Canada/Humanities PhDs: What's the Best Funding Offer You've Ever Heard Of or Received?

[Lymrance]

It's admissions time. Some of us are still in limbo; some of us aren't.

I'm in the process of making a decision on where to go for my PhD in the Humanities next September. I applied to 7 schools in Canada and the UK. I've already been accepted into three of them (waiting to hear from the other four). I'm now in the lucky but still not entirely uncomplicated position of deciding where to go. I am also trying to get informed on the experiences others have had with negotiating the best funding possible at the best school possible.

So, what I'm wondering is: What is the best funding package (in the Humanities) that you have ever heard of a doctoral student receiving in Canada, specifically?

I'm looking for responses on packages that were arranged to include the SSHRC or without the SSHRC.

If you're curious (but skip on to replying if you aren't), I was successful in gaining SSHRC funding for my MA and I'm on the waiting list for the PhD SSHRC funding.

The best funding offer I've received so far is from (what I consider to be and what the rankings consider to be) the top school in Canada. The school is offering me almost $25K in fellowships and TA/RAships guaranteed per year for four years (I am hoping to finish in 3 though -- don't laugh!). If I get the SSHRC, however, I would only be permitted to keep the $9K TA/RAship.

In particular, I'm wondering if anyone has ever managed to negotiate a funding package along the lines of: SSHRC funding, tuition waiver, TA/RAship.

I'm also interested in hearing suggestions on how to negotiate funding between schools -- i.e. by mentioning to each school that you have received a great admissions offer from more than one place and need something to push you towards one or the other.

(This may sound somewhat mercenary, but I love my field and know that I'll do the best work in it if I'm not frantic over money issues the entire time.)

Thanks in advance for all responses!

Edited March 13, 2011 by Lymrance