Carleton University’s Fully Funded Emerging Leaders Scholarships (2026)

If you are an ambitious international student aiming to gain real research experience in Canada, Carleton University has opened a powerful opportunity that often flies under the radar.

   

Applications are now open for fully funded research visits under two highly competitive, government-backed programs:
the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) and the Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS).

This is not a casual exchange or a short academic visit. These scholarships are built for high-potential students who want to conduct serious research, work closely with Canadian faculty, and gain international exposure that can reshape their academic and professional future.

Even better, the funding significantly reduces — and in many cases removes — the financial barriers that usually come with studying or researching abroad.

Why Carleton University Matters for International Researchers

Carleton University is one of Canada’s leading research-focused institutions, known for strong programs in public policy, engineering, technology, international affairs, data science, and social sciences.

Through ELAP and SICS, Carleton offers international students a chance to step directly into Canada’s research ecosystem, gaining access to experienced supervisors, advanced facilities, and global academic networks — without enrolling in a full degree program.

For many past recipients, this research visit becomes a launchpad for:

• Future Master’s or PhD studies in Canada
• International research collaboration
• Competitive scholarship applications
• Academic and policy-focused careers

What These Carleton Research Visit Scholarships Offer

Both the ELAP and Study in Canada Scholarships support short-term research stays at Carleton University under the supervision of an approved faculty member.

During your research visit, you are not treated as a visitor watching from the sidelines. You actively contribute to research projects while building long-term academic relationships.

These scholarships are designed to support:

• Meaningful, supervised research work
• Cross-border academic collaboration
• Leadership development through international exposure

That combination makes them far more valuable than standard exchange programs.

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Key Benefits of Winning the Carleton ELAP or SICS Scholarship

Being selected for one of these programs is more than receiving funding — it is a prestigious academic achievement that strengthens your profile immediately.

Successful applicants typically receive:

• Financial support for living expenses during the research stay
• Travel and mobility funding (depending on program rules)
• Full access to Carleton University’s research facilities
• One-on-one mentorship from a Canadian host supervisor
• Recognized international research experience for CVs and graduate school applications
• A strong advantage when applying for future scholarships, PhD programs, and global roles

For many students, this is the moment their academic journey becomes truly international.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligibility is strict, and preparation matters. Carleton University only considers candidates who meet the official criteria and have confirmed academic supervision.

To apply, you must:

• Be a citizen of an eligible country under ELAP or Study in Canada Scholarships
• Be currently enrolled full-time at your home institution during both application and research periods
• Secure a Carleton University faculty supervisor before applying
• Undergraduate applicants must have an existing institutional agreement or active research collaboration between Carleton and their home institution
• Graduate applicants do not need a formal institutional agreement

Without a confirmed supervisor, applications are not considered — this is one of the most important steps in the process.

How to Apply

Applications are coordinated through Carleton University’s international programs office. You must work closely with your home institution and your Carleton supervisor to prepare a strong submission.

Official application details and instructions are available here: https://carleton.ca/ci/sics-elap-call-for-applications-2026-2027/

Start early. Identifying a supervisor and aligning research interests often takes more time than expected.

Application Deadline for 2026

The final deadline to apply for Carleton University’s research visit scholarships under ELAP and Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) is:

March 16, 2026

Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.

Why This Opportunity Is Worth Serious Attention

Funded research opportunities in Canada are highly competitive — and many international students only hear about them after deadlines have passed.

The Carleton University ELAP and SICS programs offer a rare mix of:

• Government-backed funding
• Academic prestige
• Hands-on research experience
• Career-building international exposure

If you are serious about research, graduate studies, or building a global academic profile, this is the kind of opportunity that rewards early preparation and focused effort.

For the right candidate, a short research visit can open doors that last a lifetime.

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