MHRC-BMHC Mental Health Studentship 2026
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Black Men’s Mental Health
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$15,000 CAD
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Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 11.59pm ET
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Mid-December 2025
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By January 31st. 2026
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6 months
MHRC is proud to partner with Black Mental Health Canada (BMHC) on this funding opportunity for early-career Black researchers enrolled in college, university graduate or Ph.D. programs across the country to work with their academic supervisor and partner with a local service provider or Black-led community organization.
Topic Area
MHRC and BMHC are partnering to support the brightest university or college students identify as Black, to conduct research in mental health at one of Canada’s many post-secondary institutions. These interns will share their time between academic institutions and partner organizations, tying together their research with the end-users to ensure the project is tailored to and appropriate for that community’s needs and people with lived experience.
This jointly funded studentship is part of MHRC’s 2025-2026 Studentship cycle, where students share their time between academic institutions and community service providers, tying together their research with the needs of the end-users — the community and people with lived experience. MHRC aims to drive systemic change by encouraging the adoption of effective, research-informed, and client-centric approaches to mental health treatment.
MHRC invites researchers undertaking projects in the area of digital mental health and AI, with particular emphasis on those engaging in close, respectful collaboration with people with lived or living experience in this field.
Objective
To support the next generation of Black mental health researchers and to ensure they are actively engaged in innovative, useful and community-driven research on Black men’s mental health;
To narrow the gap between research and its impact on end-users;
To strengthen relationships between Black community mental health service providers and academia through collaboration and knowledge sharing; and
To contribute to the development of a more accessible and impactful mental health system in Canada.
Eligibility
Eligible students must be:
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident self-identifying as a Black individual;
Have an interest in pursuing mental health or mental health research as a career;
Enrolled in an Masters, College or PhD program at an accredited Canadian University or College, in psychology, health or related field/discipline; and
Seeking to conduct a mental health research project in collaboration with both an academic supervisor and an eligible partner organization (with preference given to projects addressing the unique needs of the black community in Canada).
All projects must have clear potential for impact on the relevant community, and therefore must partner with a community service provider and integrate the insights of people with lived experience into each stage of their project. Proposals must collaborate directly with Black communities to develop their projects.
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Please read the application guide for the complete application requirements
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We are including an editable budget template to include in your application
For questions pertaining to this partnership or application process, please contact:
Barani Ganapathi
Senior Manager, Research Grants and Organizational Impact
Mental Health Research Canada
FAQs
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The $15,000 funding will be sent directly to the applicant’s academic institution and held by the academic supervisor. The funds will be disbursed based on the project’s timeline, and it is the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure that they are used appropriately for the studentship’s purpose, covering research expenses and other project-related costs.
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No, your community partner organization is not required to make a financial contribution to the studentship. However, they are expected to provide in-kind support, such as offering mentorship, expertise, resources and guidance that will help you carry out the research effectively. This could include providing access to community data, facilitating connections with individuals for interviews or consultations, and offering feedback on the project's progress. The partner organization plays a key role in ensuring that the research aligns with community needs and contributes to its success, making their non-financial support essential.
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Yes, you are welcome to collaborate with more than one community partner organization, as long as each partner plays a meaningful role in the project. Your proposal should clearly define how each partner will contribute and how their involvement will enhance the project’s impact on Black men’s mental health. The participation of multiple partners can broaden the scope of the research and increase its relevance to different communities.
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Yes, previous recipients of MHRC or BMHC funding can apply for the Studentship, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. However, applicants should clearly outline how this new project builds upon or differs from past funded work to avoid overlap.
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Yes, interdisciplinary research that connects Black men’s mental health with fields such as public health, social work, or digital innovations is welcomed, as long as the project maintains a strong focus on mental health outcomes and community well-being. Collaboration across disciplines can enhance the research's scope and relevance to Black communities.
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We encourage a range of research methodologies, including but not limited to community-based participatory research, qualitative studies (such as interviews and focus groups), quantitative research, or mixed-methods approaches. The key requirement is that the project must involve Indigenous perspectives and lived experiences at every stage, ensuring culturally relevant and impactful research outcomes.
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Yes, researchers are expected to submit updates during the studentship and a final report outlining key findings, community impact, and any recommendations for further research. These reports must demonstrate how the project met its objectives and benefited the Black community involved.
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If project delays or challenges arise, maintain open communication with your academic supervisor and community partner. You may need to adjust timelines or goals, but significant changes should be discussed with MHRC and BMHC, who will offer guidance. Extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, though the studentship cannot exceed six months without prior approval.
Completed Projects
Click the link below to learn more about our funded projects that have been successfully completed