Overview
The Canadian Government Scholarships 2026 offer fully funded opportunities for international students to study or conduct research at Canadian universities and colleges. These prestigious programs are designed to strengthen international academic cooperation while supporting the development of skilled human capital worldwide.
Administered by Global Affairs Canada in partnership with EduCanada, the scholarships provide comprehensive financial support for short-term academic exchanges. Successful applicants gain valuable international experience in Canada without interrupting their primary degree programs at home.
About the Program Administrators
Global Affairs Canada oversees Canada’s international relations, including educational exchange initiatives that promote global collaboration. EduCanada supports these efforts by connecting international students and institutions with Canadian post-secondary opportunities.
Together, they manage several scholarship streams that allow students to study or conduct research in Canada while remaining enrolled at their home institutions.
Scholarship Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Canadian Government Scholarships 2026 |
| Administered By | Global Affairs Canada & EduCanada |
| Study Location | Canada |
| Study Level | Undergraduate, Graduate, Research |
| Program Type | Short-term Exchange |
| Duration | 4–6 months |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | International Students |
| Academic Year | 2026–2027 |
What Do These Scholarships Cover?
The Canadian Government Scholarships provide full financial coverage for the entire exchange period. Funding includes:
- Tuition fees (waived at the Canadian host institution)
- Round-trip international airfare
- Health insurance
- Visa and study/work permit fees
- Living expenses (housing, food, utilities)
- Local transportation
- Books and academic supplies
In addition, Canadian host institutions receive CAD 500 per scholarship to cover administrative costs, ensuring smooth program management.
Program Duration and Structure
These scholarships are not full-degree programs. Instead, they support short-term study or research exchanges lasting 4 to 6 months.
Participants:
- Remain enrolled at their home institutions
- Earn academic credits or complete research in Canada
- Gain international exposure without delaying graduation
This structure makes the program ideal for students seeking global experience within their existing academic pathways.
Main Scholarship Programs for 2026
1. Study in Canada Scholarships 2026
This program supports students from selected countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Citizens of the following eligible countries/territories:
- Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal, Taiwan;
- Europe: Türkiye, Ukraine;
- Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia;
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda.
Funding Details:
- CAD 10,200 for 4-month undergraduate or graduate exchanges
- CAD 14,000 for 5–6 month graduate research programs
The program strengthens institutional partnerships and promotes academic mobility between Canada and participating regions.
2. Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) 2026
The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) focuses on students from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Eligible Countries (examples):
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and others.
Funding Details:
- CAD 8,200 for 4-month college, undergraduate, or graduate programs
- CAD 11,100 for 5–6 month graduate research projects
ELAP emphasizes leadership development, institutional collaboration, and long-term regional partnerships.
3. SEED-2 Scholarships 2026
The Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Phase 2 (SEED-2) target students from ASEAN member states, Pacific Island countries, and Mongolia.
Eligible Regions Include:
- ASEAN countries (e.g., Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand)
- Pacific Island countries (e.g., Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea)
- Mongolia
SEED-2 prioritizes research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly poverty reduction and sustainable development.
Funding Details:
- CAD 10,200 for 4-month graduate research projects
- CAD 12,700 for 5–6 month research periods
Applicants must demonstrate how their research benefits development in their home regions.
Apply Also
- Fully Funded Volunteering in the Czech Republic 2026 | Monthly Stipend & Free Accommodation
- Transylvania University Scholarship 2026 in Romania | Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship of an eligible country
- Full-time enrollment at a recognized post-secondary institution in the home country
- Not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Not holding another Canadian government scholarship simultaneously
- Submission of all required documents
Required Documents
- Proof of enrollment
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of support
- Invitation letter from a Canadian supervisor (for graduate research applicants)
Fields of Study
The scholarships support a broad range of disciplines, including:
- Engineering, Computer Science, AI, and Machine Learning
- Health Sciences and Medical Research
- Environmental Studies and Climate Science
- Business, Economics, Social Sciences, and Public Policy
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Education, Law, Arts, and Humanities
Students from diverse academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadlines (2026–2027)
- Study in Canada Scholarships: March 31, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)
- ELAP: March 31, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)
- SEED-2: March 24, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)
Program Start Window: August 1, 2026 – February 1, 2027
Project Completion Deadline: September 30, 2027
Early preparation is strongly recommended.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through Canadian host institutions, not directly by students. The general process is:
- Identify a suitable Canadian institution and program
- Secure acceptance or supervisor agreement (for research)
- Work with the host institution to submit the scholarship application
- Await selection results from Global Affairs Canada
Applicants should contact international offices at prospective Canadian institutions well in advance.
Conclusion
The Canadian Government Scholarships 2026 provide a powerful opportunity for international students to gain academic and research experience in Canada with full financial support. Through programs like Study in Canada, ELAP, and SEED-2, participants develop global networks, strengthen academic skills, and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
For students seeking high-quality international exposure without long-term financial burden, these scholarships represent one of the strongest exchange opportunities available for 2026.
