CCL FAQ

Who can apply to the CCL program? 

• Students enrolled in thesis-based Master’s or PhD programs at UBC are eligible. 

• Your research must relate to biodiversity and conservation. 

Can students in professional or course-based master’s programs apply? 

• No. Currently, students in professional /course-based master’s programs are not eligible. 

Can I apply if I am finishing my degree soon? 

• You must be actively enrolled in a thesis-based program to participate. Future application rounds may be an option if you continue your studies. 

If I roll up from an MSc to a PhD program, am I still eligible and what happens to my funding? 

• You remain eligible for the fellowship. 

• Funding may be adjusted to the PhD level, but this depends on program budget availability. 

• Even if you are planning to roll up to a PhD program, you must apply based on your current enrollment status at the time of application (e.g., if you are still enrolled in an MSc program, you must apply as an MSc student). 

What kind of research fits the CCL program? 

• Projects must clearly address biodiversity, conservation, and/or trade-offs between people and nature.  

• Projects in related fields (e.g., environmental engineering, governance, water systems) are eligible if they clearly link to conservation outcomes. 

Can I use my existing research project? 

• Yes. CCL is designed to support existing thesis/dissertation research. The program does not require a separate or new project. 

Who counts as a non-academic partner? 

Eligible partners include: 

• Government agencies (e.g., ECCC, DFO, provincial ministries) 

• Municipalities and parks departments 

• NGOs and conservation organizations 

• Indigenous communities and organizations 

How many non-academic partners do I need to work with? 

• At least one partner is required, but you may have multiple partners. 

What level of engagement from the non-academic partner is expected? 

• The partner’s primary role is to collaborate with the student on research and help ensure the research is applied and relevant to their needs.  
• We will ask for minimal contribution, such as delivering a career talk (~90 minutes max, optional timing), and completing a brief feedback survey once the student has completed the program 

Do partners need to be co-authors or committee members for the student’s research? 

• No. However, they must:  
  • Be actively engaged 
  • Contribute to co-creation, application, or mobilization of research 

Do I need to find my own partner? 

• Yes. Students are responsible for identifying partners, usually through their academic supervisors’ networks. 

• The program does not match students with partners. 

What if my partner cannot provide a formal support letter? 

• Alternative evidence (e.g., funded proposals, reference contact information) may be accepted, with special consideration given for sensitive partnerships (e.g., Indigenous Nations). Please check with the Program Coordinator, Conny Scheffler, to discuss your specific situation.  

What is the CCL mobility component/ internship?  

• It is a thesis-based, co-designed internship integrated into your research (e.g. fieldwork, spending time at the partner’s location, etc.). This component is not separate from your research for your degree.  

Is there a requirement to conduct research off-campus?  

• Yes. A mobility (off-campus) component (internship) is required under NSERC CREATE guidelines.  

How long is the mobility requirement?  

• Minimum: Master’s: 3 months | PhD: 6 months 

Can mobility be split into shorter periods?  

• Yes. The mobility (internship) can be divided into segments across different locations. The minimum requirement is one month.   

Can I complete the internship alongside my thesis?  

• Yes. The internship is designed to run concurrently with your research. 

What funding does the CCL fellowship provide? 

• Master’s: $7,500/year for 2 years 
• PhD: $15,000/year for 2 years

Do partners provide additional funding or salary? 

• No—financial contributions from partners are not expected. 

Do referees need to submit letters immediately? 

• No. We will request reference letters later in the process if necessary. 

Can my supervisor be a referee? 

• Yes, your research supervisor can serve as a referee. 

Are literature references included in the proposal word count? 

• No, references do not count toward the word limit. 

Will there be future application cycles? 

• Yes. The program is part of a 6-year NSERC CREATE grant which will continue until 2032. We are planning yearly intakes until then.  

Do I need an IBioS-affiliated supervisor? 

• No, your supervisor does not need to be an IBioS member.
• To apply, you will need:   
  • A UBC supervisor who supports your application 
  • A project aligned with biodiversity/conservation