Tomlinson Doctoral Fellowships

McGill University’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) awards the Tomlinson Doctoral Fellowships annually, established in through a gift from Dr. Richard H. Tomlinson. GPS states the fellowships are awarded to recruit students into Doctoral degree programs, and describes them as GPS’ most prestigious internal award.

The fellowships are for incoming students accepted into a doctoral degree at McGill University with a start date of Winter, Summer or Fall. The eligibility includes provisions for applicants whose latest degree was completed or in progress at McGill (ineligible), former McGill students who later completed a graduate degree elsewhere (eligible), and visiting students completing requirements for a degree from another university (eligible).

Applicants submit their application package to the department/academic unit where they intend to study; an internal deadline earlier than the GPS deadline may apply. GPS describes that selection is based on evaluation criteria with assigned weights: Academic Excellence, Research Ability or Potential, Research Project, Reference Letters, Nomination Letter from Department, and Quality of the Chosen Environments (supervisor’s statement).

Funding is available “up to $35,000 per year” for 3 years. International students also receive a Differential Fee Waiver (DFW).

• Program status: incoming students accepted into a doctoral degree at McGill University
• Start date: start date of Winter 2026, Summer 2026 or Fall 2026
• McGill degree status: students whose latest degree was completed or in progress at McGill are ineligible
• Former McGill applicants: former McGill students who later completed a graduate degree elsewhere may apply
• Visiting students: visiting students at McGill completing requirements for a degree from another university may apply
• Academic record: only applicants with a first class academic record
• GPA standard: McGill considers a first class GPA to be 3.7 (or 3.5 in Law) in each of the last two (2) years of full-time study at the undergraduate and post-graduate level
• Academic application materials: applicants must already have an admissions letter and a funding letter
• External funding rule: Tomlinson Scholars who accept a fellowship from an agency external to McGill (federal or provincial) receive one-half the full value of the Tomlinson Fellowship up to a maximum of $50,000 total, per year

• Up to $35,000 per year for 3 years
• International students receive a Differential Fee Waiver (DFW)
• If a Tomlinson Scholar accepts a fellowship from an external agency (federal or provincial), the scholar is entitled to one-half the full value of the Tomlinson Fellowship up to a maximum of $50,000 total per year

1. Submit your application package to the department/academic unit where you intend to study (an internal deadline earlier than the GPS deadline may apply).
2. Include in your application package: the application form, two letters of reference, a proposed supervisor’s statement, and all official transcripts or certified copies from university-level studies (graduate and undergraduate).
3. Ensure your application package includes letters from two external referees commenting on your academic/research accomplishments and potential; have referees send letters directly to the academic unit.
4. Confirm you have an admissions letter and a funding letter before applying.
5. After submission to the department/academic unit, if selected, your department/academic unit submits your application package along with other required documents to GPS on your behalf (do not submit application documents directly to GPS).

• The Application Form
• Two letters of reference (sent directly to the academic unit by external referees)
• Proposed supervisor’s statement commenting on: how the applicant's proposed project integrates with the supervisor's research program; source(s) of funding available for the research program; and available resources such as space, facilities, equipment, and access to required expertise
• All official transcripts or certified copies from university level studies (graduate and undergraduate)
• Admissions letter
• Funding letter