Internal and External Bursaries and Awards

The 2026 IIMF funding round has now closed. To learn more about this internal fund, please click here.

This page will be updated once information for the 2027 IIMF becomes available.

The Building Prosperity through Canada–Mexico Academic Collaboration (CMAC) is a competitive call for proposals launched by Global Affairs Canada (GAC). This initiative supports collaborative projects that advance shared economic prosperity and innovation between Canada and Mexico through research, training, and academic mobility. Aligned with the Canada–Mexico Action Plan 2025-2028, this call aims to strengthen bilateral ties by funding high-impact initiatives with Mexican higher-education partners.

Scope and thematic priority areas

Proposed projects must advance one or more of the following five thematic priorities:

1. Environmental Sustainability, Energy Transition, and Natural Resources
   Academic collaboration supporting environmental sustainability, secure and sustainable energy systems, and responsible natural resource management.
2. Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Technologies, and Innovation
   Academic collaboration supporting study and innovation in emerging and enabling technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and related fields.
3. Food Security and Agri-food Systems
   Academic collaboration supporting food security, sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, agri-tech innovation, and resilient agri-food systems and supply chains.
4. Public Health and Health Technologies
   Academic collaboration supporting innovation and knowledge exchange in public health, health systems, and health technologies.
5. Security, Resilience, and Emergency Preparedness
   Academic collaboration supporting dialogue, research, and training related to defence, cybersecurity, preparedness, and resilience.

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: Between $40,000 and $250,000 CAD per project.
• Project Duration: Activities must start after August 1, 2026, and be completed by December 31, 2027.
• Total Call Envelope: $1.25 million CAD over two years.

Eligible project activities

• Knowledge sharing (conferences, workshops, roundtables, panels)
• Training initiatives
• Research initiatives
• Scholarships and fellowships

Eligibility & Requirements

• Must include at least one Mexican higher-education partner.
  • Note: Letters of Support from Mexican partners are mandatory.
• Eligible Activities: Joint research, training programs, institutional partnerships, and student/faculty mobility.

How to Apply

Complete the short Expression of Interest Form by May 13, 2026

Upon completing the expression of interest, you will receive the GAC Application Form and the Preliminary Budget Template.

UZH Global Funding Scheme: Global Seed Fund 

Deadline to Apply: July 31, 2026, 17:00 CEST

Call Overview 

The University of Zurich (UZH) Global Seed Fund is a short-term funding initiative designed to initiate and strengthen early-stage international collaborations that can lead to competitive third-party funding. It supports proposal development and partnership-building aligned with UZH’s Global Strategy 2030. 

Financial Value 

The funding provides CHF 5,000 to support activities such as partner meetings, feasibility studies, and preliminary data collection for future collaborative funding applications. 

Core Research Themes 

The Global Seed Fund supports projects of all disciplines that foster global collaboration in research, education, and innovation. Initiatives should contribute to addressing complex global challenges and strengthening international partnerships. 

Eligibility Requirements  

The Global Seed Fund welcomes applications from McMaster researchers of any discipline in collaboration with UZH researchers or staff with contracts covering the entire period of the project. 

Each proposal must include a Project Lead (UZH) and a Project Co-Lead affiliated with a Global Network or Priority Partner institution (McMaster University). 

How to Apply 

Applications must be submitted by the Project Lead through the Good Grants Tool (email submissions are not accepted). Required materials include: 

• Completed application form 

• Budget template 

• CVs of project leaders (max. 2 pages each) 

• Optional: letter confirming co-funding from partner institution 

Proposals are evaluated by UZH Global Affairs based on impact, innovation, budget clarity, and partner commitment. Projects must be completed within one year of funding approval. 

If you need any further information, please let us know by email at oiagrant@mcmaster.ca. For further details and to begin the application process, please click here. 

SICI Membership Development Fund 

Deadline to apply: Open (rolling submissions) 

Call Overview 

The SICI Membership Development Fund (SMDF) is offered by the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) to support outreach activities that promote its programs, grants, and institutional engagement within Canadian Members Council (CMC) institutions, of which McMaster University is included. 

Financial Value 

The funding provides up to CAN $500, with a total of 10 grants available. Eligible activities include organizing a SICI information event or integrating SICI promotion into broader academic or cultural programming related to India-Canada collaboration. Funding may be used for light refreshments (non-alcoholic) and travel or accommodation support for speakers. 

Core Research Themes 

While not research-focused, activities should support: 

• Promotion of SICI programs and grant opportunities  

• Strengthening India-Canada academic collaboration  

• Institutional engagement and outreach within CMC institutions  

 Eligibility Requirements 

The SMDF welcomes applications from members or authorized nominees of McMaster University. 

