Frequently asked questions for Canadians applying for scholarships to go study or conduct research abroad

Scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities to study or conduct research in a foreign country can be found through many sources, both in Canada and abroad.

Visit Opportunities for Canadians to find information on awards made available by Global Affairs Canada, other Canadian federal government departments, foreign government, non- profit and international organizations. The scholarships offered are for all disciplines and postsecondary education levels. Some awards are also available to professionals.

In addition, you may find awards intended to fund studies or research abroad through the following sources:

• The provinces or territory in which you live;
• The foreign embassy or consulate in Canada of the country in which you wish to study or conduct research;
• The institution where you plan on studying or conducting research; and
• Private organizations in Canada, in your destination country, and internationally.

Use our scholarships search tool to find information on grants to study or conduct research abroad made available by Global Affairs Canada, other Canadian federal government departments, non-profit and international organizations.

In addition, you may find grants for faculty to study or conduct research abroad through the following sources:

• The provinces or territory in which you live;
• The foreign embassy or consulate in Canada of the country in which you wish to study or conduct research;
• The institution where you plan on studying or conducting research; and
• Private organizations in Canada, in your destination country, and internationally.

If you are currently attending a Canadian institution, contact your institution’s International Office to learn about the possibilities of studying abroad, including exchange programs, for which the requirements vary between institutions.

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials provides valuable information for Canadians who wish to Study Internationally including a directory of elementary and secondary offshore schools, a directory of international education resources in all countries and details on recognizing foreign academic credentials.

The Canadian Bureau for International Education maintains the CBIE Student Center where Canadians can find information on Why study abroad including study abroad options, information on living abroad and funding options.

In addition, your destination country’s embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada may be able to provide you with more information on studying or conducting research in that country.

If you have a question about a particular scholarship program, visit the scholarship program’s webpage for detailed information specific to the scholarship program.

If you cannot find the answer to your question on the scholarship program’s webpage, contact the program’s designated administrating agency whose contact information can be found on the program’s webpage.

Global Affairs Canada’s International Scholarships Program does not offer scholarships for language training.

Some scholarship programs made available by Global Affairs Canada include the option of pursuing language training prior to the commencement of your studies or research. This information can be found on the program’s webpage.

You may find awards to learn a new language abroad through the following sources:

• Government and non-government organizations in your home country;
• The language school where you plan on studying; and
• Private organizations offering scholarships in Canada, in your home country and internationally.

There are plenty of ways to stay up to date with the launches of international scholarship competitions offered by Global Affairs Canada’s International Scholarships, as well as the launches of reciprocal awards offered by foreign governments.

• Visit the International Scholarships News Room for news related to international scholarships for Canadian and international students and researchers.
• Follow Global Affairs Canada's Foreign Policy, @CanadaFP, on Twitter to stay up to date with Canada’s foreign policy activities including international scholarship launches and updates.
• Subscribe to CBIE’s Scholarships mailing list to stay informed of scholarship opportunities that could be of interest to you and your networks.

Eligibility criteria vary between scholarship programs. To determine if you are eligible to apply for a specific scholarship, consult the eligibility and application sections of the scholarship program you wish to apply to.

If you are still unsure of your eligibility, contact the scholarship program’s designated administrating agency whose contact information can be found on the program’s webpage.

Language requirements vary between scholarship programs. While some universities abroad may offer programs in one of Canada’s official languages, others only offer programs in that country’s official language(s).

Once you have identified the scholarship program you wish to apply to, review the program’s application guidelines and eligibility criteria on the program’s webpage which generally indicate if there is a language requirement to fulfill in order to be considered for the award.

Note that some scholarship programs also offer the option of pursuing language training prior to the commencement of your studies or research.

Application processes vary between scholarship programs.

Once you have identified the scholarship program you wish to apply to, review the program’s application guidelines on the program’s webpage to ensure that the competition is open and that you meet the eligibility requirements.

Give yourself enough time to complete the application process. Many scholarship programs require supporting documentation such as letters of recommendations and other important submissions which may take time to gather. Late or incomplete submissions are often not considered.

For some scholarships programs, it is the responsibility of the host institution to apply on your behalf; for these awards, be sure to advise your professor or international liaison officer of your interest.