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VANCOUVER – Government is investing $10 million to create the province’s first-ever graduate scholarship program to attract the best and brightest students to B.C.’s four research universities, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today.
“Research and innovation are vital to our province’s future, helping us develop the new ideas we need to increase prosperity, continue creating new jobs, and address challenges like climate change,” said Campbell. “The Pacific Century Graduate Scholarship program will give B.C. a competitive edge in drawing tomorrow’s research stars to our universities, where they will join the wealth of talent, ability and creativity already making world-class discoveries.”
The Pacific Century Graduate Scholarship program provides 1,000 scholarships, worth $10,000 each, over the next four years to master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral students at the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria and the University of Northern B.C. The universities will administer the scholarship competitions and recipients will be called Pacific Century Scholars.
“These scholarships expand opportunities for all levels of graduate students and reinforce our commitment to research as a vital part of B.C.’s economy,” said Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell. “This government is committed to continuing to improve support for graduate students through scholarships and internships that will help our four research-intensive universities attract and retain the best and most accomplished students.”
The first awards will be made to graduate students enrolled in programs in September. Each university will set its own deadlines and specific awards criteria. In addition, the universities will ensure the core criteria are met regarding the amount and duration of awards, student eligibility, eligible programs, award frequency, and award reporting and accountability.
Students at the master’s level can receive a maximum of two Pacific Century awards, while doctoral or post-doctoral students can receive up to three. International students are eligible for up to 20 per cent of Pacific Century graduate scholarships, helping universities compete globally for the very best graduate students.
Since 2001, British Columbia has invested over $1.5 billion in research and leveraged more than $900 million in added research funding from other sources. Government is also funding the addition of 2,500 new graduate spaces over the next four years.
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contact: |
Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218 |
Communications Manager Ministry of Advanced Education 250 952-6400 250 812-7977 (cell) |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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