Priority is given to designated institutional representatives, though presentations may be shared or delegated within the institution. 

How to Apply 

Applicants must submit a completed application form via email to maldeen@ucalgary.ca (subject line: “SMDF 2025–26). 

Applications are evaluated based on clarity of objectives, institutional benefit, relevance to India–Canada collaboration, and visibility of SICI. 

Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis and adjudicated by SICI’s Executive Council. Funds are released upon submission and approval of a final project report. 

For more information, please visit the SICI Membership Development webpage. 

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.
  • 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.

For more information, please click here.

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:  9 April 2026

Applications Close: 3 June 2026

Call Overview
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.

What does the scholarship cover?

• Fully-funded tuition fees
• Living allowance (stipend) for duration of award
• Return economy flights to host country
• One-off arrival allowance
• Research Support Grant (on request only; subject to approval)

We strongly advise all applicants to read the the application guidance and FAQs pages before starting an application.

How to Apply

For more information, please click here.

The 2026 BIRMAC Project and Ideas Fund funding round has now closed. To learn more about this fund, please click here.

This page will be updated once information for the 2027 BIRMAC Project and Ideas Fund becomes available.

Internal Submission Deadline: June 3rd, 2026 

Call Overview
The Embassy of France in Canada is launching a call for projects to support the creation of dual degree agreements between French higher education institutions and Canadian post-secondary institutions outside the province of Quebec.  

In 2026, in support of Franco-Canadian university cooperation, the Service de Coopération et d’Action Culturelle will support a project for the creation of a dual degree at Bachelor’s or Master’s level, all fields of study included. 

The French Embassy’s contribution will cover a round-trip flight between France and Canada, as well as living expenses (per diem) in Canada or France for 5 days for two representatives of the institution. 

This call for projects is part of the Embassy’s strategy to build structured, long-term institutional partnerships between French and Canadian institutions, and to encourage reciprocal student mobility. 

Eligibility
In order to be eligible for this call for projects, you must: 

• Be a permanent staff member at a French or Canadian institution of higher education outside the province of Quebec.  

• Have a project to create a dual degree program (at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level, in any field of study) between the two institutions.  

• Be supported by the institution’s international relations department. 

Application Process
The Office of International Affairs (OIA) will coordinate the McMaster submissions.

Interested McMaster Faculties and Departments are invited to submit their applications by Wednesday, June 3, 2026. To apply, please send the following completed documents, alongside required attachments, to Maia Lepingwell-Tardieu, OIA Research Intern, at oiaproj@mcmaster.ca: 

• Dual Degree Application Form 

• OIA International Program Grant Application Form 

• Required attachments: 

• • Letter of support for the project from the institution’s international relations  department, either French or Canadian (the OIA can help provide this) 

• • Any document showing the articulation of the partnership (framework agreement, projects already implemented between the two institutions, etc.) [the OIA can help provide this] 

• • CV of the academic project leader in France 

• • CV of the academic project leader in Canada 

• • Expected mission program and mission dates 

Schedule 

• Call for projects open: March 26th, 2026 

• McMaster internal deadline for application submissions: June 3, 2026 

• External deadline for the call for projects: June 14th, 2026 

• Presentation of projects by shortlisted candidates: week of June 22nd, 2026 

• Publication of the results: June 30th, 2026 

• Mobility period: until December 31st, 2026 

• Deadline for sending mission reports: maximum 30 days after the mission. 

Contact
For any questions relating to this call for projects, please contact Maia Lepingwell-Tardieu, OIA Research Intern, at oiaproj@mcmaster.ca  

Deadline to Apply: May 11, 2026, 6:00pm EST 

Call Overview   

The De Chastelain Scholarship Programme: Canada-Ireland is a high-impact research exchange initiative supported by the Irish and Canadian governments and managed by the Ireland Canada University Foundation (ICUF) offering a short term, 3 – 6 weeks, funding for research exchanges between Canada and Ireland to strengthen academic collaboration and research.  

1. Financial Value:  

The scholarship provides a generous all-in-one package to cover the logistics of a short-term intensive visit: 

• Travel Contribution: $3,000 CAD (fixed amount for return airfare and local transit). 

• Living Stipend: $2,250 CAD per week (up to 6 weeks). 

• Total Award: A maximum of $16,500 CAD for a six-week research tenure. 

2. Core Research Themes:  

The programme is intentionally broad aiming to fund systems that allow societies to thrive: 

• Pathways to Peace: Focused on the “mechanics” of reconciliation (mediation, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and transitional justice). 

