Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship 2027–2028 at York University, Canada: Up to CAD $30,000 for Domestic and International Graduate Researchers

The Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship 2027–2028 at York University in Canada is a competitive graduate research funding opportunity for outstanding domestic and international students pursuing master’s or doctoral studies. Administered by the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research in collaboration with York University’s graduate funding offices, the scholarship supports researchers whose work contributes to global health, planetary health, humanitarianism, and global health foresighting.

The Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship provides annual financial awards ranging from CAD $5,000 to CAD $30,000, depending on the applicant’s degree level, domestic or international student status, available funding, and other relevant considerations. It is designed to help exceptional graduate researchers pursue their academic work while contributing to research that addresses complex health challenges affecting people, communities, and the planet.

Unlike scholarships that are restricted to citizens or permanent residents of Canada, the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship is available to both domestic and international graduate students who meet the program requirements. However, applicants must be entering or continuing an eligible graduate research program at York University. The scholarship is not a standalone award for individuals who simply wish to study in Canada without applying to an eligible York University graduate program.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, applications are open, and the official deadline is Friday, January 8, 2027, at noon Eastern Time (ET). Interested applicants should prepare their research statement, academic transcripts, curriculum vitae, supervisor’s letter of support, graduate program documentation, and itemized financial budget well before the deadline.

The scholarship is particularly relevant to prospective and current graduate students interested in using research to address global health inequalities, environmental and health challenges, humanitarian emergencies, and emerging issues that may shape the future of health systems and communities.

Overview of the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship 2027–2028

The following table summarizes the key details of the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship.

Opportunity Detail	Information
Scholarship name	Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship (DGHGS)
Funding institution	Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research
University	York University
Country	Canada
Opportunity type	Graduate research scholarship
Academic level	Master’s and doctoral studies
Eligible applicants	Domestic and international students
Eligible study status	New or continuing graduate students, subject to the stated eligibility requirements
Research focus	Global health research and related scholarly activities
Research themes	Planetary health; global health and humanitarianism; global health foresighting
Scholarship value	CAD $5,000–$30,000 annually
Master’s funding limits	Up to CAD $15,000 for domestic students and CAD $25,000 for international students
Doctoral funding limits	Up to CAD $20,000 for domestic students and CAD $30,000 for international students
Funding duration	Up to one or two years for eligible master’s students and up to four years for eligible doctoral students, subject to the applicable study category and annual review
Study mode	Full-time graduate studies are normally required
Application method	Online scholarship application form
Application deadline	January 8, 2027, at noon ET

The scholarship is administered by the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research in collaboration with the Office of Student Financial Services and the Faculty of Graduate Studies at York University.

About the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research

The Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research is based at York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The institute brings together researchers, practitioners, students, and collaborators who investigate global health challenges through approaches that connect research, policy, and practice.

Its work emphasizes effectiveness, equity, and excellence in global health research. Rather than treating health challenges as isolated medical problems, the institute encourages research that considers the broader environmental, social, political, humanitarian, and systemic factors that influence people’s health and well-being.

Global health research can involve questions about access to healthcare, the effects of environmental change on communities, the health consequences of humanitarian crises, the design of effective public policies, and the ways emerging global trends may influence future health systems.

Through research partnerships, academic activities, and graduate training, the institute supports work that seeks to generate useful knowledge and contribute to practical responses to contemporary health challenges.

The Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship forms part of this broader mission. It is intended to attract promising researchers and help them develop the knowledge, analytical abilities, and research experience needed to contribute meaningfully to global health.

Scholarship recipients become part of the institute’s graduate research community and are expected to participate in relevant academic activities, present their research, and engage with the institute’s work.

 

What Is the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship?

The Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship is an annual financial award for exceptional incoming and continuing graduate students at York University whose research aligns with the Dahdaleh Institute’s mandate.

The program seeks to attract and support graduate researchers who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, strong research potential, and the capacity to contribute to global health scholarship.

The award is intended to support graduate research and associated scholarly or creative professional activities. It is not limited to paying general educational expenses; it is designed to strengthen the research capacity of students whose proposed work fits within the institute’s thematic priorities.

