Understanding Canada’s Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) Scholarships

Canada’s Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) is a prestigious scholarship initiative aimed at strengthening international linkages between Canada and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It provides short-term exchange opportunities for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels to study or conduct research at Canadian post-secondary institutions.

Managed by Global Affairs Canada, the ELAP scholarship supports over 800 students each year, offering a gateway to Canadian academic institutions and exposure to international learning experiences.

🔗 ELAP Official Page – Government of Canada

Who Is Eligible for the ELAP Scholarship?

The ELAP scholarship is not open to all international students. It has specific eligibility criteria based on:

1. Country of Citizenship

To be eligible, students must be citizens of one of the following regions:

• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Peru, etc.)
• Caribbean nations (e.g., Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, etc.)

A full list of eligible countries is available here:
🔗 Eligible Countries – ELAP

2. Enrollment in a Post-Secondary Institution

Students must be:

• Currently enrolled in a full-time program at a post-secondary institution (university or college) in their home country.
• Returning to their home institution after the exchange.

3. Nominated by a Canadian Institution

Applications must be submitted by a Canadian institution that has an existing collaboration or exchange agreement with the student’s home institution. Self-nominations are not accepted.

Scholarship Duration and Levels

ELAP awards are short-term in nature, supporting exchange stays that range from 4 to 6 months.

1. Undergraduate and Graduate Levels

Students enrolled in:

• Undergraduate programs can study or undertake short-term research.
• Master’s or doctoral programs are primarily supported for research stays.

2. Program Duration and Funding

The value of the scholarship varies based on the study level:

These amounts are meant to cover living expenses, travel, health insurance, and study materials.

How the ELAP Scholarship Works

Understanding how the process works is essential to increasing your chances of success.

Step 1: Institutional Collaboration

Your home university must have an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) or agreement with a Canadian institution. This forms the foundation for the student nomination.

If no formal agreement exists, some Canadian universities are still willing to support the process by initiating one.

Step 2: Expression of Interest

You must express interest in the ELAP exchange to your home university’s international office, who will coordinate with the partner institution in Canada.

Step 3: Canadian Institution Applies on Your Behalf

The Canadian institution submits your application through the official ELAP online portal. You cannot apply independently.

🔗 Scholarships Online Application Tool (OAAP)

Step 4: Notification and Acceptance

Once selected, you will be contacted by the Canadian institution with instructions for:

• Visa/Study Permit
• Health Insurance
• Housing
• Arrival details

Required Documents

The Canadian institution must upload and submit a package that includes the following:

• Proof of citizenship (passport or national ID)
• Letter of intent (maximum one page)
• Letter of support from the home institution
• Proof of full-time enrollment
• Privacy Notice Statement, signed and dated

All documents must be provided in English or French, or be accompanied by a certified translation.

Important Deadlines

The ELAP competition opens annually in January or February and closes by March or April. However, your home institution may require you to submit your documents earlier.

Canadian institutions must submit applications through the EduCanada portal before the deadline announced each year.

📅 Check Here for Annual Deadlines

What Does the ELAP Scholarship Cover?

Although the scholarship amount is fixed, it is designed to help offset several key expenses:

• Tuition fees (if applicable, but usually waived through partnerships)
• Accommodation
• Food and personal expenses
• Health insurance
• Books and materials
• Transportation within Canada
• Round-trip airfare

Canadian institutions usually manage and disburse the funds upon your arrival.

Benefits of Participating in ELAP

1. Academic Exposure

You gain access to one of Canada’s world-renowned education systems and high-caliber faculty and research opportunities.

2. Cultural Experience

Living and studying in Canada gives you cultural immersion, enhancing your global perspective.

3. Career Development

Participating in ELAP builds your academic profile and opens up international career pathways, especially for students in research-intensive fields.

4. Networking Opportunities

You will have the opportunity to network with Canadian academics, fellow international students, and professionals.

5. Credential Enhancement

Although the program does not lead to a Canadian degree, many home institutions accept the credits or research conducted in Canada, which can fast-track your degree at home.

Common Fields of Study Covered by ELAP

ELAP supports exchanges in a wide variety of fields, including:

• Business and Economics
• Health Sciences
• Engineering
• Environmental Studies
• Political Science and International Relations
• Indigenous Studies
• Agriculture and Food Security
• Education and Teaching

Research-based disciplines at the graduate level are especially encouraged.

Which Canadian Institutions Participate?

Dozens of Canadian colleges and universities actively participate in ELAP each year. These include:

• University of British Columbia (UBC)
• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of Alberta
• University of Waterloo
• York University
• Carleton University
• Université Laval
• University of Ottawa

Most major institutions have an international partnerships office and are familiar with ELAP processes.

📘 Search Canadian Institutions

Tips for a Strong ELAP Application

1. Craft a Purpose-Driven Letter of Intent

Use your letter to explain:

• Why Canada?
• Why that particular university?
• How will the exchange contribute to your academic/career goals?

Make it personal, goal-oriented, and realistic.

2. Choose the Right Partner Institution

Ensure that your chosen Canadian institution:

• Has a partnership agreement with your home institution
• Offers courses or research that align with your goals

3. Coordinate Early With Both Universities

Start communication with both your home and Canadian institutions early—preferably 3–4 months before the ELAP deadline.

4. Ensure Document Accuracy and Translation

Incomplete or poorly translated documents can delay or disqualify your application. Use certified translators and double-check all formats.

5. Highlight Community Involvement or Leadership

The program looks for emerging leaders—so mention any social impact initiatives, volunteer work, or academic leadership roles.

Post-Award: What Happens Next?

Once you are selected:

• You’ll receive a Letter of Acceptance
• You may need to apply for a study permit or temporary resident visa (TRV) depending on your country of origin
• The Canadian institution will guide you through housing, course selection, and campus arrival

You’ll be expected to:

• Maintain academic progress
• Respect institutional and visa requirements
• Return to your home country upon completion

After the program, many students find themselves invited to present their research, continue collaborations, or apply for further scholarships in Canada.

How to Extend Your Stay After ELAP (Optional Paths)

ELAP is a short-term exchange, but some students explore options to extend their time in Canada:

1. Apply for a Graduate Degree

If you’ve built a strong relationship with the host institution, you can apply for a Master’s or PhD program, potentially with funding.

2. Research Assistantships or Internships

Some professors may invite you to return as a research assistant, opening doors to deeper collaboration.

3. Work Permits or Intern Programs

Explore post-graduate internships or government-affiliated work programs.

Testimonials: Real Experiences From ELAP Scholars

“I studied at the University of Calgary for one semester through ELAP. It completely changed how I saw my field of environmental science. I’m now doing my Master’s there full-time.”
– Camila, Brazil

“ELAP gave me confidence to apply to a Canadian MBA after returning home. I came back with new ideas and contacts that shaped my future.”
– Diego, Colombia

These stories highlight the long-term impact of a well-used ELAP opportunity.

Conclusion: ELAP as a Launchpad for Global Opportunities

The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program isn’t just a scholarship—it’s a strategic international bridge between Canada and future leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean. For students who prepare early, coordinate effectively, and articulate their goals clearly, ELAP can be the first step in a much larger academic and professional journey.

Whether you’re an undergraduate exploring short-term study or a graduate student deepening research ties, ELAP offers you access, exposure, and elevation on a global scale.

Start your ELAP journey by visiting:
🔗 ELAP Scholarship – Government of Canada