Study or Research in Canada for Free: ELAP Scholarship 2026–2027 Now Open

If studying or doing research in Canada is on your long-term academic plan, the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarship 2026–2027 deserves your attention. This is one of Canada’s most practical, fully funded short-term study and research opportunities for students from Latin America and the Caribbean—and it’s now open.

   

Funded by the Government of Canada, ELAP is built for high-potential students who want international academic exposure without the cost of tuition or long-term relocation. Even better, recent changes to the program have made it faster, more transparent, and easier to access through Canadian institutions.

What Makes the ELAP Scholarship Different in 2026?

Unlike full-degree scholarships that require years abroad, ELAP focuses on short-term academic mobility. You study or conduct research at a Canadian post-secondary institution for a few months, gain global experience, and return home with stronger credentials and international networks.

Under the updated delivery model, Canadian institutions now lead the selection process, which simplifies coordination and reduces delays. For students, this means clearer timelines, fewer administrative hurdles, and better alignment with host universities.

At its core, ELAP removes two major barriers that stop students from going abroad: tuition fees and living costs.

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What the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program Covers

ELAP scholarships are fixed-value awards designed to support your entire stay in Canada. Host institutions are required to waive tuition completely, which is a major advantage compared to many other exchange programs.

Here’s what successful candidates receive:

CAD $8,600 for up to 4 months (one academic term)
For undergraduate or graduate (Master’s or PhD) study or research placements.

CAD $12,400 for 5 to 6 months
For extended graduate-level (Master’s or PhD) study or research placements.

The funding is intended to cover accommodation, food, local transportation, books, health insurance, and other day-to-day expenses while in Canada. Because tuition is waived, the scholarship effectively delivers a fully funded academic experience.

Why Canada Invests in ELAP Scholars

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, ELAP is not just an education program. It is also a strategic initiative to strengthen long-term academic and professional ties across the Americas.

By bringing emerging leaders to Canadian campuses, the program supports knowledge exchange, leadership development, and future collaboration between institutions. Many past participants go on to build research partnerships, pursue graduate studies, or take on leadership roles in their home countries.

Who Is Eligible for the ELAP Scholarship?

The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program is open to students who are already enrolled at post-secondary institutions in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Mexico.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a citizen of an eligible country or territory in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, or Mexico
• Be enrolled full-time at a recognized post-secondary institution in your home country
• Continue paying tuition at your home institution throughout the exchange
• Complete your study or research placement in Canada by September 30, 2027

You are not eligible if you:

• Hold or have applied for Canadian permanent residency or citizenship
• Are already studying in Canada in a degree, diploma, or certificate program
• Are receiving other funding from Global Affairs Canada or Canadian federal granting agencies

How to Apply for the ELAP Scholarship 2026

One important thing to note: students do not apply directly to the Canadian government. Applications must be submitted by Canadian post-secondary institutions on behalf of eligible students.

Your first step is to secure interest or acceptance from a Canadian institution willing to host you for a short-term study or research placement. Once that is in place, the institution submits the application through the official ELAP portal.

Official application details and guidelines are available here:
https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/institutions/elap-pfla.aspx?lang=eng

ELAP 2026 Application Deadline

The deadline for the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) 2026–2027 is:

March 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT

All applications must be submitted by Canadian institutions before this deadline, along with the required Management and Accountability Framework documentation.

More Opportunities: