Internal and External Bursaries and Awards

Attention McMaster Researchers and Professional Librarians engaged in international initiatives related to their role at McMaster: The IIMF is intended to provide small, initial investments for first-time international research engagements, typically led by individual faculty members. This seed funding is designed to lower the threshold for starting international research activities, with the goal of fostering future joint projects and partnerships. Individual awards are generally capped at C $5,000, and this year, we anticipate offering up to 20 grants in this round.

• The application process is simple and straightforward:
  • A one-page project description
  • A one-page outline of the intended use of funds
  • Approval signature from your office
  • The applicant’s CV (SSHRC CV or NSERC Form 100 or equivalent)

Answers to frequently asked questions are available here: IIMF FAQs and Application Form is available here.

Proposals from each Faculty must be consolidated in a MacDrive folder, with a separate folder for each applicant labeled by their name. Once collated, please submit the link to the MacDrive for your faculty to IIMF@mcmaster.ca by February 21st. If consolidating proposals within MacDrive is not feasible, proposals may alternatively be sent directly to IIMF@mcmaster.ca

OIA welcomes any matching or supplementary funding contributions for IIMF awardees from your Faculty.

For more information or to submit your application, contact IIMF@mcmaster.ca.

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) will coordinate the McMaster submissions. Interested McMaster Departments and Faculties should submit their applications by Thursday, June 12, 2025, to Adelina Sylaj (sylaja@mcmaster.ca) using this Application Form.

The French Embassy 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 2025, they will support a project for the creation of a dual degree at Bachelor’s or Master’s level, all fields of study included.

Funding includes:

• Funding for travel expenses (round-trip economy class flight) between Canada and France
• Living expenses (perdiem) in Canada or France for 5 days for two representatives of the institution

Eligibility criteria:

• Be a French or Canadian higher education institution outside Quebec
• Have a project to set up a double degree between the two institutions
• Carry out the project in conjunction with the international relations department of the institutions

We ask applicants to attach only one PDF document (16 MB maximum) with all the mandatory supporting documents:

• Letter of support for the project issued by the institution’s international relations department, French or Canadian
• Any document showing that the partnership has already begun to take shape (framework agreement, etc.).
• CV of the academic project leader in France
• CV of the academic project leader in Canada
• Expected mission program and mission dates

Please find enclosed the Call for projects with all the details. If you need help with the application, please reach out to Adelina Sylaj.

Applications open: 3 June 2025

Applications close: 15 August 2025

Note: The application must be submitted either by a UZH’s researcher or staff member

The UZH Global Funding Scheme (GFS) supports UZH faculties, departments and professional service units in pursuing activities that strengthen the impact of the global UZH network in line with the UZH’s Global Strategy 2030. The UZH Global Funding Scheme is open to joint collaboration initiatives with the University of Zurich’s Network and Priority Partners.

In 2025, GFS offers three distinct funding lines, open to academic and professional services staff at UZH in partnership with McMaster University:

GLOBAL OUTREACH FUNDS- Grants of up to CHF 5,000 to increase global visibility of UZH excellence.

Examples of initiatives:
The Global Outreach Fund supports outreach components of ongoing initiatives with Network and Priority Partners, for instance (non-exhaustive list):

• Joint public events (e.g. panel discussions) or joint workshops including policymakers, industry, and interested communities
• Joint closed-door events with relevant stakeholders to impact policy decisions
• Content production for communication purposes (e.g. videos, infographics, etc.

GLOBAL SEED FUND- Grants of up to CHF 5,000 to help develop larger global initiatives.

Examples of initiatives
The Global Seed Fund supports new joint activities with Network and other Priority Partners, for instance (non-exhaustive):

• Meetings with international partners to design a larger project proposal or funding bid
• Pre-proposal feasibility study
• Pre-proposal data collection

GLOBAL CHAMPION FUND- Grants ranging from CHF 20,000 to 60,000 to support projects with strong potential for long-term institutional collaboration.

Examples of initiatives
The Champion Fund supports new and ongoing joint activities, for instance:

• Organization of first-edition symposium with plans for subsequent collaboration and impactful activities
• Lining up collaboration in teaching, research, and innovation with potential for large-scale third-party funding
• Development of a comprehensive joint framework in a specific field/on a specific topic
• Organization of joint formats in teaching, research, and innovation, e.g. summer schools within networks and alliances

This list is non-exhaustive. You may reach out to Global Affairs to determine if your project could be supported by the UZH Global Outreach Fund.

