Ottawa, ON – Fulbright Canada is pleased to announce the opening of two signature programs that support academic exchange between Canada and the United States: the 2026–27 Fulbright Canada Student Awards and the Fulbright Canada Scholar Awards for Canadians, including prestigious Research Chair opportunities. Applications for both programs are now open and will be accepted until November 15, 2025.
The Canada–U.S. Fulbright Program is founded on the reciprocal academic residential exchange principle, offering exceptional Canadian students and scholars the opportunity to study and conduct research in the United States. Rooted in academic excellence and community engagement, the program fosters collaborative, bi-national research and encourages informed public dialogue on issues that shape both nations and their shared relationship.
“Fulbright Canada’s scholar and student awards empower emerging and established leaders to deepen cross-border collaboration, broaden their perspectives, and make lasting contributions to their fields,” said Dr. Michael Hawes, CEO of Fulbright Canada. “These exchanges are about more than academic opportunity—shaping global citizens committed to building a better future.” Fulbright Canada alum widely describe the experience as personally and professionally transformative.
2026–27 Fulbright Canada Student Awards
The Fulbright Canada Student Awards provide outstanding Canadian graduate students and early-career professionals with opportunities to study and conduct research at top U.S. institutions. Open to a range of academic disciplines, the program supports master’s and doctoral studies, independent research, and graduate-level coursework.
Award recipients receive a fixed sum to support travel, living expenses, and related expenses, along with access to an international network of Fulbright alum. Past recipients have studied at institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Georgetown, Stanford, and Columbia, in fields including international relations, science and technology, health, law, engineering, the humanities, and beyond.
“Fulbright is a community of engaged and passionate academics worldwide. In my field of international relations, studying in the U.S. has enriched my understanding of Canada and the world,” said Julia Nguyen, a Fulbright Canada alum who studied at Johns Hopkins University.
Key Details
- Award Value: US$25,000
- Duration: Eight months
- Eligibility:
- Canadian citizenship
- Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree by the start of the grant
- Strong academic record of achievement
- Applications Open: May 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
- How to Apply: www.fulbright.ca/programs/canadian-students
- Inquiries: Please contact info@fulbright.ca.
2026–27 Fulbright Canada Scholar Awards
The Fulbright Canada Scholars Program offers Canadian academics and experienced professionals the opportunity to research, lecture, and collaborate at leading U.S. institutions. A central feature of the program is the Fulbright Canada Research Chairs, which provide pre-arranged affiliations and support for prominent scholars to work in disciplines ranging from digital humanities and Arctic research to public health and Indigenous studies.
Award recipients receive a fixed sum to support travel, living expenses, and academic costs, along with access to an international network of Fulbright alum. Research Chairs are available in various fields, including, but not limited to, Arctic Studies, Public Diplomacy, Public Health, and Engineering at renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, Yale, the University of Washington, USC, and more.
“Cross-cultural exchanges such as those provided by the Fulbright Canada Program have been transformative for me,” reflected Dr. Michele Lacombe of Trent University, who conducted research at the University of Arizona. "It is so important that the Fulbright program continues to offer this opportunity for scholarly, professional, and personal enrichment. It is also vital that universities continue to value the program and understand the benefits of their participation and contribution to it.”
Key Details
- Award Value: US$12,500 to US$50,000
- Duration: Four to eight months
- Eligibility:
- Canadian citizenship
- Must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent professional/terminal degree
- Applications Open: May 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: November 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
- How to Apply: www.fulbright.ca/programs/canadian-scholars
- Inquiries: Please contact info@fulbright.ca.
About Fulbright Canada
The Fulbright Program is a merit-based residential academic exchange program established in 1946 to promote mutual understanding, support academic excellence, and contribute to peace, prosperity, and stability. The program is widely regarded as the gold standard in educational exchange and a powerful instrument of public diplomacy.
The Foundation for Educational Exchange between Canada and the United States of America (aka Fulbright Canada) operates the Fulbright program in Canada, providing exchange opportunities for exceptional students, scholars, and researchers in the two countries.