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, 11:59 p.m. EDT
Region: North America

Official source

Topics

Research grants

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship is open to African students applying to study in Canada at the Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Short-term research level, with fully funded funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Short-term research · applicants for Canada
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Short-term research
Deadline: 31 March 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must be citizens of eligible countries/territories in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, or Mexico
be enrolled full-time at a recognized post-secondary institution in their home country
be paying tuition fees at their home institution during the mobility period
and be able to complete all project activities no later than 30 September 2027. Not eligible if holding or applying for Canadian permanent residency/citizenship, already enrolled in a Canadian degree/diploma program, or receiving other funding from Global Affairs Canada or Canadian federal granting agencies.

What the fully funded award covers

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation

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.

What the Fully Funded Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation

Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship eligibility for Canada applicants

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

Applicants must be citizens of eligible countries/territories in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, or Mexico
be enrolled full-time at a recognized post-secondary institution in their home country
be paying tuition fees at their home institution during the mobility period
and be able to complete all project activities no later than 30 September 2027. Not eligible if holding or applying for Canadian permanent residency/citizenship, already enrolled in a Canadian degree/diploma program, or receiving other funding from Global Affairs Canada or Canadian federal granting agencies.

Documents required for the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Standardised test scores where required (SAT or ACT for many U.S. universities)
Secondary-school leaving certificate (WAEC, KCSE, NSC, EGSECE or equivalent)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

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

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afterschoolafrica.com%2F107864%2Femerging-leaders-in-the-americas-program%2F&title=Emerging%20Leaders%20in%20the%20Americas%20Program%20%28ELAP%29%202026%2F2027%20Scholarship%20Requirements%20%26%20Benefits and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Applicants must be citizens of eligible countries/territories in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, or Mexico; be enrolled full-time at a recognized post-secondary institution in their home country; be paying…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many Government of Canada / Global Affairs Canada awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afterschoolafrica.com%2F107864%2Femerging-leaders-in-the-americas-program%2F&title=Emerging%20Leaders%20in%20the%20Americas%20Program%20%28ELAP%29%202026%2F2027%20Scholarship%20Requirements%20%26%20Benefits, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by 31 March 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Government of Canada / Global Affairs Canada will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

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

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

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

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?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Short-term research level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Government of Canada / Global Affairs Canada, and be able to relocate to Canada for the duration of the programme.

Is the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is 31 March 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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