The Hold’em for Life Cancer Fellowships 2026 support University of Toronto postgraduate medical learners pursuing cancer research at affiliated teaching hospitals. The program is funded by the Hold’em for Life Charity Challenge and aims to develop the next generation of oncology clinician-scientists across a broad range of cancer-related disciplines.
Each fellowship provides CAD $50,000, which must be applied to the learner’s salary. The 2026 competition will support fellows during the July 1, 2027–June 30, 2028 academic year.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be medical doctors licensed to practice in Ontario.
- Applicants must be registered with the University of Toronto Postgraduate Medical Education Office (PGME) as a resident (PGY) or clinical fellow.
- Candidates must commit to at least 2 years of residency and/or clinical fellowship training.
- Applicants must have a supervisor with a faculty appointment at the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
- The proposed project must be in the field of cancer research.
- Applications may come from any relevant University of Toronto clinical department or discipline, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, psychosocial oncology, medical imaging, and pathology.
- Immediate past Hold’em for Life Fellows may submit renewal proposals with support from their supervisor. (PGME University of Toronto)
Funding Details
- Award amount: CAD $50,000.
- Funding period: July 1, 2027–June 30, 2028.
- An alternative start date within the 2027–2028 academic year may be considered by the Fellowship Review Committee.
- Any requested alternative start date must be specified in the application.
Deadline
- Application opened: July 2026.
- The official Key Dates section lists the deadline as October 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
- However, the same official page instructs applicants to submit all materials by October 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.
- Decision notification: Winter 2027.
- Funding begins: July 1, 2027, unless another start date is approved.
Further Information
- Application materials should be submitted to medicine.cancerfellowships@utoronto.ca.
- Renewal applicants need only submit a one-page summary, confirm continued eligibility, and provide a progress update.
- Projects may cover a wide range of cancer disciplines and are not restricted to one tumour type or oncology specialty.
- Questions regarding salary arrangements or PGME requirements may be directed to postgrad.med@utoronto.ca.
- Official program page: View the official website