2026 offers more than just funding:
Global Research Networks: Build relationships with international researchers that can lead to future collaborations and career opportunities.
Enhanced Research Quality: Access unique resources, specialized equipment, rare archives, or expert knowledge unavailable in Canada.
Career Development: International experience distinguishes your academic profile and demonstrates initiative valued by future employers.
Cultural Competence: Develop cross-cultural research skills essential in today’s interconnected academic world.
Competitive Advantage: Being selected for one of only two annual awards demonstrates exceptional merit recognized by Dalhousie’s graduate leadership.
Application Strategy Tips
1. Start Planning Early Contact potential host institutions now to secure letters of support and confirm resource availability.
2. Be Specific About Necessity Clearly explain why this international research cannot be conducted in Canada. What unique resources, expertise, or data are only available abroad?
3. Budget Realistically Research actual costs for your destination. Include contingencies but stay within the $6,000 limit.
4. Write Clearly Your proposal should be accessible to non-specialists while demonstrating research rigor.
5. Emphasize Return Value Articulate how this international experience will enhance your contributions to Dalhousie and Canadian research upon return.
6. Submit Early Don’t wait until the deadline. Technical issues happen, and late applications won’t be considered.
About the Killam Trust
The Killam Trusts were established by Canadian philanthropists Izaak Walton Killam and Dorothy J. Killam to support advanced study and research across Canadian universities. Dalhousie’s Killam programs are among Canada’s most prestigious doctoral awards, reflecting the university’s commitment to research excellence and international collaboration.
Important Dates
Now: Begin contacting international institutions and preparing your proposal
January 2026: Finalize budget and gather support letters
February 20, 2026, 4:00 PM AST: Application deadline (no exceptions)
Spring 2026: Award notifications
Within one year: Research period abroad must be completed
How to Apply
First off visit the Dalhousie University Finance WebPage
Step 1: Visit the FGS Online Scholarship Portal
Step 2: Create or log in to your account
Step 3: Complete all required sections
Step 4: Upload supporting documents
Step 5: Submit before the deadline
Contact Information
Questions about the scholarship?
Email: fgs.slo@dal.ca
Scholarships Liaison Officer, Faculty of Graduate Studies
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Henry Hicks Academic Administration Building, Room 314
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
Phone: 902-494-2485
Conclusion
The Killam International Research Award 2026 represents an exceptional opportunity for Dalhousie PhD students to enhance their research through international collaboration. With $6,000 in funding and the prestige of Killam support, this award can significantly advance your doctoral work and career prospects.
If you’re a current Killam Scholar with research that demands international presence, don’t miss this opportunity. Start preparing your application now and join the legacy of Canadian researchers advancing global understanding through academic excellence.
Application deadline: February 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM AST