• Grounds for Hope: Focused on the “infrastructure” of peace. This includes research in Health Systems, Environmental Sustainability, Digital Economy, Law, Governance, and Cultural Identity. 

Applicants are encouraged to creatively connect their discipline to the program’s themes, engaging diverse perspectives including Indigenous knowledge, to foster Canada–Ireland collaboration and advance understanding across cultures in support of peace. 

For more information, please click here. 

3. Eligibility Requirements:  

The Canada-Ireland De Chastelain Scholarship Programme welcomes applications from both Emerging and Established Scholars.  

• Status: You must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. 

• Residency: You must have lived in Canada for at least 3 consecutive years immediately prior to the deadline. 

• Credentials: Open to Emerging Scholars (within 7 years of their PhD) and Established Scholars. Candidates without a PhD are eligible if they can demonstrate equivalent research standing/practice. 

• Affiliation: Applicants must be currently affiliated with McMaster. 

• Travel Window: Successful applicants must complete their travel by June 30, 2027. 

Individuals who have received an ICUF scholarship or fellowship within the past five years (2021 or later) are ineligible to apply for a De Chastelain Scholarship. 

For more detailed eligibility information, please click here.  

4. How to Apply 

Applications for the De Chastelain Scholarship Programme must go through Award Force.  

• Application Deadline: Monday, May 11, 2026, 6:00pm EST. 

• Application Requirements: 

• Academic CV (max 3 pages in PDF format by the deadline) 

• Host partner statement (in PDF format on letterhead by the deadline) 

If you have any questions, please consult the FAQ section on the website before emailing queries to scholarships@icuf.ie. 

If you are applying from McMaster University, please notify Mahmoud Mouselli at mousellm@mcmaster.ca.  

For further details and to begin the application process, please click here. 

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has launched ASPIRE 2026, a funding call for Japan-based researchers engaged in international collaborations.  

Members of the McMaster community who are working with research partners in Japan may find this opportunity relevant to their projects. Eligible research areas include AI and intelligent robotics, biotechnology, energy and materials, quantum science, semiconductors, and networks and telecommunications. 

For full details and application information, please click here. 

Applications Open: March 2, 2026 

Applications Close: May 1, 2026 

Target: Postdoctoral fellows 

Value: $170,000 CAD over two years 

Number of Awards: 50-60 

Award Overview
The Mitacs Global Excellence Award is a new offering designed to attract top international postdoctoral fellows to Canada to strengthen the national research and innovation ecosystem.  

This competitive call responds to recent global shifts in research funding and aims to position Canada as a destination for world-class talent. Through well-funded internships, the program will support the relocation of exceptional postdoctoral researchers to Canadian institutions and companies, helping to address talent shortages, drive innovation, and reinforce Canada’s leadership in strategic sectors.  

Eligibility
The Global Excellence Award is targeted towards international postdoctoral fellows (PDFs). It aims to provide an enhanced funding package to support the relocation and integration of PDFs into Canadian research and innovation ecosystems. 

Award Amount
This award is valued at $170,000 CAD over two years. This amount is broken down to $85,000 per year, with a minimum of $70,000 allocated to a stipend and up to $15,000 available for relocation or research expenses. 

Application Process
The call for applications is open until May 1, 2026. Fifty awards will be granted for 2026–27, jointly funded by Mitacs and industry or other partners. Mitacs is also pleased to partner with the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) to offer up to an additional 10 fellowships to their affiliated researchers for a total of 60 awards. 

To express your interest in applying, contact the McMaster Mitacs advisor Ryan Caldwell rcaldwell@mitacs.ca 

For more information, please click here.

Application Deadline: June 10, 2026, 1:00pm PT

Overview
The Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) connects faculty in Canada with top senior international undergraduate students for 12-week, full-time research internships taking place between May and October 2027. Pairing faculty with students from eligible international academic institutions, the GRI allows faculty to further interns’ research, while supplementing interns’ learning through participation in career-building training courses and conferences. The initiative aims to build international networks and offer unique experience to those involved, positioning Canada as a top research and innovation destination for emerging talent around the world. 

This Faculty Call aims to find eligible Canadian professors interested in hosting an international intern for research collaboration.  

• All disciplines are eligible. Faculty working in quantum science and technology are encouraged to submit their projects 

• Faculty can submit multiple projects 

• Faculty may re-submit projects from previous years by using the clone option on the platform 

The Mitacs GRI offers professors: 

• High-achieving international undergraduates for research collaboration. 

• Access to top-ranked senior undergraduate students from over 15 partner countries for 12-week summer projects. 

