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Undergraduate, Graduate, Early Career ResearcherUp to $300,000 per post-secondary institution

Queen Elizabeth Scholarships

Last verified 15 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Heads up — this listing may be outdated. The dates and details below reference a year that has already passed and our editorial team has not re-verified this scholarship is still open. Always confirm the current intake on the sponsor's official website via the button below before you invest time in an application.

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarships aim to develop the next generation of innovative leaders by enabling international academic, professional, and cross-cultural experiences through Canadian post-secondary institutions.

Provider
Universities Canada
Host country
Canada
Deadline
Currently Closed (institutional funding announcements occur periodically)
Region
Americas

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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
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarships program provides funding directly to Canadian post-secondary institutions, enabling them to host international scholars. African applicants would be eligible through a Canadian institution hosting a QES project, typically targeting undergraduate, graduate students, and early career researchers.
Funding
Up to $300,000 per post-secondary institution
Study level
Undergraduate, Graduate, Early Career Researcher
Deadline
Currently Closed (institutional funding announcements occur periodically)

Key eligibility criteria

  • The Queen Elizabeth Scholarships program provides funding directly to Canadian post-secondary institutions, enabling them to host international scholars. African applicants would be eligible through a Canadian institution hosting a QES project, typically targeting undergraduate, graduate students, and early career researchers.

Recorded funding information

  • Up to $300,000 per post-secondary institution

About the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships (2026)

**Queen Elizabeth Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide for African Applicants** ## Overview The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES) program is a prestigious initiative designed to cultivate a global community of young leaders dedicated to creating impactful change both within Canada and internationally. Since its inception in 2014, the program has played a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of innovative leaders and community builders. It achieves this by facilitating international academic, professional, and cross-cultural experiences across a vast network of over 150 countries. The program has funded 134 projects at various Canadian post-secondary institutions, supporting a diverse network of over 2,600 scholars, including undergraduate and graduate students, as well as early career researchers. ## Benefits The Queen Elizabeth Scholarships offer significant benefits to participating institutions and, consequently, to the scholars they host. Each eligible Canadian post-secondary institution can receive funding of up to $300,000 to support QES projects. This funding enables the creation of international academic, professional, and cross-cultural opportunities that are crucial for developing leadership skills and fostering community engagement. Scholars gain invaluable international experience, broaden their academic horizons, and develop cross-cultural competencies essential for addressing global challenges. The program aims to create lasting impacts through its community of young leaders, preparing them for future roles in leadership and community development. ## Eligibility Direct applicants for the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships are Canadian post-secondary institutions. While the program itself funds Canadian institutions, these institutions then facilitate the participation of scholars, including those from Africa. Therefore, prospective African applicants would typically apply through a Canadian post-secondary institution that has secured QES funding for a specific project. The program supports undergraduate and graduate students, as well as early career researchers, enabling them to engage in international academic and professional experiences. It is crucial for African applicants to identify Canadian universities with active QES projects relevant to their academic and career goals. ## Requirements (Required Documents) The provided information focuses on the eligibility of Canadian post-secondary institutions for funding and does not explicitly detail requirements or specific documents for individual African applicants. However, based on the nature of international academic and professional programs, prospective African applicants would typically need to meet the admission requirements of the Canadian post-secondary institution hosting the QES project. This would generally include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and potentially proof of English or French language proficiency. Specific project requirements might also include a research proposal or professional portfolio. It is advised to consult the individual Canadian institution's QES project details for precise application requirements. ## How to Apply The application process for African individuals to participate in the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships program is indirect. As the QES program provides funding directly to Canadian post-secondary institutions, prospective African applicants need to identify and apply to specific QES projects offered by these institutions. This involves researching Canadian universities that have received QES funding, often detailed in the "Project Profiles" section of the Queen Elizabeth Scholars website. Once a relevant project is identified, applicants should then apply directly to the Canadian university, adhering to their specific admission and scholarship application procedures. It is crucial to monitor the websites of Canadian universities and the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program for announcements of new projects and application windows. ## Key Dates & Deadlines The general application window for the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships program is currently closed. However, new projects and funding announcements occur periodically. For example, recent news indicates the announcement of winners for the 2025 Canadian Queen Elizabeth Scholars Program on December 05, 2024, and new funding for international student experiences announced on October 23, 2023. These dates pertain to program funding for institutions. Individual project application deadlines for African scholars would be determined by the Canadian post-secondary institutions hosting those projects and would need to be sought directly from their respective websites or contact persons. ## Selection Criteria While specific selection criteria for individual African applicants are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the overarching goal of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships program is to "mobilize a community of young leaders to create lasting impacts at home and abroad." This suggests that applicants should demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to community building, and an interest in making a global impact. Successful applicants are likely individuals who can articulate how an international academic or professional experience facilitated by the QES program will contribute to these goals. Academic merit and the relevance of an applicant's proposed study or research to the objectives of a specific QES project at a Canadian institution would also be significant factors. ## Tips for African Applicants African applicants interested in the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships should begin by thoroughly researching Canadian post-secondary institutions that have historically participated in or are currently advertising QES projects. Pay particular attention to the "QES Advanced Scholars – West Africa" project profile, as this indicates a specific focus on the region. Develop strong academic credentials and actively seek out opportunities to demonstrate leadership and community involvement. When applying to a Canadian institution's QES project, clearly articulate your motivation, your alignment with the program's objectives of fostering lasting impact, and how the international experience will contribute to your personal and professional growth. Network with alumni and current scholars if possible, and ensure all application materials are meticulously prepared and submitted by the specific institutional deadlines. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships, prospective applicants should consult the official website: [https://www.univcan.ca/programs-and-scholarships/queen-elizabeth-scholars/](https://www.univcan.ca/programs-and-scholarships/queen-elizabeth-scholars/). Additional details and project-specific information can also be found on the program website: [https://queenelizabethscholars.ca/](https://queenelizabethscholars.ca/). Always refer to these official sources for application guidelines, project details, and any changes to the program.

