Programs
Note: This announcement applies only to international research-based student applicants.
Awardees will be registered as Visiting Research Students at USask and cannot enroll in or audit USask courses.
- Research-based applications: supported by International Office (IO) — international.office@usask.ca
- Course-based exchange applications: ISSAC — issac@usask.ca
Program Overview
International student scholarship programs (ELAP, SEED, SiCS) funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) support short-term (4–6 month) research placements at Canadian universities. Scholarships range from $8,200–$15,900 CAD and may cover:
- Visa/study/work permit fees
- Airfare (most direct/economical route)
- Health insurance
- Accommodation, utilities, food
- Local transportation (incl. bus pass)
- Books/supplies needed for research (excluding computers/equipment)
Internal USask Deadlines
|
Program |
Internal Deadline |
|
SEED |
March 14, 2026 |
|
ELAP & SiCS |
March 21, 2026 |
Applications submitted after these dates cannot be considered due to tight program timelines.
Participating USask Colleges & Schools
Only the colleges/schools listed below that confirmed participation may host ELAP, SEED & SiCS applicants this year.
(All others are not able to participate.)
- College of Agriculture and Bioresources
- College of Dentistry
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Nursing
- College of Law
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition
- Edwards School of Business
- School of Environment and Sustainability
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Program Summaries
CanadaASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
- Provides short-term study/research exchanges for students from ASEAN member states, focusing on projects aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
- Supports students from Latin America and the Caribbean for short-term study or research at Canadian institutions (undergraduate & graduate).
Study in Canada Scholarships (SiCS)
- Funds short-term exchanges for students from select countries/territories in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
USask Host Supervisor Responsibilities
Supervisors hosting scholarship students must:
- Research supervision (pre-arrival to post-departure)
- Provide a host supervisor letter of support
- Facilitate Email & internet access
- Provide lab/office space
- Arrange necessary software or hardware access
- Provide all required research ethics/safety/orientation information
Internal Application Process
|
Program |
Internal Deadline |
|
SEED |
March 14, 2026 |
|
ELAP & SiCS |
March 21, 2026 |
USask must limit the number of applications advancing to GAC (program quotas apply). These scholarships are highly competitive.
Internal Application Process
- Students and host supervisors must complete the online application before the internal deadline (listed above). Please note, that the online application form is currently being finalized and a link will be provided on this webpage here, prior to the internal deadline. If you have questions, or concerns, please contact international.office@usask.ca. To prepare for submission, please proceed with developing the below supporting documents for your application.
Required Supporting Documents (The following documents must be in one of the following formats: .pdf, .jpg, .doc, .docx, or .gif. Each document must be smaller than 2 MB in order for the application documentation to upload successfully.)
- Proof of Citizenship
- Passport or national identity card with photo and valid dates
- Not accepted: driver’s licence, PR card, permit, student card, health card, birth/baptismal certificates
- Citizenship document must match the country selected in the application form
- Signed Privacy Notice Statement (Template linked here)
- For non-Canadian participants
- Signed and dated within the last 6 months
- Candidate Letter of Intent (max. 1 page, which must explain:)
- Research or study to be undertaken
- Rationale for studying in Canada, chosen institution/program/supervisor
- Career relevance
- Additional requirements for SEED applicants:
- How the experience supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- How learning will reduce poverty & narrow the development gap
- Identification of the relevant SDG (mandatory)
- Country-specific poverty reduction explanation (all details preserved exactly as provided)
- Proof of Full-Time Enrollment (Template Link)
- On official letterhead
- Dated within last 6 months
- Must explicitly confirm full-time status
- Not accepted: transcripts, student card, admission letter
- Home Institution Letter of Support (max. 1 page)
- On official letterhead
- Dated within last 6 months
- Explains the research/study to be undertaken, benefits to candidate and institution
- Assesses candidate’s capacity/commitment to poverty reduction
- Letter of Invitation from Canadian Supervisor (Template Link)
- On institutional letterhead
- Dated within the last 6 months, signed
- Nature/scope of research collaboration
- Confirmation of support and mentorship
- Benefits to Canadian supervisor/institution
|
Program |
Internal Deadline |
|
SEED |
March 14, 2026 |
|
ELAP & SiCS |
March 21, 2026 |
USask must limit the number of applications advancing to GAC (program quotas apply). These scholarships are highly competitive.
Internal Application Process
- Be nominated by your home institution: Speak to your home University Student Exchange Coordinator on how to be nominated. We must have bilateral exchange agreement with your home university to be nominated.
- Apply for admission to the University of Saskatchewan: After your nomination, you will receive an email with a link to university’s online application portal. Please allow some time to confirm receipt of your application.
- Complete the Global Affairs Canada Additional Details Form: Once your initial application is confirmed, complete the Global Affairs Canada additional details form in the Incoming Portal by the before the internal deadline (listed above). If you have questions, or concerns, please contact issac@usask.ca.
Applications submitted after these dates cannot be considered due to tight review timelines.
Adjudication Process
ELAP & SICS
If applications exceed the funding limit of $150,000, USask will adjudicate based on:
- Quality of the application
- Strategic priority of applicant’s home country/institution
- Gender & geographic representation
SEED
USask will submit a maximum of 5 applications, selected based on:
- Quality of the application
- Strategic priority of home country/institution
- Gender & geographic representation
Questions?
For inquiries or to discuss potential research-based applications:
International Office — international.office@usask.ca
For inquiries or to discuss course-based applications:
International Student and Study Aboard Centre — issac@usask.ca