Both new and returning graduate students may apply, provided they satisfy the applicable eligibility conditions. Applicants are assessed based on their previous academic performance, their potential for success in their graduate program, the quality of their proposed research, and their demonstrated or potential leadership and initiative.

A distinctive feature of the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship is that it provides funding in addition to the standard York University graduate student support package. The total funding received by an individual may nevertheless be adjusted according to the value of other substantial competitive awards and the program’s funding rules.

The scholarship is awarded annually rather than automatically for the entire duration of a degree. Eligible recipients who wish to continue receiving funding must apply for renewal and undergo an annual performance review.

Research Themes Supported by the Scholarship

Applicants must demonstrate how their graduate research relates to at least one of the three research themes of the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research. Understanding these themes is essential when preparing the statement of purpose.

1. Planetary Health

Planetary health examines the relationships between the health of human populations and the condition of the natural systems on which people depend.

Human health is influenced by environmental conditions, including air quality, water availability, climate patterns, biodiversity, land use, food systems, and the sustainability of natural resources. Changes in these systems can create direct and indirect consequences for communities, healthcare systems, and public well-being.

Research aligned with planetary health may investigate how environmental degradation affects health outcomes, how climate-related events influence vulnerable populations, or how policies can better protect both people and the ecosystems that support life.

Applicants interested in this theme should explain the relationship between their proposed research and the environmental or planetary factors that influence health. They should also show how their work could contribute to a better understanding of the problem or inform future research, policy, or practice.

2. Global Health and Humanitarianism

The global health and humanitarianism theme concerns health challenges that arise across communities and countries, particularly in situations involving vulnerability, inequality, displacement, emergencies, and humanitarian need.

Global health challenges often extend beyond national borders. Conflict, forced migration, infectious disease outbreaks, unequal access to healthcare, food insecurity, and inadequate sanitation can affect populations in different ways and require coordinated responses.

Research under this theme may explore humanitarian health interventions, healthcare access among displaced populations, the effectiveness of public health policies, health inequalities, or the institutional and political factors that shape health outcomes.

Researchers may approach these issues from various academic disciplines, provided their proposed work aligns with the institute’s research mandate.

Applicants should clearly identify the global health or humanitarian challenge they intend to investigate and explain why their research matters. They should also demonstrate how their academic background, professional experience, or research interests prepare them to undertake the proposed work.

3. Global Health Foresighting

Global health foresighting focuses on anticipating emerging issues, considering possible future developments, and examining how societies and institutions can prepare for changing health challenges.

Health systems operate in an increasingly interconnected world. Technological developments, demographic change, environmental pressures, political decisions, economic conditions, and emerging threats can influence future health needs.

Foresighting research can help identify emerging trends, examine possible future scenarios, and improve understanding of the factors that may affect health outcomes in the years ahead.

Applicants interested in this theme should explain how their proposed research will contribute to understanding future global health challenges. They should also describe the research questions, methods, and intended contribution of their work.

How to demonstrate research alignment

Regardless of the selected theme, applicants should avoid merely mentioning one of the three areas in their application. The statement of purpose must explain the relationship between the proposed research and the institute’s mandate.

A strong explanation should identify the research problem, establish its relevance to the selected theme, describe the proposed research plan, and explain how the applicant’s background supports the work.

Benefits of the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship

The Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship provides financial assistance alongside opportunities to participate in a research-focused academic community.

1. Annual funding of CAD $5,000 to CAD $30,000

The principal benefit is the opportunity to receive a competitive annual scholarship ranging from CAD $5,000 to CAD $30,000.

The exact amount depends on the applicant’s degree level, domestic or international status, available funds, the year of study, the number of recipients selected, and other relevant considerations.

The scholarship can contribute toward the financial costs associated with graduate study and research. However, the amount awarded is not necessarily the same for every recipient, and applicants should not assume that they will receive the maximum amount.

The published program limits are:

Degree level	Domestic students	International students
Master’s	Up to CAD $15,000	Up to CAD $25,000
Doctoral	Up to CAD $20,000	Up to CAD $30,000

The minimum award is CAD $5,000. The committee determines the final award in accordance with the program’s rules and available resources.

2. Funding in addition to standard graduate support

The Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship is intended to supplement the standard graduate student support package at York University.

This distinction is important because the scholarship should not automatically be interpreted as a complete funding package covering all tuition, living expenses, travel, insurance, and other costs associated with studying in Canada.

The university may adjust the award based on other high-value, non-standard competitive awards received by the student. Examples identified in the scholarship documentation include the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship, Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and Elia Scholars Program.

Applicants must disclose their other sources of funding as part of the application. They should prepare a realistic financial budget that includes anticipated income and expenses, rather than assuming that the scholarship will cover every cost.

3. Access to a collaborative research environment

Recipients are named Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholars and become part of the Dahdaleh Institute’s graduate research community.

The institute provides access to an open workspace for graduate students. This environment can help scholars engage with other researchers, exchange ideas, and participate in activities connected to global health research.

The opportunity to become part of a research community may be valuable for students whose work benefits from interdisciplinary perspectives and collaboration.

4. Participation in global health seminars and events

Scholarship recipients are expected to attend and participate in the institute’s weekly global health seminars.

They may also receive invitations to workshops and special events organized by the institute.

These activities provide opportunities to engage with current research, discuss emerging global health issues, learn from researchers and practitioners, and develop a deeper understanding of how research connects with policy and practice.

Participation is an expectation of the scholarship rather than simply an optional benefit.

5. Opportunities to present research

Recipients must present their graduate work at least once per year. The preferred venue is the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholars Symposium, although other suitable venues may be accepted.

Presenting research helps graduate students communicate their findings, receive feedback, and develop the ability to explain their work to academic and professional audiences.

Research dissemination is particularly important in global health, where findings may be relevant to policymakers, practitioners, institutions, and communities beyond the university.

6. Support for research and professional development

The scholarship encourages recipients to develop their research, pursue external funding opportunities, and engage with the institute’s academic activities.

Students are expected to apply for external funding where appropriate, including opportunities such as those offered through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and Ontario Graduate Scholarship.

These expectations encourage recipients to build a sustainable academic profile and develop the experience needed for future research opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship 2027–2028

Applicants must carefully review the eligibility criteria before preparing an application. Meeting the general academic requirements does not guarantee selection, and the scholarship is restricted to eligible graduate students at York University.

1. Eligible applicants: Domestic and international students

The scholarship is open to both domestic and international students.

International applicants may apply if they are entering or continuing an eligible graduate program at York University and meet the scholarship’s other requirements.

However, the scholarship is not a general award for anyone planning to study in Canada. Applicants must be connected to an eligible York University graduate program and must provide the required documentation concerning their application, admission, or continuing student status.

2. Eligible academic levels

The scholarship supports students pursuing:

• Master’s degrees.
• Doctoral degrees.

Applicants must be entering or continuing in an eligible graduate program at York University. Undergraduate students and applicants seeking funding for non-degree studies are not identified as eligible under the supplied program rules.

3. Eligible York University faculties

Applicants must be applying to or enrolled in an eligible graduate program within one of the following faculties or schools:

• School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design.
• Faculty of Education.
• Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.
• Faculty of Health.
• Lassonde School of Engineering.
• Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.
• Osgoode Hall Law School.
• Faculty of Science.

Applicants should verify that their specific graduate program falls within an eligible faculty or school and that it meets the scholarship’s research requirements.

4. Master’s students

The scholarship supports eligible master’s students according to the length and stage of their graduate program.

The stated categories include:

• Applicants to a one-year master’s program, who may be eligible for up to one year of funding.
• Applicants to a two-year master’s program or students entering the first year of a two-year master’s program, who may be eligible for up to two years of funding.

The scholarship is intended for graduate research. Coursework-only master’s programs are not eligible. Applicants should not apply if their master’s program does not require a research proposal or statement of research interest as part of the application process.

Prospective master’s students should therefore confirm that their intended program includes a research component and that their proposed work aligns with one of the institute’s three themes.

5. Doctoral students

Doctoral applicants may be eligible if they are applying to a doctoral program or are enrolled in the first, second, or third year of a PhD program.

The scholarship documentation provides for up to four years of doctoral funding, subject to the applicable eligibility and renewal conditions.

However, PhD students in their fourth year and beyond are not eligible under the stated rules.

Doctoral applicants should ensure that their stage of study falls within the permitted range and that their proposed research is consistent with the institute’s mandate.

