All scholarships
Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Short-term Mobility ScholarshipFully Funded

Study in Canada Scholarships

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

The Study in Canada Scholarships 2026–2027 offer fully funded short-term study or research opportunities at Canadian post-secondary institutions for international students, sponsored by Global Affairs Canada.

Provider
Global Affairs Canada
Host country
Canada
Deadline
31 March 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT
Region
Multiple

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Study in Canada Scholarships is open to African students applying to study in Canada at the Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Short-term Mobility Scholarship 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 Mobility Scholarship · applicants for Canada
Funding
Fully Funded
Study level
Undergraduate, Masters, PhD, Short-term Mobility Scholarship
Deadline
31 March 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT

Key eligibility criteria

  • Applicants must be international students enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution outside Canada, nominated by a Canadian post-secondary institution, and intend to pursue short-term studies or research (4-6 months).

What the fully funded award covers

  • Return airfare
  • Health insurance

About the Study in Canada Scholarships (2026)

## Overview The Study in Canada Scholarships 2026–2027, proudly supported by Global Affairs Canada, present an invaluable opportunity for international students worldwide. This program facilitates fully funded short-term study or research placements, lasting up to six months, at esteemed Canadian post-secondary institutions. The initiative aims to bolster Canada’s global academic partnerships and foster international collaboration, providing students with unparalleled access to Canada’s world-class education system and research networks, free from financial constraints related to tuition and living costs. ## Benefits This scholarship is comprehensively fully funded, designed to alleviate all financial burdens associated with studying in Canada. Successful applicants will receive: * **Round-trip airfare** to and from Canada. * Generous **living expenses** to cover the duration of the stay in Canada. * Comprehensive **health insurance** for the entire scholarship period. * Reimbursement for **visa, study permit, or work permit fees** (where applicable). * Coverage for other eligible **academic and administrative expenses**. * **Tuition fees are waived** entirely by the host Canadian institutions. ## Eligibility To be considered for the Study in Canada Scholarships 2026–2027, applicants must meet the following criteria: * Be **international students** from one of the eligible countries/territories, as confirmed by Canadian institutions under Global Affairs Canada’s framework. * Be currently **enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution outside Canada**. * Be officially **nominated by a Canadian post-secondary institution** through the designated application system. * Intend to undertake **short-term studies or research in Canada** for a period of 4 to 6 months. * Fulfill all academic and institutional requirements set forth by both their home institution and the prospective host Canadian institution. ## Required documents While the article does not explicitly list required documents for students, it highlights that: * **Canadian institutions submit applications online** via the EduCanada portal. * Required documents from the Canadian institution's side include **nomination details and institutional agreements**. Prospective applicants should therefore prepare academic transcripts, proof of enrollment, research proposals (for research placements), and a strong statement of purpose. It is crucial to liaise directly with the Canadian institution for precise documentation requirements for nominated students. ## Application steps The application process for the Study in Canada Scholarships is primarily driven by nomination from a Canadian institution: 1. **Seek Nomination**: Interested students must first actively seek and secure a nomination from a Canadian post-secondary institution. This often involves directly contacting Canadian universities or colleges whose programs align with your academic or research interests. 2. **Institutional Application**: Once nominated, the Canadian institution will then submit the application on your behalf via the official EduCanada portal. 3. **Document Submission**: Ensure all necessary supporting documents are prepared and provided to the nominating Canadian institution in a timely manner. These documents typically include academic records, proof of enrollment at your home institution, and any other specific requirements from the host institution. ## Key dates * **Application Deadline**: 31 March 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT. ## Selection criteria While specific criteria for individual student selection are not fully detailed, the process emphasizes: * **Academic Merit**: Strong academic performance is a key factor in selection. * **Institutional Partnerships**: The scholarship seeks to strengthen existing collaborations and forge new ones between Canadian and international institutions. * **Alignment with program objectives**: Applications will be assessed based on how well they align with the broader goals of the Study in Canada Scholarships program, which include promoting international academic exchange and collaboration. ## Tips * **Start Early**: Begin your search for a nominating Canadian institution well in advance of the deadline. Identifying a suitable program and securing a nomination can take time. * **Networking is Key**: Reach out to professors or departments in Canadian universities whose work aligns with your academic interests. A strong connection can significantly aid in securing a nomination. * **Highlight Your Research/Study Plan**: For research placements, develop a clear, concise, and impactful research proposal. For study placements, articulate your academic goals and how they align with the program offerings of your target Canadian institution. * **Emphasize Your Contribution**: Articulate how your participation will contribute to the academic and cultural diversity of the host institution and how you plan to share your Canadian experience upon your return. * **Review all requirements**: Carefully check all requirements from both your home institution and potential Canadian host institutions to ensure full compliance. ## Official source For comprehensive details and to commence your application process, please refer to the official EduCanada portal: * [**Visit the Award Webpage for Details**](https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/news-nouvelles/2026/2026-01-22-1.aspx?lang=eng)

What the Fully Funded Study in Canada Scholarships 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.

  • Return airfare
  • Health insurance

Study in Canada Scholarships 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 international students enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution outside Canada, nominated by a Canadian post-secondary institution, and intend to pursue short-term studies or research (4-6 months).

Documents required for the Study in Canada 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
  • 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 Study in Canada 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. 1
    Confirm eligibility on the official site

    Open https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afterschoolafrica.com%2F107863%2Fstudy-in-canada-scholarships-2%2F&title=Call%20for%20Applications%3A%20Study%20in%20Canada%20Scholarships%202026%2F2027%20for%20Countries%20Worldwide and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Applicants must be international students enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution outside Canada, nominated by a Canadian post-secondary institution, and intend to pursue short-term studies or research (4-6 mo…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.

  2. 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 Global Affairs Canada awards require this before the funding application opens.

  3. 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. 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. 5
    Complete the online application

    Create an account on https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afterschoolafrica.com%2F107863%2Fstudy-in-canada-scholarships-2%2F&title=Call%20for%20Applications%3A%20Study%20in%20Canada%20Scholarships%202026%2F2027%20for%20Countries%20Worldwide, 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. 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. 7
    Prepare for shortlist interviews

    If shortlisted, 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.

Study in Canada 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.

  1. 12 months out

    Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.

  2. 6 months out

    Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.

  3. 3 months out

    Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.

  4. 1 month out

    Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.

  5. 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 Study in Canada Scholarships?+

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

Is the Study in Canada Scholarships 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.

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.

Related hubs

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

By destination