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Internal and External Bursaries and Awards

The below information reflects funding opportunities that are currently open.

Internal Bursaries and Awards

Attention McMaster Researchers and Professional Librarians engaged in international initiatives related to their role at McMaster:

The International Initiatives Micro-Fund (IIMF) offers small-scale seed funding to support global research collaborations and the development of international partnerships.

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) is pleased to announce that this year’s International Initiatives Micro Fund (IIMF) will be offered in collaboration with the Research Office for Administration, Development and Support (ROADS).

For 2025 – 2026, the IIMF will support seed funding for McMaster researchers to build partnerships and develop networks or consortia with researchers from European Union and Horizon Europe associated countries, with the goal of applying to Horizon Europe Pillar II calls for proposals.

Funding may be used for travel, networking, workshops, and other capacity-building activities that strengthen partnerships and improve preparedness for Horizon Europe Pillar II applications.

Applicants are encouraged to review the draft Horizon Europe 2026–2027 Work Programme  to identify calls of interest and demonstrate how their proposed activities align with upcoming funding opportunities. This information should be reflected in the application form under “Alignment with Horizon Europe.”

Value: Funding requests through the IIMF Horizon Europe Seed Funding application stream are generally expected to be no more than C$10,000. However, in exceptional cases, requests exceeding this amount may be considered if sufficient justification is provided and funds are available.

Assessment Criteria:

• Clarity and feasibility of the proposed activities and timeline

• Alignment with relevant Horizon Europe 2026–2027 Work Programme Clusters/Themes

• Appropriate and well-justified budget

• Demonstrated potential to result in a future Horizon Europe Pillar II proposal

Application Requirements: · Completed Horizon Europe Seed funding Application Form

· Attachment addressing the assessment criteria above

· The applicant’s CV (SSHRC CV or NSERC Form 100 or equivalent)

Reporting: Award recipients must submit a one-page narrative report within one year of receiving the award. The report should detail the activities conducted, provide a breakdown of expenditures, and summarize the outcomes of the collaboration.

Application Form: The application form can be found here. Completed applications must be submitted by January 22, 2026.

After submission, the Horizon Europe Program Lead will request approval from the Department Chair (or their delegate) and the Faculty Dean (or their delegate) on behalf of the applicant.

Matching or supplementary funding contributions for IIMF Stream 2 applications are welcome.

For inquiries, please contact horizon.europe@mcmaster.ca

About Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the EU’s flagship research and innovation funding program, supporting international collaboration to address global challenges, drive scientific excellence, and accelerate innovation. With a budget of over €95 billion (2021–2027), Horizon Europe offers diverse funding opportunities across thematic pillars including health, climate, digital transformation, and inclusive societies. The program emphasizes global partnerships and interdisciplinary research to generate real-world impact.

External Bursaries and Awards

Applications open:  16 January 2026

Applications close: 31 March 2026 (Application outcomes will be announced on or after May 15, 2026)

In October 2021 the University of Birmingham and McMaster University signed a formal agreement to create a framework for collaboration and partnership between the two institutions.  McMaster University and the University of Birmingham have historic similarities, shared interests and recognize that to achieve exceptional research outcomes and the best possible student experience, constant nurture and support is necessary and cannot be done in isolation. 

While several areas of collaboration have already been identified, we are convinced that many new and future partnerships are yet to be uncovered. To help bring these to the fore, we have established the Projects and Ideas Fund: a seed fund created with matching funding from each university designed to identify, establish and develop first-rate research projects and student outcomes.

Fund Overview

The fund’s objective is to support new initiatives by providing bridge funding between ideas and the first grant, or academic initiative. The funding is designed to enable individuals to identify complementary strengths, leverage synergy, and design new outstanding research and education projects and opportunities for academic excellence across all disciplines.