6. Full-time graduate study

Applicants are normally required to be seeking or enrolled in full-time graduate studies.

Consideration of part-time status is made on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who intend to study part-time should contact the institute before applying to determine whether their circumstances can be considered.

Recipients must maintain full-time student status in accordance with the scholarship’s expectations unless an applicable exception has been approved.

7. Research alignment with the Dahdaleh Institute

Applicants must plan to conduct graduate research that aligns with at least one of the following themes:

• Planetary health.
• Global health and humanitarianism.
• Global health foresighting.

The research must be substantive enough for the applicant to explain its relevance in a statement of purpose.

A general interest in healthcare or medicine is not, by itself, sufficient to demonstrate alignment. Applicants should explain the specific research question, its relationship to the institute’s work, and the contribution the proposed project could make.

8. Research supervisor and preference for Institute Faculty Fellows

Preference is given to applicants who are supervised by a Dahdaleh Institute Faculty Fellow at the time of application.

Applicants must provide a letter of support from the York University faculty member supervising their research, or from a faculty member who has agreed to supervise their research if they are admitted.

The supervisor must also declare their Dahdaleh Institute Faculty Fellow membership status in the letter.

This requirement makes it important for prospective students to identify an appropriate research supervisor early. Applicants should explore the institute’s people directory to identify faculty members whose research interests align with their proposed project.

9. Academic achievement and research potential

The scholarship is competitive and is intended for students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement or promise of excellence in research.

The committee evaluates previous academic performance and the applicant’s potential to succeed in their graduate program. It also assesses the quality and feasibility of the proposed research, research experience, and evidence of innovation, leadership, and initiative.

Applicants should therefore prepare a coherent application that demonstrates both their academic preparation and the value of their proposed research.

10. Financial disclosure

Applicants must submit an itemized financial budget covering anticipated income and expenses for the upcoming year.

The budget must include relevant sources of financial support, including funding from external sources, the university, the faculty, the department, teaching income, and fee waivers.

Applicants should provide a complete and accurate account of their expected financial circumstances. The scholarship committee considers the information provided alongside the applicant’s academic and research merits.

Scholarship Value and Funding Duration

The Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship offers annual funding rather than a guaranteed lump-sum award covering an entire degree.

The amount available in a given year depends on funding availability, the number of recipients selected, the student’s year of study, and other factors considered by the scholarship committee.

Annual award limits

Applicant category	Maximum annual award
Domestic master’s student	CAD $15,000
International master’s student	CAD $25,000
Domestic doctoral student	CAD $20,000
International doctoral student	CAD $30,000

The minimum award is CAD $5,000.

These figures are maximum limits, not guaranteed award amounts. The committee determines the final value of individual awards, and other substantial competitive scholarships may affect the amount received.

How long can students receive funding?

The program’s stated funding periods depend on the degree and stage of study:

• One-year master’s program: Up to one year of funding.
• Two-year master’s program: Up to two years of funding for eligible students.
• Doctoral program: Up to four years of funding for eligible doctoral students, subject to the program’s year-of-study restrictions and annual renewal.

The scholarship is reviewed annually. Students should not assume that receiving an award in one year automatically guarantees funding in subsequent years.

Does the scholarship cover all tuition and living expenses?

The published award amounts vary considerably and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of full funding.

The scholarship supplements standard York University graduate support, but the total amount a student receives depends on their award and other funding. Applicants should prepare a budget covering tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, health-related costs, research expenses, and other expected costs.

York University’s graduate student cost-of-living information may help applicants estimate expenses.

Expectations of Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship Recipients

Successful applicants are expected to remain actively involved in their studies and contribute to the Dahdaleh Institute’s research community.

Recipients must:

1. Maintain full-time student status, subject to any approved exception.
2. Be recognized as Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholars at the institute.
3. Participate in the institute’s weekly global health seminars.
4. Present their graduate research at least once per year at a suitable venue, preferably the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholars Symposium.
5. Limit teaching assistantship or graduate assistantship assignments to no more than a 0.5 appointment within an academic year.
6. Apply for relevant external funding opportunities, such as CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC, and OGS awards.
7. Report additional funding received from within or outside York University when notified of such funding.
8. Submit a profile for internal and external announcements.
9. Provide an annual progress report and the required supporting documents when applying for renewal.
10. Write a thank-you letter to the Dahdaleh Foundation.

