Terms of Reference

For the Emerging Leaders of the Americas & Study in Canada Scholarships Programs at the University of Alberta

For the 2026-2027 program, the two scholarship programs will be administered under an adjusted delivery model in which Canadian institutions are responsible for the selection of students.

The total funding from Global Affairs Canada will not exceed $150,000 per project/scholarship program. Individual awards range from $8,600 to $14,000.

The Emerging Leaders of the Americas (ELAP) and the Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) programs offer Canadian post-secondary institutions the opportunity to host international students from a diverse range of countries and territories for short-term study or research exchanges. Funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Academic Relations program, the programs aim to strengthen and diversify Canada’s international linkages and partnerships.

The new connections created through the programs will diversify and enrich Canada’s education engagement with a diverse range of partners, strengthen bilateral ties, as well as deepen people-to-people ties and cultural connections between Canada and participating countries/territories.

As the University of Alberta office responsible for the management of these two International Scholarship Programs, International Education & Enrolment (IEE) is accountable for the following:

  • a fair and transparent selection process for scholarship recipients;
  • eligibility of selected candidates;
  • authenticity and maintenance of supporting documentation;
  • broad representation of eligible countries and territories; and
  • equitable gender participation

Applicants Must:

  • Be a citizen of an eligible country/territory
  • Be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an eligible country/territory;
  • Be paying tuition fees to that institution at the time of application and for the full duration of their mobility in Canada;
  • Sign a scholarship agreement with the University of Alberta if selected

Further Requirements for Exchange Applicants:

  • Must agree to engage in full-time studies during your desired exchange at University of Alberta which means that you must register in at least 9 credits worth of courses per term (this is usually 3 courses per term)
  • be from an exchange partner institution with which the University of Alberta has a current student exchange agreement (SEA).
  • must be able to start classes in September 2026 or January 2027

Further Requirements for Research Applicants:

  • Undergraduate applicants wishing to carry out research must currently be enrolled in 3rd year of studies or higher
  • Graduate applicants at any stage in their program can apply provided they will be continuing their studies at the same institution after the scholarship program
  • Applicants wishing to carry out research must provide a Letter of Invitation from a University of Alberta Host Professor 
  • University of Alberta Host Professor can only nominate and support  one applicant
  • Applicants wishing to carry out research must do so between October 1, 2026 and conclude their placement by no later than September 30, 2027 (final award payment will be issued by July 31, 2027)

Learn more about timelines and the application process

Selection Process


Initial Screening
International Education & Enrolment (IEE) reviews all applications for eligibility and completeness to establish a shortlist.
Committee Evaluation
A four member committee with representatives from International Education & Enrolment, Office of the Vice-President (International & Enterprise), Office of the Vice-President (Research) and Student Success and Experience will evaluate applications on the following criteria:
  • Research Areas: Connection to one of the Six Critical Research Areas (Energy + Environment, AI, Health, Indigenous Research, Agriculture + Food, or Social Transformations).
  • Strategic Plans: Research project aligns with one of the strategic priorities of the University (eg, University Strategic Research and Innovation Plan, University Strategic Plan, University Equity Diversity, and Inclusivity Strategic Plan, University Indigenous Initiatives Strategic Plan)

Suggestion: include these connections in the U of A Host’s Letter of Invitation.

When demand exceeds funding, priority is given to: 

  • New Hosts: Faculty members who have not previously hosted a GAC-funded intern
  • Institutional Ties: Applicants from institutions with an existing MOU or agreement with the U of A
  • Academic & Language Excellence: Candidates with high GPAs and strong self-reported language proficiency (subject to interview verification).

The final list of candidates submitted to Global Affairs Canada will reflect the following:

  • Balanced representation of Graduate & Undergraduate & Research & Exchange candidates
  • Balanced representation across faculties
  • Balanced country representation
  • Gender equity amongst applicants

Date modified: 2026-02-12