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Heads up — this listing may be outdated.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

Official source

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Queen Elizabeth Scholarships is open to African students applying to study in Canada at the Undergraduate, Graduate, Early Career Researcher level, with up to $300,000 per post-secondary institution 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, Graduate, Early Career Researcher · applicants for Canada
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.

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.

Queen Elizabeth Scholarships eligibility for Canada applicants

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.

Documents required for the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships 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
Standardised test scores where required (SAT or ACT for many U.S. universities)
Secondary-school leaving certificate (WAEC, KCSE, NSC, EGSECE or equivalent)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships 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://www.univcan.ca/programs-and-scholarships/queen-elizabeth-scholars/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "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 institutio…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
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 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.univcan.ca/programs-and-scholarships/queen-elizabeth-scholars/, 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 Currently Closed (institutional funding announcements occur periodically) (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, Universities 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.

Queen Elizabeth Scholarships 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Undergraduate, Graduate, Early Career Researcher level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Universities Canada, and be able to relocate to Canada for the duration of the programme.

Is the Queen Elizabeth Scholarships fully funded?+

Funding model: Up to $300,000 per post-secondary institution. 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 Currently Closed (institutional funding announcements occur periodically). 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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