Blog and Opportunities

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of the Government of Japan is currently accepting applications for the 2027 Research Student Scholarship for students who wish to study at Japanese universities as research or post-graduate students.

The scholarship covers:

1. Full tuition
2. Monthly allowance
3. Round-trip flight between Japan and Canada

The Research Student Scholarship is aimed at university graduates, born on or after April 2, 1992 (for the 2027 scholarship year). The area of research or post-grad study should be in the same or related field that the applicant has previously studied.

Application guides and forms are available through the links on the Consulate General of Japan website: 

https://www.vancouver.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/mext_en.html. Application deadline for the 2027 scholarship year: May 29, 2026.

Generally, application forms are available in April or May each year with a deadline in May. Interested applicants can enter their Email address on our website to be notified of the opening of the next application period.

Applicants who successfully pass the written application screening are required to undertake an interview and examination (English and Japanese language) to be held on a designated date in early to mid-July. Interviews and examinations must be conducted in-person at the Consulate General of Japan’s offices. Please note that fluency in Japanese is not necessarily required, but dependent on the nature of the university and study program as selected by the scholarship candidate.

We hope that you will share this information with your students, colleagues and associates, and invite you to promote the programs to all qualified candidates. 

Any questions or concerns can be directed to us at 604.684.5868, x397 or by Email at jet@vc.mofa.go.jp.

UBC Molecular Biology Workshop (see http://www.bioteach.ubc.ca/portfolio/professional-courses/  – June 8th to 12th, 2026.  This is an intensive 5 day course that covers molecular biology techniques from both a theoretical and practical point of view suitable for the professional scientist/grad student/post-doc.  

Dear Biology Students,

Do you plan to undertake an Honours research project in 2026/27? If so, the deadline for Honours applications is May 1. 

Please try to arrange a supervisor and submit the application by May 1. Instructions and application forms are on the Biology website: https://www.uvic.ca/science/biology/undergraduate/research/index.php

Late applications will be considered, but chances of course conflicts are greater.

If you need advice or assistance, do not hesitate to get in touch with a Biology Honours Advisor (biology@uvic.ca)

Biology Honours Advisors:

Dr. Barbara Hawkins – until July 1, 2026

Dr. Terri Lacourse – from July 1, 2026

Over two months, undergraduate and graduate student participants will pursue an independent research project, either solo or in teams of up to 5. All registrants will receive access to mentors, live workshops, opportunity for open-access publication via Underline.io, and entrance to one of three regional conferences (in either Calgary, Toronto, or Quebec City).

The registration deadline is April 17, 2026 (Early Bird) and April 24, 2026 (Regular Deadline). More information can be found here: dub.sh/iubdc2026, and any further questions can be sent to bigdata@stemfellowship.org.

For more information, please visit their website at www.ancientdna.com or email paleodna@lakeheadu.ca.

Help spread the love of STEM with the local community on May 9! Volunteer at Science Rendezvous, UVic’s annual one-day STEM festival and help introduce K-12 students and other community members to science, technology, engineering and math. We’re looking for volunteers to help faculty members run hands-on activities and to assist with general event day logistics. Shifts are available between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sign up by April 24!

• Immigration advising

Our Immigration practitioners (Immigration Specialists and International Student Advisers) can assist with new applications and extension of Study Permit, Post-Graduate Work Permits, and Co-op Work Permits, as well as confirming work eligibility.

• Settlement advising

Our Settlement advisers provide information and support for international students adjusting to life in Victoria and Canada. They can advise students on housing, healthcare, family resources, banking and more. They also support students in navigating the transition to UVic and by facilitating connections to resources on campus and in the community.

How to access drop-in advising

Students meet with an adviser on a first-come, first-served basis via Microsoft Teams, phone or in person. To meet with an immigration practitioner or settlement adviser for a short, same-day appointment, students can:

• Phone us at +1-250-721-6361 starting at 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) for virtual appointments (phone or video)
• Visit the International Centre for Students (Jamie Cassels Centre, room B202d) starting at 1:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) for in-person appointments or to collect more information

On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, we are excited to announce the application for the Black Student Leadership Award is now open. One or more awards of $7,500 each will be given to undergraduate students continuing at UVic who self-identify as Black and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and extracurricular activities that strengthen the student experience at UVic.

The Black Student Leadership Award is being offered to students continuing their studies at UVic in September 2026. Students can nominate themselves or be nominated by a member of the campus community. Successful recipients will be recommended by a selection committee comprised of representatives from Student Affairs and the UVic Scarborough Charter Steering Committee.

If you are a student and wish to nominate yourself for the award, please send a letter (maximum 300 words) outlining your contributions to the UVic community to In-course Scholarship Officer Francisco Canjura at fcanjura@uvic.ca by April 30th. Please ensure that your full name and student ID are included in the letter.

If you would like to nominate a student, please send a letter (maximum 300 words) outlining their contributions to the UVic community to In-course Scholarship Officer Francisco Canjura at fcanjura@uvic.ca by April 30th. Please ensure the student’s full name and student ID are included in the letter.

Volunteer with the UVic Global Community! The UVic Global Community is looking for Undergraduate and Graduate Conversation Partners and Mentors for the 2026-2027 Academic Year (September 2026 – April 2027) who want to help build an inclusive, globally-minded campus and support international students with their social and academic transition to UVic. Global Community Volunteers are matched with up to three students and meet with their student(s) for a minimum of 1 hour every week throughout the term to encourage students to get involved in the UVic community and build confidence in conversational English, all while making connections with people from around the world. Our Spring Application Deadline is March 25^th , 2026. Visit our website for more information and complete the application form to apply now!

The summer school is meant for graduate students and postdocs who would like to learn more about the mathematics of human-environmental systems and climate change impacts.  It is also suitable for undergraduate students who are currently completing their final level year of studies.  Please see the web site for further details. The application deadline is May 1, 2026.