The funding will seed and enable the development of deep partnerships through joint initiatives, which for example could include (but is not limited to):

  • Intensive academic research and/or education workshops leading to future long-term collaborations.
  • Short-term visits for both young and established academics, or senior staff, enabling new and innovative long-term collaborations.
  • Research-oriented teaching opportunities, such as for instance the development of new experiential seminars, bringing together PhD Candidates and Post-Doctoral Fellows.

Application Process and Guidelines

Faculty (academics) and professional services staff wishing to access funding must submit an application using the online BIRMAC Project and Ideas Fund Application Form

 Full details can be found in the Application Guidelines.

Please note the following updates:

  • For McMaster: in place of a letter of support from the Chair, a completed Grant Application Approval form from McMaster lead applicant (approved by Chair and Dean, or delegate) is required. Please send via email to roadsadm@mcmaster.ca.
  • To be eligible for future BIRMAC funding, researchers who have been awarded BIRMAC funds previously must submit a final report 60 days following the project end date.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Corinne Vernon

Research Administration Specialist, ROADS

Or

Van Nhan

Associate Director, ROADS

Explore seed-funding opportunities, available throughout the year, across the Universitas 21 network to support joint research, academic exchange, and strategic collaboration. This listing brings together funding calls from U21 member institutions, making it easier for researchers and professional staff to find support for collaborative projects.

Applications open: 5 November 2025

Applications close:

  • Deadline to apply on the My EduCanada portal: January 12, 2026
  • Deadline to apply on the CSC portal: March 1, 2026

Note:  As part of the program’s expanded eligibility, introduced last year, graduate students can now receive scholarships for up to 24 months, and the minimum stay requirement for faculty, researchers, and mid-career professionals has been reduced from 2 months to 1 month, providing greater flexibility for short-term learning and research opportunities.

Offered by Global Affairs Canada and China’s Ministry of Education, the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program (CCSEP) aims to foster a deeper understanding of China, build strong academic and professional ties between Canada and China, and develop future Canadian leaders with expertise in China. CCSEP alumni are part of a distinguished network of professionals who have gone on to build impactful careers in academia, public service, business, and other fields that contribute meaningfully to Canada-China engagement.

Canadian students, faculty, researchers, and mid-career professionals working in public and private sectors are eligible to apply. This prestigious scholarship offers a unique opportunity to pursue post-secondary studies, research, short-term courses for professional development, and Chinese language training at top institutions across China.

Eligibility: 

  • Canadian citizenship;
  • Demonstrated interest in pursuing studies or research in the area of ‘China Studies’;
    • Eligible disciplines include: Chinese language, literature, linguistics, history, arts, journalism, politics, international relations, sociology, business, economics, law, geography, education, communications, public administration, environmental studies, architecture, public/global health, and other related fields.
  • Availability to study or do research in China during the 2026-27 academic year;
  • Strong academic and/or professional record;
  • Proficiency in the language of instruction (English, French, or Chinese);
    • Proficiency must be HSK level 3 for undergraduate studies and HSK level 4 for graduate studies if Chinese is the language of instruction.

Additional eligibility criteria:

Applicant type Additional eligibility criteria Duration
Student Non-degree seeking students:

  • must be enrolled in either a college, undergraduate or graduate program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)  in Canada; and
  • plan to take courses without working toward a degree from a Chinese post-secondary institution (e.g. academic exchange, semester abroad, taking courses for academic/professional development or language learning).
 4 to 12 months
Graduate degree seeking students:

  • must hold an undergraduate or graduate degree obtained from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)  in Canada; or
  • may be enrolled in a graduate program in Canada at the time of applying but must graduate before going to China; and
  • must pursue graduate-level studies or research in China leading to a degree from a Chinese post-secondary institution.
 12 to 24 months
Faculty / researcher 1 to 12 months
Mid-career professional
  • must be employed with a government, media or cultural organization, or an education association for at least three years; and
  • must have managerial, policy development, or decision-making responsibilities within an organization.
 1 to 12 months

Scholarship value:

There are two components to the CCSEP scholarship.

