Ottawa, February 17, 2026, The Government of Canada has officially opened applications for the Canadian Government Scholarships 2026, offering fully funded opportunities for international students to study and conduct research at Canadian universities and colleges. Administered through Global Affairs Canada and EduCanada, these prestigious scholarships provide comprehensive financial support covering living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and visa fees for students from eligible countries around the world.
Canada is consistently ranked among the top destinations for international education due to its world-class academic institutions, multicultural communities, and exceptional quality of life. These scholarships represent a strategic investment in human capital and international partnerships through educational exchange. Whether pursuing undergraduate studies, a master’s degree, or PhD research, international students can gain valuable Canadian educational experience without the burden of tuition fees.
The Study in Canada Scholarships program, Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program, and the newly expanded SEED-2 initiative collectively support students from over 60 countries across Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Each program has distinct eligibility criteria and application procedures but shares the goal of fostering international collaboration while providing exceptional educational opportunities in Canada.
The Canadian Government Scholarships 2026 encompass three primary funding streams administered by Global Affairs Canada through EduCanada. These programs are designed to support short-term study and research exchanges at Canadian post-secondary institutions, enabling students to gain academic experience while maintaining enrollment at their home universities.
Unlike traditional scholarships where students apply directly, Canadian government scholarships operate through an institutional model. Canadian colleges and universities apply on behalf of eligible students through the My EduCanada portal. This ensures quality control and fosters meaningful partnerships between Canadian schools and international institutions.
The three main scholarship programs for the 2026-2027 academic year include:
| Scholarship Program | Eligible Regions | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study in Canada Scholarships | Asia, Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa | 4-6 months | Short-term study or research |
| Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) | Latin America, Caribbean | 4-6 months | Short-term study or research |
| SEED-2 Scholarships | ASEAN states, Pacific Island Countries, Mongolia | 4-6 months | Research aligned with Sustainable Development Goals |
The Study in Canada Scholarships program is Global Affairs Canada’s flagship initiative for students from select regions worldwide. These scholarships support short-term study or research exchanges at Canadian post-secondary institutions for the 2026-2027 academic cycle.
According to EduCanada, the program allows Canadian institutions to host students from diverse countries and territories. Funded through the Academic Relations program, this initiative strengthens and diversifies Canada’s international linkages while creating educational connections with global partners.
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Asia | Bangladesh, Nepal, Taiwan |
| Europe | Türkiye, Ukraine |
| Middle East & North Africa | Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda |
Students must be citizens of eligible countries and enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in their home country, paying tuition fees to that institution during the exchange period.
The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) allows Canadian institutions to award scholarships to students from Latin America and the Caribbean. Established in 2009, ELAP develops human capital, fosters leadership, and strengthens Canada-Americas partnerships.
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Caribbean | Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos |
| Central America | Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama |
| South America | Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela |
ELAP scholarships support short-term study or research, advancing education relations and engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Phase 2 program (SEED-2) expands the original Canada-ASEAN SEED program and is part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. Launched in January 2026, the program extends eligibility to Pacific Island Countries and Mongolia.
SEED-2 offers students opportunities to conduct research or short-term study in Canada in areas contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Applications must demonstrate alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and show how research will reduce poverty and narrow development gaps.
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| ASEAN Member States | Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam |
| Pacific Island Countries | Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu |
| Other | Mongolia |
These scholarships provide substantial financial support, allowing students to focus on academics. Funding varies by study duration and academic level.
| Program | Duration | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Study in Canada | 4 months | CAD 10,200 (college, undergraduate, graduate) |
| Study in Canada | 5-6 months | CAD 14,000 (graduate) |
| ELAP | 4 months | CAD 8,200 (all levels) |
| ELAP | 5-6 months | CAD 11,100 (graduate) |
| SEED-2 | 4 months | CAD 10,200 (graduate) |
| SEED-2 | 5-6 months | CAD 12,700 (graduate) |
Canadian host institutions receive CAD 500 per scholarship to cover administrative costs.
Tuition Fees Note: Students remain enrolled at their home institution and pay tuition there. Canadian institutions waive tuition, and credits earned in Canada transfer to the home institution.
| Program | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Canadian institutions may have earlier internal deadlines. Project activities must be completed by September 30, 2027. Studies may start between August 1, 2026, and February 1, 2027.
Canadian government scholarships cover a broad range of academic disciplines:
| Field | Examples |
|---|---|
| Engineering and Applied Sciences | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical |
| Computer Science & IT | Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning |
| Health Sciences | Medicine, Nursing, Public Health |
| Environmental Studies | Climate Science, Sustainability |
| Business & Economics | Finance, Management, Economics |
| Social Sciences | Sociology, Political Science, Public Policy |
| Natural Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Agriculture | Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture |
| Education & Pedagogy | Curriculum Development, Teacher Training |
| Arts & Humanities | History, Literature, Philosophy |
| Law & Governance | International Law, Policy Studies |
SEED-2 applicants must align research proposals with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Can I apply directly to Global Affairs Canada?
No. Applications must be submitted by Canadian institutions on behalf of students. Connect with your home university’s international office for nomination.
Are these scholarships for full degree programs?
No. They are short-term exchanges lasting 4 to 6 months. Students return to their home institutions after completing the program.
Can I receive other funding?
No funding from Global Affairs Canada or federal granting agencies may be held simultaneously. Other non-Canadian sources may be allowed.
When are funds distributed?
Funds are released after arrival in Canada. Students should plan to cover expenses for the first eight weeks.
Which countries are eligible for the IEC program?
Eligibility varies by country. Check the International Experience Canada page for the full list.
Why is proof of funds required?
Even fully funded scholarships may require proof of financial stability for visa purposes and unexpected expenses.
How can international students apply for scholarships in Canada?
Research scholarship options, check eligibility, gather required documents, submit applications before deadlines, and confirm receipt.
The Canadian Government Scholarships 2026 provide an exceptional opportunity for international students to gain a world-class education in Canada. With comprehensive funding, access to top institutions, and exposure to Canadian academic culture, these scholarships can be transformative for both educational and professional development.
For updated information, visit the official EduCanada website or contact Scholarships-Info-Bourses@international.gc.ca.
