Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Program 2024

We are pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2024-2025 academic year for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program. Canadian institutions are invited to submit online applications on behalf of eligible candidates until March 21, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EDT.

About the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Program.

Initiated on August 6, 2017, by the Government of Canada, the SEED program aims to provide valuable opportunities for students from ASEAN member states to engage in short-term study or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The focus areas align with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This program’s overarching goal is to contribute to poverty reduction in ASEAN’s developing nations and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda. By fostering scholarships and educational exchanges, SEED actively supports the achievement of various SDGs, promoting collaboration and strengthening people-to-people connections between Canada and the Indo-Pacific region.

SEED scholarships are administered through collaborative efforts between post-secondary institutions in Canada and their counterparts in ASEAN countries, established through institutional partnerships and student exchange agreements.

The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Program falls under the umbrella of Global Affairs Canada’s International Scholarships Program, emphasizing short-term exchanges as a crucial element in fostering international cooperation and mutual understanding.

We encourage eligible candidates and Canadian institutions to seize this opportunity and contribute to the realization of sustainable development goals through education and collaboration.

Scholarship Value and Duration:

The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Program offers various award components with corresponding values and durations based on the level of study. Each award is designed to support students in pursuing their academic and research goals. The activities encompass study or research at different academic levels, and specific requirements must be met for each category.

1. College/Undergraduate (4 months):
   • Value: $10,200
   • Duration: Four months or one academic term
   • Activities: Scholarship recipients in this category engage in study or research at the college or undergraduate level. A crucial requirement is a valid student exchange agreement that waives tuition fees.
2. College/Undergraduate (8 months):
   • Value: $15,900
   • Duration: Eight months or two academic terms
   • Activities: This award supports an extended period of study or research at the college or undergraduate level. Similar to the 4-month category, a valid student exchange agreement that waives tuition fees is essential for eligibility.
3. Graduate (4 months):
   • Value: $10,200
   • Duration: Four months or one academic term
   • Activities: For students pursuing graduate-level studies (Masters and PhD), this scholarship component facilitates study or research. Unlike the undergraduate categories, a student exchange agreement is not a mandatory requirement.
4. Graduate (5-6 months):
   • Value: $12,700
   • Duration: Five to six months
   • Activities: This award provides support for an extended period of study or research at the graduate level (Masters and PhD). Similar to the 4-month graduate category, a student exchange agreement is not mandatory.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to carefully consider their academic objectives and select the appropriate scholarship category that aligns with their educational pursuits. Additionally, adherence to specific requirements, such as the existence of a student exchange agreement and tuition fee waivers, is crucial for successful application and eligibility.

Eligible Expenses for Scholarship Recipients:

Selected students under the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Program may utilize the scholarship funds to cover the following expenses:

✔ Visa or Study/Work Permit Fees:

• Scholarship funds can be applied towards the costs associated with obtaining a visa or study/work permit.

✔ Airfare via the Most Direct and Economical Route:

• Scholars are eligible to use the funds for airfare expenses, ensuring they take the most direct and economical route to Canada.

✔ Health Insurance:

• The scholarship supports the payment of health insurance fees to ensure coverage during the student’s stay in Canada.

✔ Living Expenses:

• This includes accommodation costs, utilities, and food expenses to support the student’s daily living.

✔ Ground Transportation:

• Funding can be allocated for ground transportation, which may include a public transportation pass for commuting.

✔ Books and Supplies (excluding computers and other equipment):

• Scholarship funds may be utilized for the purchase of necessary books and supplies required for the student’s study or research, excluding computers and other equipment.

Eligible Funding for Canadian Institutions:

Canadian institutions hosting scholarship recipients are eligible for the following financial support:

✔ $500 per Scholarship Recipient for Administrative Costs:

• Institutions will receive $500 per scholarship recipient to aid with administrative costs once the student arrives in Canada.

✔ Reimbursement of Additional Employer Compliance Fees:

• In some cases, institutions may be reimbursed for additional employer compliance fees paid to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Funding Mechanism:

The funding for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Program is administered by Global Affairs Canada, operating under its legal name, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD). Canadian institutions, upon successful selection of students, will receive funding through a non-negotiable contribution agreement. These institutions are responsible for disbursing the funds to scholarship recipients based on their internal processes.

NOTE: if a selected student chooses not to take up the scholarship, Canadian institutions are obligated to return all funds, including the administrative fee, to DFATD. This ensures responsible and transparent management of scholarship resources.

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Eligibility Criteria:

To be considered eligible for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

✔ Citizenship: You must be a citizen of one of the ASEAN member states, which include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos (Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR)), Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam.

✔ Enrollment Status: Applicants should be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an ASEAN member state at the time of application and for the entire duration of the exchange program.

✔ Tuition Fees: Candidates must be responsible for paying tuition fees to their home institution both at the time of application and throughout the entire exchange period.

Ineligibility Criteria:

Applicants will not be considered eligible for this scholarship if they fall into any of the following categories:

✘ Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: Individuals who hold Canadian citizenship or have a pending application for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency are not eligible.

✘ Current Government of Canada Scholarship Recipients: Those currently participating in a scholarship program funded by the Government of Canada are ineligible for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Program.

✘ Enrollment in a Canadian Post-Secondary Program: Candidates already enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program at a Canadian post-secondary institution are not eligible.

✘ Previous SEED Program Scholarship Recipients: Individuals who have previously received a scholarship under the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Program are not eligible for subsequent awards.

Requirements for Canadian Post-Secondary Institutions:

Canadian post-secondary institutions interested in hosting students through the SEED program must meet the following criteria:

✔ Designated Learning Institution (DLI): The institution must be recognized as a Designated Learning Institution.

✔ Valid Student Exchange Agreement: A valid student exchange agreement with the student’s home institution is required, specifically waiving tuition fees for scholarship recipients (applicable for college/undergraduate study only).

Prospective applicants and institutions are encouraged to review and adhere to these eligibility criteria for a successful application process.