Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
Scholarships for students in Latin America and the Caribbean to pursue short-term studies or research in Canada, administered by Global Affairs Canada.
About the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program
The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) provides students from Latin America and the Caribbean with opportunities to pursue short-term studies or research in Canada. Offered by Global Affairs Canada, the program aims to support the development of emerging leaders across the region.
International students, researchers, and faculty cannot apply directly for scholarships offered by Global Affairs Canada. Canadian host postsecondary institutions must apply on behalf of eligible candidates through the My EduCanada portal using an institution account.
The program accepts applications submitted by Canadian postsecondary institutions for specific academic years, such as the 2026-2027 academic year. Deadlines for institutional submissions typically fall around March 31, with calls for applications opening earlier in January.
ELAP is one of several international scholarship initiatives managed through the EduCanada platform, alongside programs like the Study in Canada Scholarships and the Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Phase 2.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Administered directly by Global Affairs Canada through the official EduCanada platform.
Designed specifically to build educational connections with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Enables hands-on academic or research experience at Canadian postsecondary institutions.
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Canada
This program is open to students from eligible countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Eligibility Requirements
3 requirements
Documents Checklist
1 document required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Identify a Canadian postsecondary institution willing to host your study or research period.
Coordinate with the Canadian host institution to ensure they submit your application.
The Canadian host institution creates an institution account on the My EduCanada portal.
The Canadian host institution submits the online scholarship application on your behalf.
Application Timeline
January
Call for Applications Opens
Canadian institutions can begin submitting applications via My EduCanada.
March 31
Application Deadline
Deadline for Canadian postsecondary institutions to submit applications for the academic year.
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Contact potential Canadian host institutions well in advance because they must submit the application for you.
Do not attempt to create an individual student account on My EduCanada for this program, as student accounts are only for specific direct-application programs.
Keep track of the March 31 institutional deadline to ensure your host institution submits your paperwork on time.
Review program guidelines carefully through EduCanada to confirm your home country in Latin America or the Caribbean is eligible.
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
No. International students cannot apply directly. A Canadian host postsecondary institution must submit the application on your behalf.
Canadian institutions use the My EduCanada portal with an institution account to submit applications.
Students from Latin America and the Caribbean looking to pursue short-term studies or research in Canada are eligible.
Check the Official Website
This scholarship typically opens around January. Confirm the current cycle and deadline on the official portal.
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