• Financial support for interns including airfare, housing stipends, insurance, and enrollment fees, requiring no direct funding from the faculty’s research grant. 

• A purely academic initiative open to all disciplines, from STEM to social sciences and humanities, no industry partner required 

• Scalable support, as faculty are encouraged to submit multiple research proposals or “clone” successful projects from previous years to increase their chances of matching with skilled interns. 

• The opportunity to build a global network to recruit future Master’s and PhD candidates. 

Eligibility
In order to host interns as part of the Globalink Research Internship program, you must: 

• Have one of the following statuses at an eligible institution: Full professor, Associate professor, Assistant professor, Adjunct professor, Emeritus professor 

• Be able to supervise international students at your institution 

• Be able to host interns within the GRI program’s required timeframe. Internships must begin between May 1 and July 31 and run for 12 consecutive weeks. Professors are asked to remain as flexible as possible in accommodating these timelines. Please note that internships must be conducted in person; virtual or hybrid arrangements are not permitted. 

How to Apply
The Globalink Research Internship (GRI) call for faculty project submissions for the summer of 2027 is now open. To submit your project, please click here. 

To find additional resources pertaining to the call, please click here. 

For questions or technical support, please contact helpdesk@mitacs.ca.  

Internal Deadline to Submit Intent to Apply: April 30th, 2026

Call Overview
South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) are partnering to launch the South Africa-Canada Seed Grant for Collaborative Research funding opportunity. This joint initiative will support collaborative research in areas of mutual interest between South Africa and Canada, while also building capacity, fostering new and existing partnerships, and developing networks and/or consortia among the Canadian and South African research communities

Eligibility
Canada: The Canadian PI must be affiliated with a Canadian postsecondary institution that holds institutional eligibility at the time of application and before funding can be released.

• Co-applicant eligibility: Individuals must be affiliated with an eligible postsecondary institution; not-for-profit organisation; philanthropic foundation; think tank; or municipal, territorial or provincial government

South Africa: Researchers who are full-time employees or on a fixed-term contract at any of the following institutions are eligible to apply:

• South African universities/universities of technology. The applicants must be in possession of at least a PhD degree.
• Students and researchers from private/commercial universities are not eligible to apply.

Key Dates

• Deadline to email ROADS (fiorilln@mcmaster.ca) with Intent to Apply: April 30th

• First Draft Due to ROADS for Content Review: May 14 2026 (9:00am)

• Application Due to ROADS for Final Review: May 25, 2026 (9:00am)

• Call Deadline for Applications: May 28, 2026

• Call Deadlines for Designated Authorities (institution pre-screening for South African applicants): June 4, 2026

Budget and Duration
All projects will be supported for a minimum duration of 24 months and a maximum duration of 36 months, starting from 2026.

The SSHRC grant will support Canadian PIs advancing research and research related activities in the social sciences and humanities at up to CAD $100,000 over 2 years with a one year no-cost extension

Projects must address one of the following themes:

• Theme 1: Just and Resilient Societies
• Theme 2: Environmental Sustainability
• Theme 3: Artificial Intelligence
• Theme 4: Sustainable Growth
• Theme 5: Mathematics Education (Canadian applicants should confirm eligibility)

Besides the SSHRC-NRF financial support, universities in both countries are encouraged to solicit other funding resources. Leveraged funds should be clearly indicated in the application

Application Process
Through a lead agency model, the South African PI will submit a single collaborative proposal on behalf of the research team on the NRF Connect System, which will undergo a review process by NRF, the lead agency.

The Canadian PI will include all material, including a budget breakdown, within the single application (Canadian PIs must ensure that the included budget justification meets the Tri-Agency Guide on Financial Administration’s eligibility regulations, and that it aligns with the eligibility requirements for the funding opportunity).

For more information, please click here.

Should you have questions related to Canadian eligibility requirements, please contact partnerships@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca.

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:

• Outgoing mobility grants for students, young researchers and professors (https://fapesp.br/bolsas/bpe; https://fapesp.br/bolsas/bepe; https://fapesp.br/sprint )
• Visiting lecturers (https://fapesp.br/index.php/auxilios/visitante) or Excellence Chair (https://bv.fapesp.br/en/286/sao-paulo-excellence-chair-spec/) coming to São Paulo
• Co-funding of projects under international and bilateral agreements
• Organization of Workshops and Congresses (https://fapesp.br/auxilios/organizacao)
• São Paulo School of Advanced Science for or the organization of short courses in advanced research themes (https://espca.fapesp.br/home)
• Matchmaking events and short courses (https://fapesp.br/en/spsas)

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

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.

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.