Moving to further deepen its robust research scene by attracting more global scholars, Brock University is increasing international doctoral fellowships to match the tuition costs for international students who are enrolled in a PhD program.

The announcement comes just weeks after Brock said it will freeze tuition for international students in research-based master’s and PhD programs. The new initiatives take effect May 1.

Officials say the moves are part of a strategy to broaden the scope of world-class research at Brock while creating an enriched campus experience that better prepares all students to succeed in a global career landscape.

“Our own recruitment efforts tell us that some of the best young minds in various countries would love to pursue their graduate studies at a North American institution,” said Diane Dupont, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies at Brock.

Paul Adachi, who graduated with his PhD in psychology, receives the Spirit of Brock medal from Kristine Freudenthaler during a Spring 2015 Convocation ceremony.

“It is known that students who earn graduate degrees often settle in the country where they studied, so attracting the best and brightest represents a great intellectual gain for Niagara.”

Jamie Mandigo, Brock’s Vice-Provost for Enrolment Management and International, said a large proportion of overseas doctoral students are attracted by the options they have to advance their careers with world-renowned researchers and in state-of-the-art facilities such as Brock’s Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex.

“Increasing the number of exceptional young scholars who attend Brock is not just an investment in their own careers, it’s an investment in the strength of the University, the Niagara region, and the country,” said Mandigo.

“Bringing the next generation of researchers onto our campus to pursue their doctoral studies not only reflects our ongoing commitment to cutting-edge research, but also to the scientific pursuit of ideas and knowledge that crisscross international boundaries and borders.”

Brock currently has 27 international students enrolled in doctoral studies and would like to see this number increase in all Faculties that offer PhD programs.