This program, supported by Global Affairs Canada, enables Canadian universities and colleges to welcome students from Latin America and the Caribbean. ELAP scholarships facilitate short-term studies or research opportunities in Canada for undergraduate and graduate students from the Americas, fostering educational ties and cooperation between Canada and the region
Launched in 2009 by the Government of Canada, the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program aims to:
- Foster the growth of future leaders in the region
- Develop human capital and expertise
- Enhance academic and cultural ties between Canada and the Americas
Participation in the program is welcome from Canadian institutions, who should promote it to their faculty, staff, and partner institutions. Institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean can participate by establishing student exchange agreements with Canadian institutions. Interested students to pursue short-term studies or research in Canada, review the eligibility criteria and contact your institution's international office for application details. Eligible candidates' applications will be submitted by their Canadian host institution.
Eligibility
To be eligible, candidates must be
- The following countries are eligible:
- Caribbean: 24 countries including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Cayman Island, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
- Central America: 6 countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
- North America: Mexico
- South America: 11 countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
- enrolled full-time at post-secondary institution in an eligible country/territory;
- paying tuition fees to that institution at the time of application and for the full duration of the program.
- Those with Canadian citizenship or permanent residency applications (pending or approved)
- Recipients of other Government of Canada-funded scholarship programs
- Students already enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary institution's degree, diploma, or certificate program
- Be a Designated learning institution (DLI)
- Have a valid tuition-waiving student exchange agreement with the student's home institution (required for college/undergraduate programs only)
| Award component | Value | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| College / undergraduate (4 months) | $8,200 | Four months or one academic term | Study or research at the college or undergraduate level. A valid student exchange agreement that waives tuition fees is required. |
| Graduate (4 months) | $8,200 | Four months or one academic term | Study or research at the graduate level (Masters and PhD). A student exchange agreement is not required. |
| Graduate (5-6 months) | $11,100 | Five to six months |
Eligible expenses
Successful candidates can utilize their scholarship for:
- Travel-related expenses: visa fees, airfare, and ground transportation
- Living expenses: accommodation, utilities, food, and health insurance
- Academic essentials: books, supplies, and required materials (excluding electronics and equipment)
Eligible Canadian institutions can receive:
- A $500 administrative fee per scholarship recipient to support costs upon the student's arrival in Canada.
- Reimbursement of certain employer compliance fees paid to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, as applicable.
Funding Process:
Global Affairs Canada (DFATD) will provide funding to Canadian institutions through a non-negotiable contribution agreement. The institutions will then distribute the funds to successful scholarship recipients. If a selected candidate declines the scholarship, the institution must return the allocated funds, including the administrative fee, to DFATD.
Application process
Canadian post-secondary institutions must submit applications on behalf of qualified candidates prior to the specified deadline.
Application Instructions for Canadian Institutions:
- Appoint a program coordinator to manage applications.
- Create a My EduCanada account, selecting "Institution" as the account type.
- Log in and choose the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program, then click "Apply".
- Complete the application form, saving and validating as you go.
- Upload required documents (max 5MB and in .jpg, .gif, .png, .pdf, .doc, .docx, .txt or .xlsx file formats).
- Review the application for accuracy and completeness.
- Accept the "Declaration and permission" statement.
- Submit the application and receive a confirmation message and reference number.
- Print or download the application form for your records.
Visit Help with MyEduCanada for more information.
Supporting documents
Institutions are responsible for ensuring all submitted documents are complete, accurate, and comply with the provided instructions. Please note:
- Revised documents will not be accepted after the deadline.
- Documents in languages other than English or French must include a translation.
Proof of Citizenship Requirements:
Acceptable documents:
- A valid passport copy with photo and expiration date
- A national identity card copy with photo and valid dates
Unacceptable documents:
- Driver's license
- Permanent residence card
- Work permit
- Student card
- Health card
- Birth certificate
- Baptismal certificate
Note: The proof of citizenship document must match the country/territory selected in the online application form.
1. Proof of Full-time Enrolment:
- Official letter from home institution, dated within 6 months
- Confirms full-time enrolment status
2. Letter of Intent (max. 1 page):
- Explains study/research plans in Canada
- Rationale for choosing institution, program, and supervisor
- Career goals and relevance to proposed studies
3. Letter of Support (max. 1 page):
- Official letter from home institution, dated within 6 months
- From instructor, professor, or international director
- Explains benefits of scholarship program for candidate and home institution
4. Letter of Invitation (graduate students only, max. 1 page):
- Official letter from Canadian supervisor, dated within 6 months
- Describes research collaboration and scope
- Confirms willingness to support and mentor candidate
- Explains benefits for Canadian institution, supervisor, and peers
5. Signed Privacy Notice Statement:
- Candidate-signed copy, dated within 6 months
6. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Agreement:
- Signed copy indicating waived tuition fees (college/undergraduate research)
- Alternative: Letter from international office (max. 1 page, dated within 6 months) confirming:
- International research collaboration
- Canadian supervisor's name
- Tuition waiver
Note:
- Expired agreements not accepted
- Renewal-in-progress agreements: include letter and expired MOU copy
- Graduate applications: MOU recommended but not required
Additional Requirement:
- Institutions must email a ranked list of applications based on strategic priorities to Scholarships-Info-Bourses@international.gc.ca
Scholarship Selection Criteria:
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Academic merit of the proposed research or study in Canada
- Benefits to the home institution, peers, and Canadian institution
- Strength of proposed exchange and potential linkages
- Rankings provided by the Canadian institution
Priority consideration will be given to first-time applicants under the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program.
Important Dates and Next Steps:
- Application Deadline: March 18, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EDT (Canadian institutions submit online applications)
- Recommended: Institutions set earlier deadline for candidates to ensure timely receipt of documents
Results and Notifications:
- Successful results announced in spring to Canadian institutions
- No feedback provided for unsuccessful applications
- Institutions notify successful candidates
Arrival and Visa Requirements:
selected candidates agree to:- Selected candidates arrive between August 1, 2025 (fall semester) and February 1, 2026 (winter/spring semester)
- Late arrival may result in scholarship cancellation
- Candidates should apply for visas/study permits as early as possible to avoid delays
Terms and Conditions for Selected Candidates:
- Pursue full-time studies or research at the Canadian institution
- Refrain from clinical training or research involving direct patient care
- Focus on studies/research during their stay in Canada
- Return to their home institution after the scholarship period
Failure to comply may result in scholarship cancellation.
Additional Important Notes:
- Only applications from Canadian institutions will be accepted
- Scholarships cannot be deferred or renewed
- Funding availability from the Government of Canada may affect scholarship offerings
- Scholarships are non-taxable for both the Canadian institution and the recipient
For more information or inquiries, please contact:
Scholarship Administrator
Email: Scholarships-Info-Bourses@international.gc.ca
Phone: 613-237-4820
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