If you’re a graduate student who’s excited about delving into research that bridges religion and society, culture or science — this one could really be for you. The Centre for Studies in Religion and Society (CSRS) at the University of Victoria (UVic), Canada is inviting applications for its Graduate Student Fellowships for the 2026-27 cycle (commencing 1 September 2026).
- Program: Graduate Student Fellowships at UVic CSRS
- Coverage: CAD $6,500 for one year + dedicated research space
- Nationality: International (all nationalities eligible)
- Degree Level: MA or PhD (graduate students)
- Duration: 12 months (one year)
- University: University of Victoria (UVic)
- Host Country: Canada
- Deadline: Monday, 10 November 2025 (for term starting September 2026)
Purpose of the Program
The CSRS at UVic has built a vibrant interdisciplinary community that investigates how religion relates to various spheres of society and culture — both historical and contemporary. The graduate fellowships are designed to support students who are writing their thesis or dissertation and whose research aligns with this broad mandate.
More specifically, the research should involve religion in relation to any aspect of society and culture. That could mean themes in ethics, health, environment, public policy, gender, sexual identity, technology, human conflict, literature, media, law, or natural sciences. Importantly: religion needn’t be the only focus, but it should be a significant component of the research.
So if you have an interest in how religion intersects with, say, environmental ethics, or media representation of belief systems, or how religious identity influences public policy — this fellowship could be a fitting home for that work.
Eligibility Criteria
Here’s a breakdown of who can apply and under what conditions:
Who is eligible:
- Graduate students (MA or PhD) enrolled at UVic or at another university whose research fits the CSRS mandate.
- Students who have completed their coursework and will be at the writing stage of their thesis/dissertation during the fellowship year. One-year MA students may also apply if they are in the writing stage.
Additional eligibility conditions:
- If you already received a CSRS MA-level award, you may only reapply after you are registered in a PhD program.
- PhD students may hold a CSRS fellowship only once.
- Applicants may apply for other centre-based awards at UVic, but because this fellowship includes dedicated office space, students are eligible to accept only one of those awards. If you are awarded multiple, you must notify CSRS before starting.
- For any research involving human subjects, you must secure approval from UVic’s Human Research Ethics Review Board.
Nationality & location:
- Open to students of all nationalities.
- While priority may go to UVic students, students enrolled elsewhere are eligible.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The fellowship is more than just a stipend — it’s an invitation into an active research community with resources and space to focus.
What the award includes:
- A stipend of CAD $6,500 for 12 months. The amount will be prorated if the fellowship is shorter.
- Access to a dedicated office at the CSRS.
- Access to UVic’s libraries and special collections.
- Mailbox, scanner and photocopier services at the Centre.
- Opportunities to take part in CSRS social and academic activities: daily informal meetings (coffee/tea discussions), weekly public lectures by fellows.
What you are responsible for:
- Fellows must make their own arrangements for housing and related costs if coming from outside Victoria.
- Travel, visas, health insurance and accommodations are the fellow’s responsibility if international.
In effect, while it’s not a “fully-funded” fellowship that takes care of every expense, it provides meaningful support and a strong intellectual environment to advance your research.
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Fields of Study
This fellowship welcomes a wide range of disciplines, as long as your research connects to the CSRS mandate of religion + society/culture.
Examples include (but are not limited to):
- Ethics and public policy around religion.
- Health, religion and society.
- Environment, religious thought and culture.
- Gender/sexual identity in religious contexts.
- Technology, media, religion and society.
- Human conflict, religion and reconciliation.
- Art, literature, religion, media studies.
- Law, natural sciences and religion interface.
Whether you’re in religious studies, philosophy, sociology, history, media studies, environmental studies, or even a STEM discipline that touches on religion’s role in science/technology — it’s likely you’ll find relevance.
Application Deadline
- Deadline: Monday, 10 November 2025 (for the 2026-27 fellowship term, starting 1 September 2026)
- Applications are reviewed in December by the CSRS Program Committee.
Application Process
To apply, you’ll follow a defined procedure as outlined by CSRS. Here’s how you go about it.
Required application documents:
- Completed Graduate Student Fellowship Application Form.
- Current CV.
- University transcripts (copies are acceptable).
- Two letters of support (in PDF): one from your supervisor and one from another professor. These letters must be emailed directly to csrs@uvic.ca.
How to submit:
- Applications are accepted once a year via email to csrs@uvic.ca, addressed to Dr Rachel Brown (Director).
- Ensure all materials are received by the deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Conditions of the fellowship:
- Fellows are required to give a public lecture or seminar presentation on their research theme.
- Fellows should actively participate in CSRS activities (daily meetings, weekly lectures, research community). While attendance at every event isn’t required, the majority of your fellowship time should engage with the Centre’s academic and social life.
- The CSRS reserves the right to reassess the award if the fellow does not meet these conditions.
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Why This Fellowship Stands Out
- Interdisciplinary appeal: The research scope is broad and inclusive: you’re not locked into narrow disciplinary boundaries.
- Community aspect: Beyond the stipend, you get a dedicated office and you join a lively academic community — which can enhance both your research and your personal growth.
- International openness: Applicants worldwide are eligible, so you’re not limited by nationality.
- Manageable term: A one-year commitment allows you to immerse in your writing stage, sharpen your research focus, and gain productive momentum.
- University resources: Being at UVic means access to libraries, special collections and a research-friendly setting in Victoria, Canada.
Final Thoughts
If you’re at the writing stage of your MA or PhD, and your topic touches on how religion intersects with society, culture, ethics, environment, technology, or any of the many arenas listed — this fellowship is definitely worth your serious consideration.
Take the time to reflect on how your research fits the CSRS mandate, prepare your application with care (especially your letters of support), and submit everything before the 10 November 2025 deadline.
Even if you’re located outside Canada, do consider the logistics — housing, travel, visas, and health insurance are your responsibility. But with careful planning, this could be a rich year of focused research, new connections, and growth.
Wishing you all the very best. If you’d like help drafting your application, refining your research proposal or preparing your supporting documents, just say the word — you’ve got this!
Official program link: https://www.uvic.ca/research/centres/csrs/fellowships-awards/apply/graduate/index.php