The Chinese Government Scholarship component covers:

  • tuition fees at participating Chinese institutions ;
  • a monthly stipend (approximate values):
    • 2,500 Yuan for undergraduate students
    • 3,000 Yuan for Master’s students/general scholars
    • 3,500 Yuan for Doctoral students/senior scholars
  • on-campus accommodation or a subsidy for off-campus accommodation (if permitted by the host institution); and
  • comprehensive medical insurance.

Global Affairs Canada covers the cost of travel to and from the destination in China via the most cost-effective route between the scholarship recipient’s point of origin and the final destination.

Employees of the Government of Canada departments and agencies  (including those on leave), although eligible for this scholarship, are not eligible for the travel benefit funded by Global Affairs Canada.

How the scholarship funding works

Recipients will receive information regarding payment of their Chinese Government Scholarship from their host institution. Funds for this component are disbursed by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China.

Scholarship recipients must sign a Grant Agreement with Global Affairs Canada, through its legal name, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD), in order to receive the in-kind grant towards the round-trip flight to and from China. Travel arrangements will be made through a designated travel agency. Global Affairs Canada will only cover the cost of approved flights to and from China at the beginning and completion of the scholarship. Any additional costs are the responsibility of the scholarship recipient.

Application process:

Candidates must complete a two-step application process:

Step 1: Apply on the MyEduCanada portal

Candidates are required to submit an application on the My EduCanada portal by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 12, 2026  to be considered for the scholarship.

  1. Select “Login or Register” to create an account on the My EduCanada portal. Ensure to select “Individual” for your account type.
  2. Once you have logged into your account, select the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program and click on “Apply”.
  3. Enter data in the required fields and follow the instructions on the application form.
  4. Click “Validate and save” as you progress through the application form.
  5. Upload all required supporting documents. Each document must be smaller than 5 MB and in .jpg, .gif, .png, .pdf, .doc, .docx, .txt or .xlsx format.
  6. Review all components of your application for accuracy and completeness.
  7. Read and accept the conditions of the “Declaration and permission” statement. Click “Submit”. You will receive a confirmation message and a reference number for your submitted application.
  8. Print or download the form for your records using the “Print | Download” function.

Visit Help with My EduCanada for more information.

Supporting documents

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship
    • a copy of the candidate’s Canadian passport, valid for the duration of the scholarship
  • Certificate of pre-admission or copy of correspondence, or a letter of invitation
    • a certificate of pre-admission from a participating institution in China or copy of correspondence demonstrating that the candidate has requested admission or will have access to the facilities needed to complete the proposed research project
    • email correspondence with the international admissions office or a potential academic collaborator is accepted
    • faculty/researchers pursuing research activities must include a letter of invitation from the host institution
    • participating institutions are listed on the Campus China website
  • Copy of diploma
    • for the highest degree or diploma obtained
  • CV (maximum 6 pages)
    • includes work experience, relevant publications, notable awards, and other significant professional and/or academic accomplishments demonstrating merit, leadership, and innovation
    • for candidates in visual, applied, performing, and media arts, includes the link to an online portfolio
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • for students: from a professor, academic supervisor or institution’s international office.
    • for faculty members and researchers: from a departmental head or colleagues familiar with the applicant’s qualifications and research
    • for mid-career: from a professor, supervisor or employer. At least one letter must be from the organization with which they are affiliated and must express the organization’s support for the candidate’s application
    • letters must be on letterhead, state the candidate’s name, be dated and signed
    • letters should explain the nature of the study or research and how the candidate will benefit from this scholarship program
  • Letter of intent
    • clearly states the candidate’s motivation for applying for the scholarship and outlines their academic/professional goals
      • see the “Letter of intent” section on the My EduCanada portal for the guiding questions
  • Study or research proposal (maximum 2 pages)
    • an essay describing your study or research plan
  • Copy of official transcripts (for students only)
    • an official transcript of the highest post-secondary studies completed (including colleges and CÉGEPs) and an official transcript of studies in progress, if applicable
    • the institution’s seal and registrar’s signature must appear on the transcript
  • Proof of registration for studies in progress (if applicable)
    • required for non-degree seeking students wishing to pursue a short-term exchange (4 to 12 months)
    • must be issued by the Registrar’s Office at the candidate’s Canadian home institution to confirm full-time enrolment in an academic program
  • Proof of initiating your application on the China Scholarship Council (CSC) portal
    • screenshot of the application started on the CSC portal
  • Proof of Chinese language proficiency (if applicable)

