Canada-ASEAN Scholarships (SEED) 2026-2027

Overview

The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme is a Government of Canada initiative providing short-term exchange opportunities for students from ASEAN member states to study or do research at Canadian post-secondary institutions. Now in its second phase (SEED-2), the programme has expanded to include students from Pacific Island Countries and Mongolia alongside the original ASEAN focus. Global Affairs Canada runs the programme, administered through the EduCanada platform.

Each scholarship provides CAD $10,200 for undergraduate/college students (four-month term) or CAD $12,700 for graduate students (five to six months), covering visa fees, airfare, health insurance, living expenses, and course materials. Canadian host institutions also receive CAD $500 per scholar for administrative costs. The programme is structured as an exchange, not a full degree: scholars stay enrolled at their home institution while gaining international academic experience in Canada, so knowledge flows back to their home countries.

The SEED programme is aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Applicants are evaluated on how their proposed study or research contributes to sustainable development goals. Individual students do not apply directly. Canadian institutions apply on their behalf through the MyEduCanada portal, so students must first connect with a Canadian partner institution. This institutional-driven model creates strong academic partnerships between Canadian and ASEAN universities.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada
Host Country	Canada
Degree Levels	Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Value	CAD $10,200 for undergraduate/college (4 months) or CAD $12,700 for graduate (5-6 months), covering airfare, visa, insurance, living expenses, and course materials. Host institutions receive CAD $500 per scholar.
Deadline	March 2026
Duration	4 months (one academic term)
Eligible Nationalities	Citizens of ASEAN member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam. SEED-2 also includes Pacific Island Countries and Mongolia.
Official Website	https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/institutions/asean-anase.aspx?lang=eng

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in their home ASEAN country and must keep paying tuition to their home institution during the exchange. For college and undergraduate applicants, a student exchange agreement must exist between the Canadian and home institutions.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must be citizens of an ASEAN member state (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam). Under SEED-2, citizens of Pacific Island Countries and Mongolia are also eligible.

Language Requirements

Sufficient English or French language proficiency to participate in academic study at a Canadian institution. Specific requirements are set by the Canadian host institution.

Work Experience

No specific work experience is required. The scholarship targets currently enrolled students at the college, undergraduate, and graduate levels.

Other Requirements

Applicants must not hold or have pending Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. They must not be in another Government of Canada-funded scholarship programme. They must not be enrolled in a Canadian post-secondary degree programme. Previous SEED recipients cannot apply again.

Scholarship Benefits

• CAD $10,200 scholarship for undergraduate/college students (4 months) or CAD $12,700 for graduate students (5-6 months)
• Return international airfare between the scholar's home country and Canada
• Visa and study/work permit fees covered
• Health insurance for the duration of the exchange
• Living expenses allowance for accommodation and daily costs
• Ground transportation costs within Canada
• Course materials and supplies (excluding computers)
• CAD $500 institutional support payment to the Canadian host institution

How to Apply

1. Establish a Connection with a Canadian Institution: Find a Canadian post-secondary institution that offers programmes in your field. For undergraduate and college students, a formal student exchange agreement must exist between your home institution and the Canadian host. For graduate students, a faculty supervisor at the Canadian institution must agree to host your research.
2. Coordinate with Your Home Institution: Get a letter of support from your home institution and confirm that full-time enrollment verification can be provided. Make sure your home institution will keep receiving tuition during the exchange and will recognise the academic work completed in Canada.
3. Prepare Required Documents: Gather all required documents: proof of citizenship, privacy notice statement, letter of intent (maximum 1 page), full-time enrollment verification, letter of support from your home institution, supervisor invitation letter (graduate students only), and the MOU or agreement confirming tuition waiver.
4. Canadian Institution Submits Application: The Canadian host institution's international office submits the application on your behalf through the MyEduCanada portal. Individual students cannot apply directly to Global Affairs Canada. The institutional deadline is 24 March 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.
5. Selection and Notification: Global Affairs Canada reviews and ranks applications on alignment with sustainable development goals, research merit, and institutional partnerships. Results come in spring 2026. Selected scholars may arrive in Canada as early as August 2026 and no later than February 2027.

