Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)

Internal deadline for applications: March 4, 2026  (CLOSED) 

External deadline: March 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m 

Announcement of Results: May 2026 

Note: Please note that McMaster University will prioritize research-based and study applications from partner institutions. Applicants must check with their university’s international office to confirm whether an inter-institutional agreement with McMaster University is in place.

If you are applying for a study (course-based) experience, please also follow the McMaster University Incoming Exchange Students Guidelines to apply to the McMaster exchange program by the March 4, 2026 deadline. 

SCHOLARSHIP OVERVIEW AND ELIGIBILITY 

The Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program enables eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to award scholarships to students from Latin America and the Caribbean undertaking short-term study or research in Canada. 

Established by the Government of Canada in 2009, the program aims to foster the development of human capital and the next generation of leaders in the region, while strengthening Canada’s institutional partnerships and deepening people-to-people ties with the Americas. ELAP is funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Academic Relations Program . 

Eligibility   

To be eligible, candidates must be:   

  • Citizens of the following eligible countries/territories: 
  • 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;
  • Enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an eligible country/territory
  • Paying tuition fees to that institution at the time of application and for the full duration of their mobility in Canada.
  • Able to complete all project activities no later than September 30, 2027. 

Scholarship value and duration: 

  • $8,600 for 4 months or one academic term for study or research at the college of undergraduate level 
  • $8,600 for 4 months or one academic term for study or research at the graduate level (Masters and PhD) 
  • $12,400 for 5 to 6 months for study or research at the graduate level (Masters and PhD) 

Eligible Expenses   

Selected students may use scholarship funds towards:   

  • visa or study/work permit fees   
  • airfare via the most direct and economical route   
  • health insurance   
  • living expenses, such as accommodation, utilities and food   
  • ground transportation, including a public transportation pass   
  • books and supplies required for their study or research, excluding computers and other equipment   

Scholarships may not be awarded to individuals who: 

  • Hold or have a pending application for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. 
  • Are already holding another grant or source of funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), through its legal name, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD), or from a Canadian federal granting agency (e.g. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) or Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). All additional sources of funding must be declared. 
  • Are already enrolled in a degree, diploma or certificate program at a Canadian post-secondary institution. 

HOW TO APPLY  

Students interested in studying in Canada under this scholarship should:   

  • contact your international office to learn more about the application process and any admission requirements at McMaster University    

Submit the Application Form.   

Submit the supporting documents 

To complete your ELAP scholarship application, you must submit the application form and email the following supporting documents to gacexpro@mcmaster.ca copying your McMaster supervisor (if research) by March 4, 2026. 

Proof of citizenship   

  • A copy of the candidate’s passport or national identity card with a photo and valid dates   
  • Documents not accepted as proof of citizenship are: driver’s license, permanent residence card, work permit, student card, health card, birth certificate or baptismal certificate   
  • Proof of citizenship selected must be from the same country/territory as the citizenship selected in the online application form   

Letter of proof of full-time enrolment from the home institution   

  • On official letterhead   
  • Dated within the last six months   
  • Confirms that the candidate is currently enrolled in a full-time program   
  • Copies of transcripts, a student card or a letter of admission are not acceptable   

Letter of support from the home institution (maximum one page)   

  • On official letterhead   
  • Dated within the last six months   
  • From the candidate’s instructor, professor or international director   
  • Explains the nature of study or research to be undertaken in Canada and how the candidate and the home institution will benefit from this scholarship program   
  • Candidate’s country of citizenship   

Submit a Privacy Notice Statement

A copy of Privacy Notice Statement for non-Canadian participants signed by the candidate and dated within the last six months. Please note that your application will be deemed ineligible if privacy notice is not signed. 

Submit a Letter of Support from McMaster supervisor (maximum 2 pages) as a PDF document: 

Letter of Support must address: 

  • Describe the nature and scope of the research collaboration with the student’s home institution 
  • How will you support and mentor the candidate during the exchange period? 
  • How will this research exchange positively impact you, your peers, and McMaster? 

Letter of Support must include:

  • Official McMaster letter head 
  • Supervisor’s signature 
  • Dated within the last 6 months 

Student arrival in Canada  

Students should submit their visa or study/work permit application as early as possible to avoid delays. 

Read more at EduCanada.