Canadian government scholarships offer international students funded short-term study, research, and exchange opportunities across Canada. Administered through Global Affairs Canada, key programs include the Study in Canada Scholarships, the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP), SEED-2, and BCDI 2030. While recent competition cycles have closed, planning early is essential if you want to study in Canada in 2027. This guide covers how these government-funded programs work, key eligibility criteria, and practical steps to prepare before the next application window opens.
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Several Canadian government scholarship programs support international academic exchange, research, and professional development. The opportunities below are worth researching if you want to study or conduct research in Canada.
Keep in mind that these programs generally support short-term exchanges or specific educational development projects rather than an entire undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Award amounts, eligible countries, and application requirements may change between competitions.
1. Study in Canada Scholarships
The Study in Canada Scholarships program supports short-term study or research exchanges at participating Canadian post-secondary institutions. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, it aims to strengthen Canada's international educational partnerships.
Eligibility and funding
- Eligible countries and territories: The 2026–2027 competition included Bangladesh, Nepal, Taiwan, Türkiye, Ukraine, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- Eligibility requirements: Candidates must meet the citizenship requirements, be enrolled full-time at an eligible post-secondary institution in their home country or territory, and pay tuition to that institution for the duration of their exchange. Additional restrictions apply.
- Study level: College, undergraduate, and graduate-level study or research, subject to the program guidelines.
- Published 2026–2027 funding: CAD $10,200 for a four-month exchange at the college, undergraduate, or graduate level, or CAD $14,000 for a five- to six-month graduate exchange.
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Tuition: Participating Canadian institutions must waive tuition fees for scholarship recipients.
These amounts are from the 2026–2027 competition and should not be assumed to apply to a future round.
How to prepare for the next application round
The published 2026–2027 application period is closed. While waiting for the next announcement, check whether your country is eligible, research Canadian institutions offering relevant courses or research opportunities, and contact your current institution's international office.
Canadian post-secondary institutions are responsible for selecting eligible candidates and submitting applications. Ask your institution how it identifies potential candidates and whether it has partnerships with participating Canadian institutions.
Monitor the official Study in Canada Scholarships page for future competition details, updated eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
2. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) supports eligible students from Latin America and the Caribbean who want to undertake short-term study or research at participating Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Eligibility and funding
- Eligible regions: The Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and South America, subject to the official country and territory list.
- Eligibility requirements: Candidates must be citizens of an eligible country or territory, enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution there, and paying tuition to that institution for the duration of the exchange. Other restrictions apply.
- Study level: College, undergraduate, and graduate-level study or research, depending on the program guidelines.
- Published 2026–2027 funding: CAD $8,600 for a four-month exchange at the college, undergraduate, or graduate level, and CAD $12,400 for a five- to six-month graduate exchange.
- Tuition: Canadian host institutions must waive tuition fees for scholarship recipients.
Depending on the award and approved arrangements, funding can help with eligible expenses such as airfare, living expenses, health insurance, and visa or study/work permit fees. Refer to the official program guidelines for the applicable conditions.
How to prepare for the next application round
The published 2026–2027 competition is closed. Prospective candidates can prepare by contacting their home institution's international office, researching Canadian host institutions, and confirming that their proposed exchange meets the program requirements.
Under the current delivery model, participating Canadian institutions select eligible students and submit applications. Students cannot apply directly to Global Affairs Canada. Ask your home institution how its selection process works and monitor the official ELAP page for announcements about future competitions.
3. Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development – Phase 2 (SEED-2)
The Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development – Phase 2 (SEED-2) program supports short-term study or research in Canada for eligible students from the Indo-Pacific region. It contributes to Canada's international education partnerships and supports activities aligned with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Eligibility and funding
- Eligible countries and territories: ASEAN member states, eligible Pacific Island countries, and Mongolia. The official list includes countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Mongolia.
- Eligibility requirements: Candidates must be citizens of an eligible country or territory, enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution there, and paying tuition to that institution for the duration of their exchange. Other restrictions apply.
- Study level: College, undergraduate, master's, and doctoral study or research, depending on the award category.
- Published 2026–2027 funding: CAD $10,200 for a four-month college or undergraduate exchange; CAD $15,900 for an eight-month college or undergraduate exchange; CAD $10,200 for a four-month graduate exchange; or CAD $12,700 for a five- to six-month graduate exchange.
- Tuition: Participating Canadian institutions must waive tuition fees for scholarship recipients.
Depending on the award, funding may contribute to airfare, living expenses, health insurance, public transportation, required books and supplies, and visa or study/work permit fees. Computers and other equipment are excluded from the listed eligible books and supplies expenses.