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.

  • Up to $300,000 per post-secondary institution

Queen Elizabeth Scholarships eligibility

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

  • The Queen Elizabeth Scholarships program provides funding directly to Canadian post-secondary institutions, enabling them to host international scholars. African applicants would be eligible through a Canadian institution hosting a QES project, typically targeting undergraduate, graduate students, and early career researchers.

Queen Elizabeth Scholarships 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 Queen Elizabeth Scholarships 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. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://www.univcan.ca/programs-and-scholarships/queen-elizabeth-scholars/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: The Queen Elizabeth Scholarships program provides funding directly to Canadian post-secondary institutions, enabling them to host international scholars. African applicants would be eligible through a Canadian institution hosting a QES project, typically targeting undergraduate, graduate students, and early career researchers.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: Currently Closed (institutional funding announcements occur periodically). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    Queen Elizabeth Scholarships deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: Currently Closed (institutional funding announcements occur periodically). This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      Currently Closed (institutional funding announcements occur periodically)

      Provider deadline information: Currently Closed (institutional funding announcements occur periodically). Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships?+

    The Queen Elizabeth Scholarships program provides funding directly to Canadian post-secondary institutions, enabling them to host international scholars. African applicants would be eligible through a Canadian institution hosting a QES project, typically targeting undergraduate, graduate students, and early career researchers.

    What funding does the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships offer?+

    Listed funding: Up to $300,000 per post-secondary institution. 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: Currently Closed (institutional funding announcements occur periodically). 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.univcan.ca/programs-and-scholarships/queen-elizabeth-scholars/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: The Queen Elizabeth Scholarships program provides funding directly to Canadian post-secondary institutions, enabling them to host international scholars. African applicants would be eligible through a Canadian institution hosting a QES project, typically targeting undergraduate, graduate students, and early career researchers.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Currently Closed (institutional funding announcements occur periodically). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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