The call for applications for the 2024-2025 academic year is currently open for the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP). Canadian institutions are invited to submit online applications on behalf of eligible candidates by 11:59 p.m. EST on March 19, 2024.
About Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP)
Background:
In 2009, the Government of Canada introduced the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP) to foster the development of human capital and nurture the next generation of leaders in the Americas. This initiative aims to strengthen connections between post-secondary institutions in Canada and those in Latin America and the Caribbean. ELAP scholarships offer students from institutions in the aforementioned regions short-term exchange opportunities for study or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Program Details:
- Call for Applications: Open for the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Application Deadline: March 19, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EST.
- Administration: ELAP is a component of Global Affairs Canada’s International Scholarships Program.
Objectives:
- Support the development of human capital.
- Foster the next generation of leaders in the Americas.
- Strengthen linkages between post-secondary institutions in Canada and the Americas.
Canadian institutions are encouraged to actively participate by facilitating short-term exchange opportunities for students from Latin American and Caribbean institutions.
Prospective candidates and institutions should refer to the official application guidelines and submit applications within the specified timeframe. ELAP contributes to building bridges of collaboration and knowledge exchange between Canada and the Americas.
Eligibility Criteria for the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP):
To qualify for the ELAP scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship:
- Applicants must be citizens of one of the eligible countries/territories listed below:
- Caribbean: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos
- Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
- North America: Mexico
- South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
- Applicants must be citizens of one of the eligible countries/territories listed below:
- Enrollment:
- Applicants must be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in one of the eligible countries/territories.
- Tuition Fees:
- Candidates must be paying tuition fees to their home institution at the time of application and for the entire duration of the exchange program.
Ineligibility: Applicants are not eligible for the ELAP scholarship if they:
- Hold or have a pending application for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Are currently participating in another scholarship program funded by the Government of Canada.
- Are already enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
Institutions Hosting ELAP Students: Canadian post-secondary institutions interested in hosting ELAP students must:
- Be designated as a Learning Institution (DLI).
- Have a valid student exchange agreement with the student’s home institution that waives tuition fees for scholarship recipients (mandatory for college/undergraduate study only).
Prospective applicants and institutions should ensure they meet the specified eligibility criteria and requirements outlined by the ELAP program.
Scholarship Value and Duration for Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP):
- College/Undergraduate (4 months):
- Value: $8,200
- Duration: Four months or one academic term
- Activities: Study or research at the college or undergraduate level. A valid student exchange agreement that waives tuition fees is required.
- Graduate (4 months):
- Value: $8,200
- Duration: Four months or one academic term
- Activities: Study or research at the graduate level (Masters and PhD). A student exchange agreement is not required.
- Graduate (5-6 months):
- Value: $11,100
- Duration: Five to six months
- Activities: Study or research at the graduate level (Masters and PhD). A student exchange agreement is not required.
These values represent the financial support provided to ELAP recipients for the specified durations and activities. The scholarship aims to assist students in covering living expenses and associated costs during their exchange program in Canada. The duration and value vary based on the academic level and length of the study or research period.
Note that applicants to consider these details when planning their exchange and to ensure compliance with the program’s requirements. Additionally, institutions hosting ELAP students should take note of the specific agreements and conditions related to tuition fees for scholarship recipients, as outlined in the program guidelines.
Check: Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program (CCSEP) 2024
Eligible Expenses ELAP Program:
Selected students awarded the ELAP scholarship may utilize the funds towards the following expenses:
- ✔ Visa or Study/Work Permit Fees:
- Covering costs associated with obtaining the necessary visa or study/work permit.
- ✔ Airfare via the Most Direct and Economical Route:
- Supporting the travel expenses incurred by the most direct and economical route to Canada.
- ✔ Health Insurance:
- Funding health insurance coverage for the duration of the student’s stay in Canada.
- ✔ Living Expenses:
- Including accommodation, utilities, and food during the exchange period.
- ✔ Ground Transportation, Including a Public Transportation Pass:
- Supporting transportation needs, including public transportation costs.
- ✔ Books and Supplies Required for Study or Research (excluding computers and other equipment):
- Covering the cost of essential study materials and supplies.
Funding for Canadian Institutions:
Canadian institutions hosting ELAP students are eligible to receive financial support for administrative and compliance-related costs:
- ✔ $500 per Scholarship Recipient for Administrative Costs:
- Intended to aid Canadian institutions with administrative expenses associated with hosting ELAP students upon their arrival in Canada.
- ✔ Reimbursement of Additional Employer Compliance Fees:
- In some cases, institutions may receive reimbursement for additional employer compliance fees paid to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
How Funding Works:
- Canadian institutions will receive funding from Global Affairs Canada (DFATD) through a non-negotiable contribution agreement.
- Institutions are responsible for disbursing the funds to successful ELAP students according to their internal processes.
- In cases where a student does not take up the scholarship, Canadian institutions must return all funds, including the administrative fee, to DFATD.
These funding mechanisms aim to ensure that ELAP recipients have the necessary financial support to cover various expenses associated with their study or research exchange in Canada. Institutions play a crucial role in facilitating the effective utilization of these funds.
See also: Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development Program 2024
Application Process for Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP):
For Canadian Institutions:
Before the Application Period:
- ✔ Promote the Scholarship:
- Promote the ELAP scholarship to faculty and staff members within the Canadian institution.
- Reach out to eligible partner institutions and promote the scholarship opportunities.
- ✔ Explore Student Exchange Agreements:
- Collaborate with eligible partner institutions to explore and establish student exchange agreements.
During the Application Period:
- ✔ Assign a Program Coordinator:
- Designate a program coordinator within the Canadian institution to complete applications on behalf of eligible students.
