Deadline: 16-Jan-2026
The Research Training Awards support full-time master’s and doctoral students in British Columbia conducting occupational health and safety and work disability research aligned with WorkSafeBC priorities. The awards provide competitive stipends, research and travel allowances and structured oversight to strengthen applied research capacity that improves workplace safety, rehabilitation and return-to-work outcomes in B.C.
Overview
The Research Training Awards are designed to foster the development of research expertise in occupational health and safety and work disability in British Columbia.
Administered through Research Services, the program funds applied research that addresses real-world challenges faced by workers, workplaces and the workers’ compensation system in B.C.
Purpose of the Awards
The awards enable eligible graduate students to undertake full-time research training leading to a master’s or doctoral degree.
Supported research must align with WorkSafeBC’s mandate to improve workplace health and safety, support rehabilitation and return to work and ensure fair compensation for work-related injury or illness.
Research Focus Areas
Funded projects must align with one or more of WorkSafeBC’s research priorities.
Key areas include occupational injury and disease, workplace exposures, injury and disease prevention, treatment and recovery, disability management, vocational rehabilitation, return-to-work strategies and workers’ compensation systems.
Funding Amount and Duration
Funding is structured to support the active research phase of graduate training.
Master’s students receive $22,500 for one year, while doctoral students receive $40,000 per year for two years, along with a research and travel allowance.
Doctoral students may be eligible for multi-year support that includes an annual stipend and allowance, subject to approval.
Eligible Use of Funds
The research and travel allowance may be used for materials, equipment, publications and research-related travel.
Funds cannot be used for course fees, tuition or medical insurance and are not intended to support coursework-intensive phases of study.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must be full-time graduate students enrolled at a recognized university in British Columbia.
Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students holding a valid study permit are eligible.
Applicants must work under the supervision of an established faculty researcher based at a B.C. university and demonstrate strong academic performance.
Academic and Research Requirements
Applicants must propose research relevant to WorkSafeBC priorities and the needs of workers in British Columbia.
They must clearly indicate which portion of their graduate program the award will support and how the funding contributes to achieving specific research milestones.
Restrictions and Conditions
Recipients may not hold another major salary award concurrently, although limited top-up funding may be permitted under defined conditions.
Award holders must maintain full-time enrollment, reside in British Columbia and comply with approved research, ethics and safety requirements.
Selection Process
Awards are offered on a competitive basis through a three-stage review process.
This includes eligibility screening by Research Services, detailed review by WorkSafeBC stakeholders or an academic review committee and final approval by WorkSafeBC’s Executive Leadership Team.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed on scientific merit, relevance to occupational health and safety, alignment with WorkSafeBC research priorities, academic record and the quality of the training environment.
Reporting and Accountability
Recipients must submit progress and final reports and may be asked to present findings or provide their completed thesis or dissertation.
Failure to meet award conditions may result in termination of funding.
Renewals and Extensions
No-cost extensions and renewals may be approved under defined circumstances, subject to satisfactory progress and Research Services approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Research Training Awards?
Full-time master’s or doctoral students enrolled at recognized universities in British Columbia, including international students with valid study permits, may apply.
What types of research are eligible?
Research must focus on occupational health and safety or work disability and align with WorkSafeBC priorities, such as injury prevention, workplace exposures, rehabilitation or return-to-work outcomes.
Can I hold another scholarship at the same time?
Recipients cannot hold another major salary award concurrently, although limited top-up funding may be allowed under specific conditions.
What expenses can the research allowance cover?
The allowance may be used for research materials, equipment, publications and travel directly related to the research, but not for tuition, course fees or medical insurance.
Does the award cover coursework or exams?
No. The award is intended to support the hands-on research phase of a graduate program rather than periods focused mainly on coursework or comprehensive examinations.
Are international students eligible?
Yes. International students enrolled full time at a B.C. university and holding a valid study permit are eligible to apply.
What reporting is required after receiving the award?
Award holders must submit progress and final reports and may be required to present their research findings or submit their completed thesis or dissertation.
Why This Award Matters
The Research Training Awards strengthen applied research capacity in occupational health and safety across British Columbia.
By supporting graduate researchers, the program contributes to safer workplaces, improved rehabilitation outcomes and evidence-based policy that benefits workers and employers alike.
Conclusion
The Research Training Awards offer a strong opportunity for graduate students to advance their research careers while contributing to meaningful improvements in workplace health and safety in British Columbia. Students with well-aligned research proposals and strong academic records are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit WorkSafeBC.