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External Funding and Fellowships
Postdoctoral scholars may come to Western with funding secured through external fellowship or award programs. These opportunities are typically competitive and portable, with Western serving as the host institution.
This page provides guidance on identifying external funding opportunities and outlines what you need to know before applying with Western as your proposed host.
Identifying a Supervisor
If you are considering bringing external funding to Western, the first step is to identify a faculty supervisor whose research aligns with your interests.
To explore potential supervisors:
- Browse departmental websites and faculty profiles
- Explore Western’s Research Institutes, Centres, and Groups
- Review current research projects and methodologies
Once you have identified a strong match, contact the potential supervisor with:
- a brief introduction
- a summary of your research background
- your reason for wanting to work with them
- how your expertise aligns with their work
Early outreach helps establish fit and confirms whether Western can serve as your host institution.
Understanding External Funding
External postdoctoral funding may come from:
- national funding agencies
- international mobility programs
- private foundations
- discipline‑specific or thematic awards
Funding must be secured before a postdoctoral appointment can begin. Compensation levels, benefits, and appointment conditions vary depending on the funding source and appointment type.
If you are looking for postdoctoral positions hosted and funded at Western, please visit:
Postdoctoral Opportunities at Western →
Preparing an External Fellowship Application
Before submitting an external funding application with Western as your proposed host, you should:
- confirm supervisor support
- review the program’s eligibility requirements
- understand internal Western deadlines
- discuss appointment classification and timelines
Not all funding programs are compatible with all appointment types, so early consultation is strongly recommended.
Institutional Requirements for External Applications
Most external funding applications require institutional review and approval before they can be submitted.
When applying with Western as your host institution, please ensure the following steps are completed.
Research On‑Line Administration (ROLA)
Your supervisor must create and submit a corresponding ROLA proposal for the funding competition.
If the opportunity is not listed in ROLA, email the funding program guidelines and deadline to:
rolahelp@uwo.ca
Application Review by Research Services
A complete PDF of your full application must be submitted to the Office of Research Services at least five business days before the agency deadline.
Include all documents that form part of the application package.
Email submissions should be sent to:
researchoffice@uwo.ca
Institutional Signatures
All required internal approvals must be completed before Western can release an institutional signature.
Once the application has been reviewed and approvals collected through ROLA, the signature page will be returned to you for final submission to the funding agency.
Finding External Funding Opportunities
Because external funding programs change frequently, postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to rely on maintained sources rather than static lists.
Useful starting points include:
- national and international funding agency websites
- professional and disciplinary associations
- foundation and government fellowship portals
- supervisor recommendations based on field‑specific knowledge
SGPS does not maintain an exhaustive list of all external fellowships.
Support and Contact
For guidance on external funding compatibility, appointment requirements, or institutional processes, contact:
Mihaela Harmos
Postdoctoral Services Coordinator
School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
mharmos@uwo.ca