The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) is a remarkable Scheme established by the Government of Canada in 2009. This program provides opportunities for students from Latin America and the Caribbean to conduct short-term studies or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions. Funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Academic Relations program, ELAP aims to advance Canada’s educational relations and engagement in the region, while fostering the development of human capital and the next generation of leaders. The program also strengthens academic and cultural ties between Canada and the Americas.
Scholarship Overview
The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program Scholarships are awarded to college and university students in the Americas to pursue short-term studies or research in Canada.
The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program Scholarships are enabled through institutional collaborations and student exchange agreements between Canadian post-secondary institutions and their counterparts in Latin America and the Caribbean. Canadian institutions are encouraged to promote the program to their faculty, staff, and eligible partner institutions. Institutions in eligible countries should explore student exchange agreements with Canadian institutions to facilitate the program.
Eligibility Criteria
For candidates to be eligible for the ELAP scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of an eligible country/territory, including: Caribbean: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos. Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama. North America: Mexico. South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.
- Be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an eligible country/territory.
- Fees: Pay tuition fees to their home institution at the time of application and for the full duration of the program.
Candidates are not eligible if they:
- Hold or have a pending application for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Are already participating in a scholarship program funded by the Government of Canada.- Are already enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
Canadian post-secondary institutions interested in hosting students must:
- Be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Have a valid student exchange agreement with the student’s home institution that waives tuition fees for scholarship recipients (required for college/undergraduate study only).
Application Procedures
The application process for the ELAP scholarship involves the following steps:
- Canadian institutions must apply on behalf of eligible candidates.
- Institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean should promote the program to their students and explore student exchange agreements with Canadian institutions.
- Students desiring to pursue short-term studies or research in Canada should review the eligibility criteria and contact their institution’s international office for application details.
- Canadian institutions must submit applications by March 18, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Benefits of the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program
The ELAP scholarship offers numerous benefits, including:
- Financial support for short-term studies or research in Canada.
- Candidates are entitled to Opportunities to engage in areas that contribute to personal and academic growth.
- Exposure to a diverse academic environment in Canadian post-secondary institutions.- Strengthened academic and cultural linkages between Canada and the Americas.
- Enhanced academic and professional development through international experience.
Why Choose Canadian institutions?
There are reasons why it’s advisable to choose Canadian institutions
Academic Excellence: Canadian institutions are renowned for their high academic standards and innovative research programs.
Diverse Environment: Students gain exposure to a multicultural and inclusive environment, enhancing their global perspective.
Research Opportunities: Canada offers cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in various fields.
Support Services: Canadian institutions provide comprehensive support services to help international students succeed academically and personally.
Application and Deadline
Candidates are encouraged to contact their institution’s international office for application details and ensure that all required documents are submitted on time. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to gain valuable academic and cultural experiences in Canada, contributing to their personal and professional growth.
Deadline: The application period for the ELAP scholarship is open for the 2025-2026 academic year. Canadian institutions must apply on behalf of eligible candidates by March 18, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Official Scholarship Website: https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/institutions/elap-pfla.aspx?lang=eng