How to prepare for the next application round
The published 2026–2027 application period is closed. If you're from an eligible country, contact your home institution's international office to ask about partnerships with Canadian institutions and upcoming exchange opportunities.
The program requires institutional applications rather than direct applications from individual students. Its selection process also considers the proposed study or research, its relationship to sustainable development goals, and the benefits to the candidate's home institution and community.
You can begin researching your academic interests and preparing to explain how an exchange could support your future career and contribute to development priorities in your region. Check the official SEED-2 guidelines for the latest requirements and future announcements.
4. Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030)
The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) program supports education and training opportunities in Canada, including vocational and technical training, for participants from eligible developing countries.
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the eight-year initiative runs from 2022 to 2030 and aims to improve access to higher education, reduce inequalities, and strengthen social and economic development in participating countries.
Eligibility and opportunities
- Eligible countries: The program works through partnerships involving 26 eligible countries.
- Focus: Education and training opportunities connected to partner-country priorities and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
- Who can participate: Eligibility depends on the approved project, participating institutions, and their selection criteria.
- Funding: Available support and study arrangements depend on the specific scholarship project. Consult the project details for information about covered expenses.
How to find opportunities
BCDI 2030 does not accept direct individual applications. Canadian higher education institutions and partner institutions in eligible countries establish projects and announce scholarship opportunities through their partnerships.
To prepare, review the official BCDI 2030 website, explore its projects, and contact the designated resource person for any relevant opportunity. Because the program operates through approved projects, opportunities and application deadlines may differ by institution.
How to Prepare for Canadian Government Scholarships in 2027
You don't have to wait for the next scholarship announcement to start preparing. Taking these steps in advance can help you identify suitable opportunities and avoid missing institution-specific deadlines.
1. Confirm Eligibility and Partnerships
Review citizenship and study requirements, then ask your home institution's international office if they hold qualifying exchange agreements with Canadian schools.
2. Research Canadian Host Institutions
Find Canadian colleges or universities offering programs aligned with your academic goals, and verify that they actively participate in the scholarship competition.
3. Prepare Required Documentation
Gather updated transcripts, proof of enrolment, letters of intent, and institutional support letters tailored to the official competition checklist.
4. Track Deadlines and Backup Funding
Monitor EduCanada cutoffs and institutional intake dates, and explore university entrance scholarships if you plan to complete a full degree rather than a short-term exchange.
Other Ways to Fund Your Studies in Canada
Canadian government scholarships are only one possible source of funding. If you're looking for a full-degree program, consider these alternatives:
- University and college entrance scholarships: Some institutions offer awards to new international students based on academic achievement, leadership, or other criteria. Some awards are automatic, while others require a separate application.
- Institution-specific scholarships: Universities and colleges may offer merit-based awards, international student scholarships, or program-specific funding. Eligibility and award amounts vary.
- Graduate funding: Master's and doctoral students can investigate departmental scholarships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and other funding available through their prospective institution.
- External scholarships: Government agencies, foundations, nonprofit organizations, and other organizations in your home country may provide funding for overseas education.
Research individual institutions' official scholarship pages for current eligibility criteria, award amounts, application deadlines, and renewal conditions. Do not assume that every award is available to international students or covers all tuition and living costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The published 2026–2027 application periods for Study in Canada Scholarships, ELAP, and SEED-2 have closed. Future application dates have not been confirmed here. Check the official program pages for announcements and use this time to prepare for the next competition.
Opening dates and deadlines depend on the program and its annual competition. Check the official EduCanada scholarship portal and individual program pages for confirmed dates. Do not assume that a previous year's timeline will remain the same.
Check your eligibility, contact your current institution's international office, research potential Canadian host institutions, organize your academic documents, and monitor official scholarship announcements. Ask about internal selection deadlines because institutions may need to select candidates before submitting applications.
For Study in Canada Scholarships, ELAP, and SEED-2, eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions select candidates and submit applications. BCDI 2030 opportunities are also managed through participating institutional partnerships. Contact your home institution or the relevant partner institution for guidance.
The Study in Canada Scholarships, ELAP, and SEED-2 programs primarily support short-term study or research exchanges, not full multi-year degrees. BCDI 2030 supports specific education and training projects. Students seeking full-degree funding should also explore scholarships and graduate funding offered directly by Canadian institutions.
Funding varies by program, study level, and exchange duration. Published 2026–2027 award amounts differed across Study in Canada Scholarships, ELAP, and SEED-2. These figures are specific to that competition and are not guaranteed for a future round. Check the relevant official guidelines for updated amounts and eligible expenses.
Check the EduCanada scholarship portal and the individual program pages. You should also contact your home institution's international office or the Canadian host institution to confirm internal selection procedures and deadlines.
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