Eligibility:

UZH academics and professional services staff, together with their counterparts from the Networks and other Priority Partners (over 70 institutions worldwide), are eligible to apply:

• At least one partner applicant must be on the list of UZH’s Network and Priority Partner
• Applications must be submitted to UZH by the main applicant
• The main applicant must be affiliated with UZH

More information available here.  If you have any questions, please reach out to Leslie Reinhard, Partnership Manager at UZH’s Global Affairs Office.

Applications open: 1 May 2025

Applications close: 26 June 2025

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 up to 6 months to an ACU member university in a different country.

What does the Fellowship include? 

• Up to 5,000 GBP per fellowship.

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 once live.
  • 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.

More information available here.

Applications open: 1 May 2025

Applications close: 26 June 2025

Applications open: 16 April 2025

Applications close: 3:00 PM UTC, 4 June 2025

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships 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?

For more information, please read FAQs and find the application available here.

Application open: 16 April 2025

Application close: 30 May 2025

Duration: 5 years, with the departure date April 2026. For those majoring in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or a six-year course in pharmacy, the term of the scholarship is 7 years. (The first year is language training.)

Under Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship program, scholarships are offered to Canadian students wishing to pursue their studies at a Japanese university.

Scholarship covers:

1. Full tuition
2. Monthly allowance
3. Round-trip flight between Japan and Canada
4. Japanese Language Training

Eligibility:

Academic Background: high school diploma or higher
Age: born on or after April 2, 2001 (for the 2026 recruitment)
Nationality: Canadian

Placement at University: Designated by MEXT, based on your fields and subjects choices

Selection process:

1. Application documents review
2. Examination (Japanese, English, Mathematics and Science*) and Interview: July
* Only for applicants who choose Natural Science field
3. Results of the 1st screening notification: Early August
4. Acceptance notification: December – following February

Application instructions: To download Application Forms and the Application Guidelines for the MEXT 2026 Undergraduate Studies Scholarship please visit the following page:
https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/smap-stopj-applications-undergraduate.html

For detailed information, please contact:

For those in the jurisdiction of the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto, please send applications and related documents to:

Postal Address:
MEXT Scholarship Programmes Section
CONSULATE-GENERAL OF JAPAN-Toronto
Suite 3300, TD North Tower
77 King Street West
PO Box 10, TD Centre
Toronto, ON M5K 1A1

Application open: 16 April 2025

Application close: 23 May 2025

Departure date: April or September/October 2026

Duration: 2 years, beginning in April 2026 or 18 months, beginning in October 2026.  Extension may be possible if a student proceeds to a further degree program.

Under Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship program, scholarships are offered to Canadian students wishing to pursue research at a Japanese university.

Scholarship covers:

1. Full tuition
2. Monthly allowance
3. Round-trip flight between Japan and Canada
4. Japanese Language Training

Eligibility:

1. Academic Background: Bachelor’s degree or higher
2. Age: born on or after April 2, 1991 (for the 2026 recruitment)
3. Study area: the same field that the applicant has studied, or a related field
4. Nationality: Canadian

Placement at University: Designated by MEXT, based on your admission or a letter of provisional acceptance a student obtains from Japanese universities.

Selection process:

1. Application documents review
2. Examination (Japanese and English) and interview early to mid-July
3. Results of the 1st screening notification late July
4. Obtain letters of provisional acceptance
5. Acceptance notification: following January-February

Application guidelines and forms available here.

For detailed information, please contact:

For those in the jurisdiction of the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto, please send applications and related documents to:

Postal Address:
MEXT Scholarship Programmes Section
CONSULATE-GENERAL OF JAPAN-Toronto
Suite 3300, TD North Tower
77 King Street West
PO Box 10, TD Centre
Toronto, ON M5K 1A1

Applications open: 5 March 2025

Applications close: 12 May 2025

Document review:  Late May to early August 2025

Interviews with applications who the pass the document review:  August to September 2025

Notification of results: October 2025

Start of research:  December 2025

Note: The following points are requirements for each proposal:

• Early-career researchers must travel to the partner country and conduct research activities there for about one year.
• Researchers from the partner country must be invited and included in the Japan-side research team.

Adopting Sustainable Partnerships for Innovative Research Ecosystem, ASPIRE, aims to expand international networks on the basis of excellent international joint research and to promote international talent mobility and circulation by encouraging early-career researchers to travel between Japan and other countries.