Step 2: Apply on the China Scholarship Council portal:

Candidates are required to submit an application on the CSC portal by 11:59 p.m. EST on March 1, 2026 to be considered for the scholarship.

All inquiries regarding the CSC application should be directed to:
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Canada
Attention: Education Office – Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program
Email: chnedu.can@gmail.com

  1. Create an account on the CSC online application  portal.
  2. Select “Application online”. Then select “Edit personal details”. Once you complete all the required fields in this section, follow the instructions to access the application form.
  3. Select “Type A” under the Program Category.
  4. Input 1241 as the Agency Number.
  5. Select three institutions on the application. Those who indicate that they are not willing to consider alternatives may be withdrawn from consideration if the institution that they have indicated is deemed inappropriate by CSC, or is not able to offer a place.
  6. Follow all instructions including submission of required supporting documents.
  7. Candidates must apply either under the “General Scholar” category or the “Senior Scholar” category of the CSC. Candidates applying under the “General Scholar” category must hold at least a high school diploma and be under the age of 45. As per CSC requirements, candidates applying under the “Senior Scholar” category to undertake research in China must hold at least a Master’s degree or be associate professors or research staff and be under the age of 50.
  8. Save a copy of your completed CSC application form.

The CSC application may require additional documentation. Consult the CSC application guide for the Bilateral Program  for more information.

Scholarship selection criteria:

Applications are evaluated based on:

  • professional or academic merit
  • rationale for going to China
  • feasibility of the proposed study or research plan
  • clearly stated focus on China in the proposed study or research plan
  • the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to sharing their scholarship experience and research with the broader Canadian public to enhance understanding of China in Canada
Priority will be given to candidates who have not previously received a scholarship under the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program.

Notification of results

Pre-selection:

Candidates will be contacted by February 23, 2026 regarding the status of their application. Pre-selected candidates will receive a letter of intent from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Canada, which they will need to submit as soon as possible to the three Chinese institutions listed on their application to obtain a letter of pre-admission.

Pre-selected candidates are expected to submit the Letter(s) of Pre-Admission, if granted, from their selected participating Chinese institution(s) and, if required, the Foreigner Physical Examination Form, to the CSC online application form by March 1, 2026.

Pre-selected candidates who do not obtain a Pre-admission Letter by March 1, 2026 will still be allowed to continue to the next step of the CCSEP selection process. CSC makes the final decision on the Chinese host institutions for the selected recipients.

Final selection:

Global Affairs Canada’s scholarship administrator will communicate with successful candidates by Summer 2026.

Successful candidates will receive an Admission Notice from the Chinese host institution along with materials related to the visa application process and travel to China by Summer 2026.

Selection of the scholarship recipients is subject to the CSC agreeing to the terms of admission of the host university or institution in China.

Arrival in China:

The scholarship is tenable between September 2026 and August 2027 for a short-term exchange. For candidates pursuing a graduate degree program in China, the scholarship is tenable for up to two years, with studies ending no later than August 2028.

The Chinese academic year typically begins in September and ends in mid-July, including a winter vacation of approximately three weeks in January or February.

For the 2026-2027 Chinese academic year, the fall semester runs from September 2026 to January 2027, and the spring semester runs from February 2027 to July 2027.