Required Documents

• Proof of citizenship (valid passport or national identity card)
• Signed Privacy Notice Statement (dated within 6 months of application)
• Letter of intent (maximum 1 page) explaining proposed studies, career goals, and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
• Full-time enrollment verification from home institution (dated within 6 months)
• Letter of support from home institution (maximum 1 page)
• Supervisor invitation letter from Canadian host institution (graduate students only, maximum 1 page)
• Memorandum of Understanding or student exchange agreement confirming tuition waiver
• Ranked application list submitted by the Canadian institution to the SEED programme email

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	January 2026
Application Deadline	24 March 2026, 11:59 PM EDT (submitted by Canadian institutions)
Results Announced	Spring 2026
Course Start	Between August 2026 and February 2027

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Frame your letter of intent around the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This is a core evaluation criterion for SEED scholarships.
• Explain specifically how your exchange in Canada will benefit your home country and contribute to reducing poverty in the ASEAN region
• Show a clear academic link between your home studies and the proposed work at the Canadian institution
• If you are a graduate student, describe your research project in one focused paragraph and explain why the Canadian institution is the right place to advance it
• Keep your letter of intent to exactly one page. Longer submissions may not be reviewed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Trying to apply directly to Global Affairs Canada. Only Canadian institutions can submit applications on behalf of students through the MyEduCanada portal.
• Not reaching out to a Canadian institution well before the deadline. Building this relationship takes time.
• Failing to confirm a valid student exchange agreement exists between your home institution and the Canadian host (required for undergraduate/college applicants)
• Submitting documents dated more than 6 months before the application. The Privacy Notice Statement and enrollment verification must be recent.
• Applying after having previously received a SEED scholarship. Repeat recipients are not eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply directly for the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship?

Individual students cannot apply directly to Global Affairs Canada. The Canadian host institution's international office must submit the application on your behalf through the MyEduCanada portal. You need to first connect with a Canadian institution willing to host you.

What countries are eligible for the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship?

Citizens of all 10 ASEAN member states are eligible: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Under the expanded SEED-2 programme, citizens of Pacific Island Countries and Mongolia are also eligible.

How much is the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship worth?

CAD $10,200 for undergraduate/college students (one four-month term) or CAD $12,700 for graduate students (five to six months). This covers airfare, visa fees, health insurance, living expenses, ground transportation, and course materials.

Can I use the SEED Scholarship for a full degree in Canada?

The SEED programme is strictly a short-term exchange for one academic term (4 months). Scholars must stay enrolled at their home institution and return after the exchange. It does not fund full degree programmes.

Can I apply for the SEED Scholarship if I have Canadian permanent residency?

Applicants who hold or have pending applications for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency are not eligible. The scholarship is exclusively for citizens of eligible countries without Canadian residency status.

When is the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship deadline for 2026?

Canadian institutions must submit applications by 24 March 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT. Students should start coordinating with their Canadian host institution well before this date.

Do I need a student exchange agreement for the SEED Scholarship?

For college and undergraduate applicants, a valid student exchange agreement must exist between the Canadian host institution and the applicant's home institution. Graduate students applying for research placements need a supervisor invitation letter instead.

Can I apply for the SEED Scholarship more than once?

Previous SEED scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply again. The scholarship is a one-time opportunity.

Does the SEED Scholarship cover tuition in Canada?

The Canadian host institution must waive tuition fees for SEED scholars under the exchange agreement. Scholars keep paying tuition at their home institution. The scholarship itself covers travel, living costs, and other expenses.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals required for the SEED application?

The SEED programme is aligned with the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Applicants should show how their proposed study or research contributes to goals such as poverty reduction, quality education, clean energy, climate action, or other relevant SDGs.

Can PhD students apply for the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship?

The SEED scholarship supports graduate students at both the master's and PhD levels for exchange or research visits at Canadian institutions. PhD candidates need a supervisor invitation letter from the Canadian host.

When can SEED scholars arrive in Canada?

Selected scholars may arrive in Canada as early as August 2026 and no later than February 2027. The specific arrival date depends on the academic calendar of the Canadian host institution.

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