Skip to content
Find Scholarships
Find Scholarships
Canada Master'sPhD Fully Funded

Canadian Bureau of International Education Scholarships (CBIE) – Global Affairs Canada Scholarships: Everything You Need to Know

Global Affairs Canada offers scholarships for international students to study in Canada. These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and airfare. Check eligibility and application details to seize this opportunity!

February 17, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Expired
Canadian Bureau of International Education Scholarships

Quick Overview

Host CountryCanada
University/OrgMcGill University
Degree LevelMaster's, PhD
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyDevelopment Studies, Humanities, International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences
DeadlineFebruary 27, 2026

Scholarship Overview

Overview

Global Affairs Canada, through initiatives managed by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), presents several Student Exchange Programs. These programs are designed for international students who aspire to study, conduct research, or pursue professional development opportunities in Canada. These scholarships aim to foster international collaborations and enrich educational experiences for students worldwide.

Notably, these scholarships support short-term visits to Canadian institutions, providing invaluable opportunities for international students. The programs include the Emerging Leaders of the Americas Program (ELAP), Study in Canada Scholarships, and Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED).

People Also Checked: Australia Awards Scholarship: Complete 2027 Guide & How to Apply (Fully Funded)

What Does It Cover?

The Global Affairs Canada scholarships provide financial support to cover various expenses during the exchange program. These scholarships are designed to alleviate the financial burden on international students, allowing them to focus on their academic and research pursuits. The specific benefits vary depending on the scholarship program.

  • Tuition Fees: Coverage for academic tuition during the exchange period.
  • Living Expenses: Stipend to cover accommodation, meals, and other living costs.
  • Airfare: Round-trip air travel expenses between the home country and Canada.
  • Health Insurance: Coverage for medical expenses during the stay in Canada.
  • Book Allowance: Funds to purchase necessary textbooks and study materials.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility for the Global Affairs Canada scholarships depends on the specific program. Generally, applicants must be citizens of eligible countries and enrolled as full-time students at a home institution. Furthermore, candidates must demonstrate a clear academic or research purpose for their stay in Canada. Meeting these requirements ensures that the scholarships are awarded to deserving and qualified international students.

People Also Checked: Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Complete 2027 Application Guide (Fully Funded)

Emerging Leaders of the Americas Program (ELAP) Eligibility:

  • Citizens of eligible countries in the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America.
  • Must be registered as full-time students at their home institution at the time of application and during their research stay in Canada.
  • Graduate students (Master’s and PhD levels) are eligible.

Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) Eligibility:

  • Citizens of eligible countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Must be registered as full-time students at their home institution.

Application Process

The application process for Global Affairs Canada scholarships typically involves several steps. Candidates must first identify a potential supervisor at a Canadian institution, like McGill University. Secondly, they need to prepare and submit the required documents to their supervisor. Nominations are then submitted by the university to CBIE on behalf of the applicant and supervisor. Adhering to deadlines and providing complete documentation is crucial for a successful application.

  1. Identify a McGill Supervisor: Find a supervisor willing to oversee your research at McGill.
  2. Submit Documents to Supervisor: Provide all required documents to your McGill supervisor by their internal deadline.
  3. Nomination by GPS: The university’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) office submits nominations to CBIE.
  4. Supervisor Submission: The supervisor submits all supporting documents to GPS by the specified deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

To enhance your chances of securing a Global Affairs Canada scholarship, consider these tips. Firstly, start the application process early to allow ample time for preparation. Secondly, ensure that your letter of intent clearly articulates your research objectives and their relevance to your career goals. Lastly, obtain strong letters of support from your home institution to demonstrate your academic capabilities and the potential benefits of the exchange program.

People Also Checked: OIST Research Internship Japan: Complete Guide & How to Apply [2026] (Fully Funded)
  • Start Early: Begin the application process well in advance to meet all deadlines.
  • Clear Letter of Intent: Clearly explain your research objectives and their relevance.
  • Strong Letters of Support: Obtain compelling letters of support from your home institution.

Funding Coverage

  • Tuition Fees: Full or partial coverage of tuition fees at the Canadian host institution.
  • Living Stipend: A monthly or one-time stipend to cover living expenses, such as accommodation, food, and local transportation.
  • Airfare: Round-trip air travel expenses from the student's home country to Canada and back.
  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the duration of the scholarship.
  • Book Allowance: A fixed amount to help cover the cost of textbooks and other study materials.
  • ELAP Specific: CAD $8,600 for graduate students (Masters and PhD) for a minimum of 4 months or one academic term of research; CAD $12,400 for graduate students (Master's and PhD) for a period of 5 to 6 months of research

Eligibility Criteria

  • Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an eligible country (specific countries vary by scholarship program).
  • Enrollment: Must be registered as a full-time student at a home institution.
  • Level of Study: Eligibility may be limited to graduate students (Master's and PhD).
  • Return Requirement: Must return to their home institution to complete their degree after the exchange program.
  • Supervision: Must secure a McGill Supervisor willing to supervise their research.

Required Documents

  • Proof of Citizenship: A copy of the candidate's passport or national identity card with valid dates and photo.
  • Proof of Full-time Enrollment: A letter from the home institution confirming full-time enrollment.
  • Letter of Intent (LOI): A letter explaining the nature of research, rationale for research in Canada, and how the program relates to future career goals.
  • Letter of Support: A letter of approval from the home institution explaining the nature of research in Canada and how the candidate and institution will benefit.
  • Privacy Notice Statement: A signed copy of the Privacy Notice Statement for non-Canadian participants.

Application Process

  1. Research Scholarship Options: Explore the different Global Affairs Canada scholarship programs and identify the one that best suits your academic goals and eligibility.
  2. Find a McGill Supervisor: Contact professors at McGill University whose research aligns with your interests and secure their agreement to supervise you.
  3. Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including proof of citizenship, enrollment verification, letters of intent and support, and the privacy notice statement.
  4. Submit to McGill Supervisor: Provide your complete application package to your McGill supervisor by their internal deadline.
  5. GPS Nomination: The McGill Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) office will submit your nomination to CBIE on behalf of you and your supervisor.
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) provides scholarships for students from Latin America and the Caribbean to study or conduct research in Canada. It aims to support human capital development and foster the next generation of leaders in the Americas.
The Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) are open to students from various countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Eligible candidates must be registered as full-time students in their home country and seeking short-term study or research opportunities in Canada.
To find a supervisor at McGill, visit the university's departmental websites and research faculty profiles to identify professors whose research interests align with yours. Contact potential supervisors directly, outlining your research proposal and expressing your interest in working with them.
If your country is not listed as eligible, you may not be able to apply for these specific Global Affairs Canada scholarships. However, explore other scholarship opportunities offered by Canadian universities or other international organizations that may support students from your country.
After submitting your application to your McGill supervisor, they will review your documents and, if they support your application, forward it to the university's Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) office. GPS will then submit the nomination to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) on your behalf.