Selected candidates agree to:

  • be enrolled at their host university for the time period approved by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). Permission for late enrollment must be obtained by the Chinese institution
  • return to Canada upon completion of their exchange program
  • not concurrently hold other scholarships offering similar benefits
  • apply for an X1 or X2 Visa and hold a valid Canadian passport for the duration of their stay in China
  • have appropriate medical insurance coverage for the duration of the scholarship
  • focus on their studies, research and/or Chinese language training at the Chinese host institution
  • not undertake paid employment in China during their scholarship

Failure to meet these conditions may result in the cancellation of the scholarship.

Additional information:

  • Scholarships cannot be deferred and are not renewable
  • Scholarships are subject to availability of funding from the Government of Canada
  • Scholarships are not taxable for either the Canadian institution or the scholarship recipient
  • There is no appeal process for unsuccessful applications
  • The selection committee does not provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates

 

 

Note: Calls close for submission on the last Monday of February, June and October

SPRINT is a mobility program designed by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) to encourage the advancement of scientific research through the cooperation of researchers affiliated with institutions in the State of São Paulo with research partners abroad. The objective of the program is to promote the engagement between the two research partners and their teams to 1) qualitatively develop ongoing research projects and 2) work cooperatively aiming the elaboration of medium to long term joint projects.

Funding:

  • Year one: SP researcher travels abroad US$ 12.500.
  • Year two: Collaborator comes from abroad to SP with own funds and, upon approval, SP researcher can obtain a further US$ 12.500.
  • Year three: Seed funding up to US$ 25.000 aiming at elaborating medium/long term projects.

More information, including the application and eligibility, is available here.

São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge, through support for fundamental science, by promoting Research and Development (R&D) activities and by supporting technological innovation. It is one of the major funding mechanisms for research at Sao Paulo offering opportunities and funding for international collaboration with partners in São Paulo state.

International Collaboration: 

FAPESP encourages researchers in São Paulo to develop research collaborations with colleagues from other countries. FAPESP funds:

Funding opportunities and calls can be accessed here and more information is available using this link.

 

Japanese government recently launched new initiative named J-RISE (Japan Research & Innovation for Scientific Excellence). This is an initiative aimed at making Japan the most attractive country in the world for researchers, Ministries and agencies are working together to implement related measures.

All available research funding opportunities under J-RISE can be found here.  In addition, a slide deck showing how to find the best research institute for your research journey in Japan is available here.

Applications Open: 4 February 2026

Applications Close: 8 April 2026 3PM UTC

Hosted by the ACU Supporting Research Community, the Supporting Research Community Training Grants fund staff at ACU member universities to organise and deliver training for their early and/or mid-career researchers, including doctoral candidates.

Formerly known as the Early Career Research Training Grants, the grants fund training that equips researchers with essential skills to enable them to succeed in their careers, whether they remain in academia, or utilise their skills in other professional fields. Universities can use their internal criteria of what defines an early career researcher (ECR), but this must include Doctoral candidates, and the training must be made available to ECRs from multiple disciplines.

Skills which are in scope of the training include:

Presentation skills

  • Networking
  • Time management
  • Public engagement and communicating with non-academic audiences
  • Media training
  • Social media
  • Relationship/stakeholder management
  • Grant writing
  • Research data management
  • Career training, including doctoral careers outside higher education

Please note that this grant scheme cannot fund existing training courses.

What does the grant include?

  • Five grants of up to GBP 2,000

How to apply

  • Be a staff member of a research office or any staff member who leads on providing training for early and mid-career researchers at an ACU member university.
  • Review the application guidance and FAQs.
  • Submit an application through the online application form.
    • If you already have a MyACU account, you can access the grant application form through this platform when applications open. 
    • If you do not already have a MyACU account, please ensure that you first register for an account here and then follow the instructions in the registration email to log in to the system before accessing the application form

Priority will be given to those member universities that have not previously been awarded an Early Career Researcher Training Grant.

Applications Open: 5 March 2026

Applications Close: 8 May 2026 3PM UTC

ACU Gender Grants are awarded annually to member universities to support initiatives that will boost gender equity and equality on campus. 