70% of the total direct expenses are expected to be used for the purpose of promoting advanced research and development through supporting researcher mobility. This includes (i) the establishment and expansion of exceptional international networks of researchers, (ii) active participation in world-leading international research communities, and (iii) the development of early-career researchers who are expected to become promising future scientists.

Research Fields

• AI and Information
• Biotechnology
• Energy
• Materials
• Quantum
• Semiconductors and
• Telecommunications

For more information and access to the application form please click here.

Applications open:  1 February 2025

Applications close: 15 May 2025

Master’s degree programs

Accepted candidates study peace and development issues with research-informed teaching and a diverse student body. The programs last 15 to 24 months and include a two- to three-month field study, which participants design themselves.

Eligibility

Master’s degree candidates must also:

• Be proficient in English
• Have a bachelor’s degree
• Have a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace as shown through professional and academic achievements and personal or community service
• Have the potential for leadership
• Have at least three years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work

Candidates must have a gap of at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship. Candidates currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program are not eligible to apply.

Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program, or a Global Grant Scholarship, must wait three years between the end date of that program and their intended start date for the fellowship.

We encourage people with disabilities and people from other diverse backgrounds to apply. Rotary provides reasonable accommodations as needed to people with disabilities.

You are not eligible if you are an active Rotary member or an employee of a Rotary club, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity.

* Rotaract club members who are not also Rotary club members are eligible to apply.

Learn more about eligibility restrictions.

Professional development certificate program

During the one-year blended learning program, experienced peace and development professionals with diverse backgrounds gain practical skills to promote peace within their communities and regions. Fellows complete field studies and design and carry out a social change initiative. This program is intended for working professionals. Fellows earn a post-graduate diploma upon completion of the program.

Eligibility 

Certificate candidates must also:

• Be proficient in English
• Have a bachelor’s degree
• Have at least five years of full-time relevant experience in peace or development work
• Have a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace as shown through professional and academic achievements and personal or community service
• Demonstrate leadership skills
• Be able to explain how their plan to promote peace aligns with Rotary’s mission
• Candidates for Makerere University: Either be from Africa, have worked in Africa, work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent, or demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region.
• Candidates for Bahçeşehir University: Either be from the Middle East or North Africa, have worked in the region, work elsewhere around the world with communities or initiatives related to the Middle East or North Africa, or demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region.

Candidates must have a gap of at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship. Candidates currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program are not eligible to apply.

Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the master’s degree program, or a Global Grant Scholarship, must wait three years between the end date of that program and their intended start date for the fellowship.

We encourage people with disabilities and people from other diverse backgrounds to apply. Rotary provides reasonable accommodations as needed to people with disabilities.

You are not eligible if you are an active Rotary member or an employee of a Rotary club, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity.

* Rotaract club members who are not also Rotary club members are eligible to apply.

Learn more about eligibility restrictions.

Applications Open: 1 November 2024

Applications Close:  1 September 2025

ACU Commonwealth Climate Resilience Challenge Grants are professional and academic staff at ACU member universities to support collaborative work focused on the priority
themes of the ACU Commonwealth Climate Resilience Network (CCRN).

What does the grant include? 

• Three grants of up to GBP 3,500 each   

How to apply

1. Be a staff member at an ACU member university.  
2. Submit an application through the online application form. 
3. If you already have a MyACU account, you can access the grant application form here. 
4. 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.
5. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with other ACU member institutions to promote further Commonwealth partnerships.  
6. Applications led by ACU members, but are in partnership with institutions outside of our network will also be considered. 
7. Grant applications that allow matching or additional funds from the applicant’s institution will be looked upon favourably. 

The grants can be used for a diverse range of projects, workshops and events in one of the following project focus areas:

1. Improving learning, teaching, and training for climate change adaptation – e.g. virtual exchange or collaboration, teaching or professional practice collaboration and sharing and co-development of learning materials.
2.  Increasing the research capacity of CCRN members in climate change adaptation – e.g. virtual fellowships or collaboration, comparative analyses, research management and uptake capacity building, understanding and documenting indigenous knowledge and resilience practices.
3. Improving institutional resilience policies and practice adopted by Commonwealth universities – e.g. developing tools, training and approaches to support contingency and continuity of operations planning at higher education institutions 

To date, the grants have funded a diverse range of climate action projects in universities across the Commonwealth – from sea-temperature monitoring in the coral reefs of Fiji, to integrating indigenous knowledge on climate change adaptation with academia in New Zealand. 

More information and how to apply available here