Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Short-term researchFully Funded

Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) offers scholarships for short-term study or research in Canada to students from Latin America and the Caribbean, funded by the Government of Canada.

Provider: Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada)
Host country: Canada
Deadline: 31 March 2026
Region: North America

Official source Track this application

Topics

Research grants

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Open to Canadian post-secondary institutions, which then award scholarships to students from Latin America and the Caribbean undertaking short-term study or research in Canada.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Short-term research
Deadline: 31 March 2026

Key eligibility criteria

Open to Canadian post-secondary institutions, which then award scholarships to students from Latin America and the Caribbean undertaking short-term study or research in Canada.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship (2026)

## Overview The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) is a prestigious academic mobility scholarship funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. Established in 2009, ELAP provides invaluable short-term study and research opportunities at Canadian post-secondary institutions for students hailing from Latin America and the Caribbean. This initiative is designed to cultivate human capital, nurture future leaders, and strengthen Canada’s ties with academic institutions and individuals across the Americas. For the 2026-2027 cycle, ELAP operates under a new delivery model where Canadian institutions play a pivotal role in the selection of students. ## Benefits Successful ELAP scholars will receive comprehensive financial support that ensures a enriching and unburdened academic experience in Canada. The benefits are meticulously designed to cover essential costs, making this a fully funded opportunity: * **Stipend for Living Expenses:** Scholars will receive CAD $8,600 for a 4-month (one academic term) placement or CAD $12,400 for extended graduate-level study/research placements lasting 5–6 months. This funding is intended to cover accommodation, books, local transport, and daily living expenses. * **Tuition Fee Waiver:** Canadian host institutions will waive tuition fees for ELAP recipients, significantly reducing the financial barrier to accessing world-class education. ## Eligibility To be considered for the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program, applicants must meet specific criteria: * **Citizenship:** Applicants must be citizens of one of the eligible countries/territories in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, or Mexico. * **Academic Enrollment:** Prospective scholars must be currently enrolled full-time at a recognized post-secondary institution in their home country. * **Tuition Status:** Applicants must be actively paying tuition fees at their home institution during the planned mobility period in Canada. * **Program Completion:** All project activities, including the study or research period, must be concluded no later than 30 September 2027. **Ineligibility Criteria:** * Individuals holding or having applied for Canadian permanent residency or citizenship are not eligible. * Students already enrolled in a Canadian degree or diploma program are not eligible. * Those currently receiving other funding from Global Affairs Canada or Canadian federal granting agencies are excluded from applying. ### Eligible Countries/Territories: * **Caribbean:** Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos. * **Central America:** Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama. * **North America:** Mexico. * **South America:** Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela. ## Required Documents While specific student-level documents are not individually listed for application directly by students, the Canadian host institutions are required to submit key documents to Global Affairs Canada for each nominated student: * **Privacy Notice Statement (PNS):** This document is required for each student nominated. * **Management and Accountability Framework (MAF):** This framework must be submitted by the Canadian institution via email to Scholarships-Info-Bourses@international.gc.ca. Students should be prepared to provide their home institution with all necessary academic records, identification, and other supporting materials that their institution requires for the nomination process. ## Application Steps The ELAP application process is facilitated through Canadian post-secondary institutions, rather than directly by individual students. The steps are as follows: 1. **Secure Nomination:** Students must first secure a nomination from their home institution. This typically involves expressing interest to the international office or a relevant department at their university or college. 2. **Meet Eligibility:** Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above before seeking nomination. 3. **Canadian Institution's Role:** Once nominated, Canadian institutions are responsible for submitting the applications through the My EduCanada Portal. 4. **Institutional Submissions:** The nominating Canadian institutions must submit a Privacy Notice Statement (PNS) for each student and a Management and Accountability Framework (MAF). It is crucial for prospective applicants to engage with their home institution's international office well in advance of the deadline to understand internal nomination procedures and requirements. ## Key Dates * **Application Deadline:** 31 March 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT * **Project Completion:** All study or research activities must be completed no later than 30 September 2027. ## Selection Criteria The selection of ELAP scholars is primarily managed by the Canadian host institutions. While specific explicit criteria for student selection are not detailed, institutions typically look for: * **Academic Excellence:** A strong academic record at the applicant's home institution is generally a key factor. * **Research/Study Proposal Quality:** For research-focused placements, the clarity, originality, and feasibility of the proposed research project will be critical. * ** Alignment with Program Goals:** Candidates whose profiles and proposed activities align with ELAP's objectives of fostering human capital, nurturing leaders, and strengthening international ties will be highly regarded. * **Institutional Endorsement:** The strength of the nomination and endorsement from the applicant's home institution and the receiving Canadian institution is paramount. ## Tips * **Early Engagement:** Contact the international office or relevant faculty at your home institution as early as possible to express your interest in ELAP and understand their internal application and nomination process. They are your primary point of contact and support. * **Strong Research Proposal:** If applying for a research placement, dedicate considerable time to crafting a compelling and well-structured research proposal that outlines your objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. * **Academic Performance:** Maintain a strong academic record, as this will be a crucial factor in your institution's decision to nominate you. * **Understand the New Model:** Be aware that the new delivery model places significant responsibility on Canadian institutions for student selection. This means building a strong case for why a particular Canadian institution should nominate you. * **Networking:** If possible, establish communication with faculty or researchers at Canadian institutions whose work aligns with your academic interests. A pre-existing connection can sometimes facilitate the nomination process. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official ELAP webpage: [Visit the Award Webpage for Details](https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/institutions/elap-pfla.aspx?lang=eng) This page provides comprehensive guidance for Canadian institutions on the nomination process, which indirectly informs prospective student applicants on what is required.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Open to Canadian post-secondary institutions, which then award scholarships to students from Latin America and the Caribbean undertaking short-term study or research in Canada.

Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/institutions/elap-pfla.aspx?lang=eng to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Open to Canadian post-secondary institutions, which then award scholarships to students from Latin America and the Caribbean undertaking short-term study or research in Canada.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: 31 March 2026. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship deadline & application timeline

Working backwards from the sponsor's stated deadline (31 March 2026). Earlier dates are approximate planning suggestions, not provider milestones or requirements. No cutoff time or time zone is added.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
5 Apr 2025
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
2 Oct 2025
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
31 Dec 2025
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
1 Mar 2026
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
31 March 2026
Provider deadline information: 31 March 2026. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Share this scholarship

Send the application link to a friend or post it to your network.

Editorial verification note

Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.

Last checked 5/21/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship?+

Open to Canadian post-secondary institutions, which then award scholarships to students from Latin America and the Caribbean undertaking short-term study or research in Canada.

What funding does the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: 31 March 2026. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/institutions/elap-pfla.aspx?lang=eng to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Open to Canadian post-secondary institutions, which then award scholarships to students from Latin America and the Caribbean undertaking short-term study or research in Canada.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: 31 March 2026. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Browse by category & country

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.

By destination

By field

Computer Science & AI