Western Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Canada 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the Western Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026, a prestigious opportunity offered by Western University in Canada for postdoctoral scholars across all research disciplines. This two-year fellowship supports exceptional postdocs in conducting high-impact research, aligning with Western’s strategic goals for excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

It is open to recent PhD graduates (within five years) from both domestic and international backgrounds, with no prior postdoctoral position at Western. The application deadline is April 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EDT, and there is no application fee. Successful fellows gain access to professional development, mentorship, and collaborative networks to advance their careers as independent researchers. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Degree Level: Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Host Country: Canada
• Host Institution: Western University, Canada
• Open To All Nationalities
• Fields of Study: Open to all disciplines.
• Application Fee: None.
• Application Deadline: April 14, 2026

What This Scholarship Offers:

• A competitive minimum stipend of $70,000 per year (plus annual increases per collective agreement).
• Recoverable benefits equivalent to 14% of the stipend, supporting health and well-being needs.
• A $5,000 annual research allowance for two years
• Access to an Independent Professional Development Plan and mentorship program through the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, helping build leadership skills, knowledge, and networks for long-term career success.
• Potential for additional funding from host supervisors or faculties, which could enhance the stipend or research allowance based on available resources.

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Eligibility Criteria:

• Hold a PhD degree completed within five years of the proposed fellowship start date.
• Not have previously held a postdoctoral position at Western University.
• Be paired with a qualified faculty member at Western who holds a research-eligible position and can serve as the principal supervisor, demonstrating expertise, experience, and capacity for mentorship.
• Propose research that aligns with the program’s goals, including research excellence, equity, diversity, inclusion, and Western’s strategic priorities.
• Be available to start the fellowship on a full-time basis between July 2026 and June 2027.
• Applicants from all disciplines are encouraged, provided the research fits Western’s strengths.

Also Check: HIAS Postdoc Fellowships in Germany 2027-2028 (Fully Funded)

How to Apply:

1. Prepare ROLA Proposal: The supervisor submits a Research Office Liaison Approval (ROLA) proposal, which must be reviewed and approved by the department chair and faculty dean by April 7, 2026.
2. Compile Full Application: Gather all required documents, including the application form, CV, research proposal, supervisor’s statement, letters of reference, and proof of matching funds.
3. Submit Online: Upload the complete application as one master file via the Western Research internal grants online submission portal by April 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EDT.
4. Review and Notification: Applications are reviewed by a central adjudication committee in April-May 2026, with results communicated in May-June 2026.

Also Check: Newton International Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)