Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS)

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 Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) offer Canadian post-secondary institutions the opportunity to host international students from a diverse range of countries and territories for short-term study or research exchanges. Funded by Global Affairs Canada through the Academic Relations program , SICS aims to strengthen and diversify Canada’s international linkages and partnerships.

The new connections created through the program will diversify and enrich Canada’s education engagement with a diverse range of partners, strengthen bilateral ties, as well as deepen people-to-people ties and cultural connections between Canada and participating countries/territories.

Eligibility

To be eligible, candidates must be:

Citizens of the following eligible countries/territories:

Asia: Bangladesh, Nepal, Taiwan;

Europe: Türkiye, Ukraine;

Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia;

Sub-Saharan Africa: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda.

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:

$10,200 for 4 months or one academic term for study or research at the college of undergraduate level

$10,200 for 4 months or one academic term for study or research at the graduate level (Masters and PhD)

$14,000 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:

review the eligibility requirements by going to The Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) website

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

Submit the Application Form.

Supporting documents

To complete your GAC 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.

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