These expectations demonstrate that the scholarship is intended to support students who will actively participate in the institute’s academic environment, rather than simply receive financial assistance.

Applicants should consider these responsibilities before accepting an award and ensure that they can meet the academic, research, and participation requirements.

How to Apply for the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship 2027–2028

Applications must be submitted through the official Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship application form. Applicants must provide all required documents in PDF format.

Incomplete applications cannot be considered, so it is important to prepare the full application package before submitting it.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Before starting the application, confirm that:

• You are applying to or continuing in an eligible master’s or doctoral program at York University.
• Your program belongs to one of the eligible faculties or schools.
• Your degree and year of study fall within the scholarship’s permitted categories.
• Your graduate studies are full-time, or your part-time circumstances have been discussed with the institute.
• Your proposed research aligns with at least one of the three research themes.
• Your program involves graduate research rather than coursework alone.

Step 2: Identify a suitable research supervisor

Identify a York University faculty member who is supervising your research or has agreed to supervise it if you are admitted.

Preference is given to applicants supervised by a Dahdaleh Institute Faculty Fellow at the time of application.

Discuss your proposed research with your prospective supervisor early enough to obtain the required letter of support. The letter must also declare the supervisor’s Dahdaleh Institute Faculty Fellow membership status.

The supervisor may submit the letter directly to dighr@yorku.ca, provided it is received by the application deadline.

Step 3: Prepare your statement of purpose

Applicants must submit a statement of purpose addressed to the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship Committee.

The statement must explain how or why the proposed graduate research is relevant to one of the institute’s three research themes.

The statement must be a maximum of two single-spaced pages and use:

• 12-point Times New Roman font.
• Black font colour.
• Minimum margins of three-quarters of an inch.

The statement must contain the following four headings:

1. Introduction

Introduce yourself and provide a clear overview of your academic and research interests.

2. Proposed master’s or doctoral research plan

Describe the research you intend to undertake. Explain the problem you want to investigate, your proposed approach, and the objectives of the work.

3. How your background or experiences help you pursue this research plan

Explain how your academic background, research experience, professional experience, or other relevant preparation supports your ability to conduct the proposed research.

4. How your graduate research is relevant to one of the three research themes of the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research

Identify the relevant theme and explain the connection between your research and the institute’s mandate.

Applicants applying to more than one York University graduate program should submit only one scholarship application and clearly identify the different programs in their statement.

Step 4: Obtain your certified academic transcripts

Submit updated certified transcripts covering the last 24 months of academic work, including all current and previous degree programs.

Check that your documents are complete and legible before uploading them. Applicants should allow enough time to obtain certified transcripts from their institutions.

Step 5: Prepare your academic CV

Provide an up-to-date academic curriculum vitae.

The CV should accurately present your academic background, research experience, publications where applicable, presentations, relevant professional experience, awards, and other achievements.

Applicants should ensure that the information is consistent with the academic records and research plans presented elsewhere in the application.

Step 6: Obtain the supervisor’s letter of support

Submit a letter of support from the York University faculty member who supervises your research or has agreed to supervise you if admitted.

This must be a letter of support, not a letter of reference. It must also include the supervisor’s declaration of their Dahdaleh Institute Faculty Fellow membership status.

The supervisor may send the letter directly to dighr@yorku.ca by the same deadline.

Step 7: Obtain a letter from your graduate program director

Applicants must provide a letter from their proposed or current York University graduate program director.

Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the letter must confirm one of the following:

• The applicant’s application status.
• An admission offer, including all sources of funding provided by the graduate program.
• That the admission offer is conditional on secured funding, which may include a Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship.
• The applicant’s continuing graduate student status in good standing, including full-time and active registration.

This document is different from a letter of reference. Applicants should request the appropriate confirmation from their graduate program director.

Step 8: Prepare an itemized financial budget

Submit an itemized financial budget detailing anticipated income and expenses for the upcoming year.

The budget must include relevant funding and income sources, such as:

• External scholarships and awards.
• University funding.
• Faculty and departmental support.
• Teaching-related income.
• Fee waivers.
• Other anticipated sources of financial assistance.

