Graduate-level engagement is supported through the Women+ and Children’s Health Sciences (WACH) program, a joint program offered between the UBC Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Pediatrics. The Early Pregnancy Research Lab will consider new MSc and PhD students in the WACH program for the 2026/2027 academic year. Dr. Mohamed Bedaiwy supervises graduate students in the WACH program.
The WACH program is ideal for students from health-related disciplines who are passionate about inclusive research in women’s and children’s health. This interdisciplinary, thesis-based program offers both terminal MSc and PhD options and is unique in BC and Canada.
To learn more about the WACH program, please see:
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for external scholarships to support their graduate studies. In previous years, successful candidates have received the following awards:
- Canada Graduate Scholarship—Master’s (CGS-M): The CGS-M scholarship is a federal scholarship valued at $27, 000 for one year, awarded to outstanding students beginning a master’s degree in Canada. The application deadline is December 1 each year; for example, those wishing to begin the WACH program in September 2026 should submit their CGS-M application by December 1, 2025.
- Graduate and Fellowship Research Award in Women’s Health: Offered by the Women’s Health Research Institute (WHRI), this grant provides salary support for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows involved in women’s or newborn health research who do not currently hold major competitive salary awards. There are three awards available: $30,000 at the master’s level, $40,000 at the doctoral level, and $65,000 at the postdoctoral level.
To express interest in joining the Early Pregnancy Research Lab, prospective graduate students should email Dr. Bedaiwy (mohamed.bedaiwy@cw.bc.ca) with a brief statement of interest outlining academic background, research experience, and research interests, as well as a CV and unofficial transcript.
The WACH program offers three admission cycles per year (September, January, and May). Successful candidates may then submit their WACH application by the final deadline of March 31, 2026. Successful applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in research, prior experience in a research laboratory (such as an honours thesis or equivalent), excellent organizational and time management skills, strong communication and interpersonal abilities, and professionalism in teamwork and patient interactions.