- ✔ Create a My EduCanada Account:
- Visit the EduCanada website, select “Login or Register,” and create a My EduCanada account.
- ✔ Select ELAP and Apply:
- Log in to the account, select the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program, and click “Apply.”
- ✔ Complete the Application Form:
- Enter data in the required fields and follow the instructions provided on the application form.
- ✔ Validate and Save Progress:
- Click “Validate and save” as you progress through the application form to ensure all information is saved.
- ✔ Upload Supporting Documents:
- Upload all required supporting documents. Documents should be smaller than 5 MB and in .jpg, .gif, .png, .pdf, .doc, .docx, .txt, or .xlsx format.
- ✔ Review Application for Accuracy:
- Review all components of the application for accuracy and completeness.
- ✔ Verification and Submission:
- Verify the data, read and accept the conditions of the “Declaration and permission” statement, then click “Submit.”
- Receive a confirmation message and a reference number for the submitted applications.
- ✔ Save or Print Completed Application:
- Save or print a copy of the completed application form using the “Download” function.
- ✔ Help with MyEduCanada:
- For additional information or assistance, visit the Help with MyEduCanada section on the website.
For Non-Canadian Institutions:
- Non-Canadian institutions interested in sending students to Canada should review eligibility requirements, explore exchange agreements, promote the scholarship to students, and identify eligible candidates.
For Students Interested in Studying in Canada:
- Review eligibility requirements, inquire about exchange agreements with Canadian institutions, contact the international office for application details, and follow the application process outlined by the Canadian institution.
Supporting Documents and Scholarship Selection Criteria
Supporting Documents:
- Applicants are typically required to submit a set of supporting documents alongside their application. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Research proposal or study plan.
- Academic transcripts.
- Letters of recommendation.
- CV or resume.
- Proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution.
Scholarship Selection Criteria: Applications for ELAP are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Merit of the Research or Study:
- The quality and significance of the proposed research or study to be undertaken by the applicant in Canada.
- Benefit to the Home Institution and Peers:
- The potential impact and benefits that the applicant’s participation in the program will bring to their home institution and peers.
- Benefit to the Canadian Institution, Supervisor, and Peers:
- The contributions and positive impact the applicant is expected to make to the Canadian institution, their supervisor, and fellow peers during the exchange.
- Strength of Linkages through the Proposed Exchange:
- The robustness and potential for long-lasting linkages and collaborations to be established through the proposed exchange.
- Rankings Submitted by the Canadian Institution:
- The rankings submitted by the Canadian institution play a role in the evaluation process, reflecting the institution’s endorsement and support for the applicant.
- Priority for First-Time Recipients:
- Priority is given to students who have not previously received a scholarship under a Global Affairs Canada Short-term Exchange Program. This emphasizes the program’s commitment to providing opportunities to a diverse pool of candidates.
Note: The above criteria are used to assess the overall strength and potential impact of each application. It is crucial for applicants to address these criteria in their application materials and clearly demonstrate how their participation will align with the objectives of ELAP.
Prospective applicants should carefully review the specific requirements outlined by Global Affairs Canada and the ELAP program, ensuring their application addresses each criterion effectively.
This comprehensive process ensures a systematic approach for Canadian institutions, non-Canadian institutions, and students interested in participating in the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program.
Key Dates for Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP):
- Application Deadline:
- Canadian institutions must submit online applications on behalf of students by 11:59 p.m. EDT, March 19, 2024.
- Establishing Earlier Deadlines:
- Canadian institutions are advised to establish earlier deadlines with students and their home institutions to ensure the timely submission of supporting documents.
- Notification of Results:
- Successful results will be communicated to Canadian institutions by the scholarship administrator in the spring. The administrator will not provide feedback for unsuccessful applications.
- Institutional Notification to Students:
- Canadian institutions are responsible for notifying successful students of the results.
- Student Inquiry Regarding Application Status:
- Students should contact their home institution or the Canadian institution directly to inquire about the status of their application.
- Student Arrival in Canada:
- Selected students are permitted to arrive as early as August 1, 2024, for the fall semester and no later than February 1, 2025, for the winter/spring semester. Failure to adhere to this timeline may lead to the cancellation of the scholarship.
- Visa or Study/Work Permit Application:
- Students are encouraged to submit their visa or study/work permit applications as early as possible to avoid any delays in the process.
These key dates provide a timeline for the application process, notification of results, and the expected arrival of selected students in Canada. It is essential for both Canadian institutions and students to adhere to these dates to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the ELAP scholarship program.
Scholarship Conditions
Students selected for ELAP are required to adhere to the following conditions:
- Engage in Full-Time Studies or Research:
- Students must commit to engaging in full-time studies or research as defined by the Canadian institution hosting them.
- Abstain from Clinical Training or Clinically-Oriented Research:
- Participants are expected to refrain from undertaking clinical training or clinically-oriented research that involves direct patient care during their stay in Canada.
- Focus Primarily on Full-Time Studies or Research:
- The primary focus of students during their stay in Canada should be on full-time studies or research activities.
- Return to Home Institutions:
- Students are obligated to return to their home institutions after the scholarship period to complete their studies.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
- Failure to meet these conditions may result in the cancellation of the scholarship.
Additional Information:
- Scholarships awarded under ELAP have specific characteristics and limitations:
- Scholarships cannot be deferred and are not renewable.
- Availability of scholarships is contingent upon funding from the Government of Canada.
- Scholarships are not taxable for either the Canadian institution or the scholarship recipient.
It is crucial for selected students to fully understand and comply with these conditions to ensure the successful completion of their exchange program. Adherence to these terms contributes to the effectiveness of the ELAP initiative and the positive outcomes for both the students and the institutions involved.