The grants can be used for a diverse range of projects, workshops, and events in areas such as:

  • Supporting women in leadership
  • Raising awareness of sexual harassment and developing anti-sexual harassment initiatives
  • Supporting women in science and research
  • Creating effective institutional policies
  • Mainstreaming gender equity into the curriculum
  • To help meet the costs of organising projects that promote gender equity and equality.

The ACU is working in partnership with the Martha Farrell Foundation to provide up to three of the five Gender Grants focused on creating effective anti-sexual harassment policies and strategies, drawing on the Foundation’s expertise in anti-sexual harassment initiatives. These grants are open to staff members of ACU member universities in Africa and Asia and include online training and follow-up online support from the Martha Farrell Foundation. 

What does the grant include?

  • Five grants of up to GBP 2,000

How to apply?

  • Be a staff member at an ACU member university.
  • Review the FAQs/Application Guidance.
  • Submit an application through the online application form.
    • If you already have a MyACU account, you can access the grant application form here, this form will be live once applications are open.
    • If you do not already have a MyACU account, please ensure that you first register for an account here and then follow the instructions in the registration email to log in to the system before accessing the application form
  • To help meet the costs of organising projects that promote gender equity and equality.

Applications Open: 28 April 2026

Applications Close: 25 June 2026 3PM UTC

ACU Fellowships facilitate collaboration at a distance and the creation of valuable new partnerships between ACU member universities across the Commonwealth. These partnerships are developed through research visits for a period of 1 to 6 months to an ACU member university in a different country.

Which Fellowship opportunities are available?

Accountancy Fellowship – Supported by the Worshipful Company of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales 

1 award available of up to 2,500 GBP 

The Accountancy Fellowship aims to strengthen financial sustainability in higher education by fostering collaboration among finance and funding experts across the Commonwealth. The fellowship aligns with the ACU’s Higher Education Taskforce working group on Finance and Funding, contributing to discussions on financial resilience, strengthening links between academics and policymakers to maximise the impact of research projects, supporting universities in building long-term financial sustainability in addition to sharing best practices for funding higher education institutions.

This fellowship will fund a project in one of the following areas:

  • Higher education finance
  • Research to policy engagement
  • Sustainable and innovative funding models

Hong Kong Inbound and Outbound Fellowships – Supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club 

2 awards available of up to 2,500 GBP per award 

There are two fellowships available; one for inbound travel to Hong Kong and one for outbound travel from Hong Kong. Hong Kong Inbound and Outbound Fellowships enable collaboration and mobility between Hong Kong institutions and institutions around the Commonwealth.

All awardees will be required to complete a report on completion of their award. 

How to apply?

  • Be an academic or professional services staff at an ACU member university.
  • Applicants must first already have or identify and approach a collaborator at an ACU member university in a country other than the one where the applicant is employed.
  • Review the Application Guidance and grant FAQs.
  • Submit an application through the online application form:
      • If you already have a MyACU account, you can access the grant application form here (link available when applications are open).
      • If you do not already have a MyACU account, please ensure that you first register for an account here and then follow the instructions in the registration email to log in to the system before accessing the application form.

Applications Open:  9 April 2026

Applications Close: 3 June 2026

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer a unique opportunity to study a two-year Master’s degree in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country.

Aimed at students who are committed to creating change in their communities, the scholarships are a life-changing opportunity to experience a new country and culture, to broaden horizons, and to build a global network that will last a lifetime.

Through cultural exchange and academic collaboration, Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholars help bring about positive change and find solutions to the shared challenges we face – both in their home countries and those that host them. As an active part of the Commonwealth network, scholars will help shape its future.

Each year there are two opportunities to apply for QECS – cycle 1 opens in November/December and cycle 2 opens in March/April. You only need to submit one application, but you are welcome to apply more than once if there is another country you are interested in studying in. Please check back for more information in April when cycle 2 opens.

OIA International Program Grant Application Approval Form