Applicants should also include their expected expenses and ensure that the budget accurately reflects their financial circumstances.

York University’s cost-of-living resource can help with planning

 

Use the budget template specified in the official scholarship instructions.

Step 9: Complete the online scholarship application

Once the required documents are ready, complete the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship application form and attach all required documents as PDFs.

Review every section before submitting. The institute states that incomplete applications cannot be considered.

Step 10: Submit before the deadline

The deadline for the 2027–2028 Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship is Friday, January 8, 2027, at noon Eastern Time.

Applicants should not wait until the final hours to submit their applications. Allow time to resolve issues with documents, obtain outstanding letters, and verify that the application package is complete.

Application Deadline and Important Dates

The official 2027–2028 announcement identifies the following deadline:

Event	Date
Scholarship application period	Open for the 2027–2028 cycle
Application deadline for domestic and international applicants	Friday, January 8, 2027
Submission time	12:00 noon Eastern Time
Renewal application deadline	Noon ET on the last Friday in April, for eligible current recipients

The January 8, 2027 deadline applies to both domestic and international applicants.

Current scholarship recipients seeking renewal should consult the official renewal instructions for the applicable annual deadline and required documentation.

How Are Scholarship Applications Evaluated?

The Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship Committee evaluates applications using four criteria, each weighted at 25%. This means that academic achievement matters, but it is only one component of a broader assessment of research ability and potential.

1. Existing and potential academic excellence — 25%

The committee considers academic performance, academic skills, knowledge, professional experience where relevant, and the likelihood that the applicant will complete their degree within the expected minimum time.

The evaluation also considers previous and current scholarships.

Applicants should demonstrate that they have the academic preparation and capacity to progress successfully through their graduate program.

2. Experience in research, policy, or practice — 25%

The committee considers the applicant’s actual and potential experience in research, policy, or practice.

Relevant considerations include:

• Research and analytical skills.
• Experience relevant to the proposed project.
• Communication and knowledge mobilization skills.
• The applicant’s preparedness to conduct the proposed research.
• The applicant’s ability to communicate research findings to appropriate audiences.

Applicants should explain how their experience has prepared them for the proposed work and how they may contribute to the use or dissemination of their research findings.

3. Excellence and feasibility of the research proposal — 25%

The committee evaluates the quality and feasibility of the proposed research plan.

Relevant considerations include:

• Alignment with one of the institute’s three research themes.
• Appropriate context for the proposed research.
• Evidence of a research gap.
• A sound and feasible methodology.
• A plan for knowledge translation.

Applicants should ensure that their research plans are clear, focused, achievable, and appropriately connected to the institute’s mandate.

4. Innovation, leadership, and initiative — 25%

The final criterion considers the applicant’s existing and potential innovation, leadership, and initiative.

The committee considers the level and range of the applicant’s professional or academic experience, leadership record, and ability to take initiative.

Applicants should demonstrate how they have taken responsibility for their academic or professional development and how they may contribute to their research community.

Because all four criteria carry equal weighting, applicants should prepare a balanced application rather than relying solely on grades or academic qualifications.

Can the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship Be Renewed?

Yes. The scholarship may be renewed annually for eligible recipients, subject to an application and performance review.

The same eligibility and award-value criteria that apply to first-time applicants also apply to renewal applicants. Renewal is not automatic.

The stated renewal deadline is noon Eastern Time on the last Friday in April. For 2027, that date falls on Friday, April 30, 2027. Recipients should check the official instructions for confirmation of the applicable renewal cycle and any updates.

The required renewal documents include:

1. An official annual progress report approved and signed for the previous academic year.
2. A letter of support from the graduate research supervisor.
3. The most recent York University academic transcript.
4. An itemized financial budget detailing anticipated income and expenses for the upcoming year.
5. A letter to the scholarship committee explaining how the recipient engaged with the Dahdaleh Institute during the past academic year and how they plan to contribute in the coming academic year.

Renewal applications are evaluated according to three areas:

• Academic excellence — 40%: Maintaining high academic performance and making timely progress toward academic milestones.
• Research progress — 40%: Progress toward the original research objectives and timely completion of research milestones, such as qualifying examinations.
• Engagement with the Dahdaleh Institute — 20%: Participation in weekly seminars, presenting research at least once a year, and participating in workshops and special events.

Failure to meet the renewal criteria, or failure to maintain professional and collegial behaviour, may lead to review and revocation of the scholarship.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their applications by paying careful attention to the scholarship’s research-focused evaluation criteria.

Choose a research topic that clearly fits the institute’s mandate. Identify the relevant research theme and explain the connection in concrete terms. Avoid relying on broad statements about the importance of health without establishing a clear research question.

Develop a feasible research plan. Explain what you intend to investigate, why the question matters, and how you propose to approach it. Make sure the project is realistic for your degree level and expected study period.

Connect your background to your proposed research. Use your statement of purpose to explain how your education, research experience, professional background, and relevant skills have prepared you for the project.

Contact an appropriate supervisor early. The supervisor’s letter is a required document, and preference is given to applicants supervised by a Dahdaleh Institute Faculty Fellow at the time of application. Do not leave this step until the deadline is approaching.

Prepare the financial budget carefully. Include the funding sources and expenses required by the application instructions. Accurate financial disclosure is important because the award may be adjusted based on other competitive funding.

Follow the statement formatting requirements. Keep the statement within two single-spaced pages, use the specified font and margins, and include all four required headings.

Check all documents before submission. Make sure transcripts are certified and up to date, your academic CV is current, and both the supervisor and program director letters meet the requirements.

Submit early. The application deadline is noon ET, not midnight. Applicants should plan their submission around the specified time zone and confirm that the complete package has been received as required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship open to international students?

Yes. The scholarship is open to domestic and international students who meet the eligibility criteria and are entering or continuing an eligible graduate program at York University.

How much is the scholarship worth?

The annual award ranges from CAD $5,000 to CAD $30,000. Maximum amounts vary by degree level and domestic or international status.

Can I apply if I have not yet started at York University?

Yes. The program considers eligible incoming students as well as continuing graduate students. Applicants must provide the appropriate documentation confirming their application status, admission offer, or relevant graduate program status.

Can students in coursework-only master’s programs apply?

No. The scholarship does not support coursework-only master’s programs. The graduate program must require a research proposal or statement of research interest as part of its application process.

Which research areas are eligible?

The proposed research must align with planetary health, global health and humanitarianism, or global health foresighting.

Is full-time study required?

Full-time study is normally required. Part-time circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis, so prospective applicants should contact the institute for clarification.

Do I need a research supervisor?

Applicants must provide a letter of support from a York University faculty member who supervises their research or has agreed to supervise it if they are admitted. Preference is given to applicants supervised by a Dahdaleh Institute Faculty Fellow at the time of application.

Does the scholarship guarantee full funding for studying in Canada?

No. The award is an annual scholarship that supplements standard York University graduate student support. The amount awarded varies, and applicants should prepare a realistic budget for tuition and living expenses.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for the 2027–2028 scholarship is Friday, January 8, 2027, at noon Eastern Time.

Where can I submit my application?

Applicants should use the official Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship application form.

The Dahdaleh Global Health Graduate Scholarship 2027–2028 at York University is a competitive research funding opportunity for domestic and international master’s and doctoral students who want to contribute to global health research. With annual awards ranging from CAD $5,000 to CAD $30,000, the scholarship provides financial support alongside opportunities to participate in seminars, present research, access a collaborative academic environment, and engage with the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research.

The opportunity is especially relevant to students whose research addresses planetary health, global health and humanitarianism, or global health foresighting. Applicants must be connected to an eligible York University graduate program, meet the degree and study-status requirements, and demonstrate the academic ability and research potential needed to succeed.

A strong application should include a focused statement of purpose, certified academic transcripts, an up-to-date academic CV, the required supervisor and graduate program letters, and an itemized financial budget. Applicants should also explain clearly how their proposed research aligns with the institute’s mandate and how their background prepares them to undertake the work.

The application deadline is January 8, 2027, at noon ET. Eligible prospective and continuing graduate students should review the official scholarship guidelines carefully and submit a complete application before the deadline.

APPLY NOW: DAHDALEH GLOBAL HEALTH GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP 2027–2028

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