The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) is a short-term scholarship program funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. It provides students from eligible ASEAN member states with the opportunity to study or conduct research at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The program was launched in 2017 to strengthen educational partnerships between Canada and Southeast Asia while supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs). Rather than offering a full degree program, the scholarship supports academic exchanges that allow students to gain international experience and return to their home institutions after completing their study or research period.
Every year, many students apply for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships because they combine financial support with high-quality academic opportunities in Canada. The scholarship covers eligible expenses such as travel, health insurance, living costs, and study-related expenses, making international mobility more affordable for selected students. It also encourages collaboration between Canadian institutions and universities across ASEAN countries through formal exchange partnerships. Besides academic development, participants benefit from cultural exchange, professional networking, and exposure to Canada’s higher education system while contributing to sustainable development goals in their home countries.
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships in Canada Program Summary
Overview of the Scholarship
The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) is a Government of Canada scholarship that supports short-term study and research opportunities for students from eligible ASEAN countries at Canadian post-secondary institutions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Canada |
| Funded By | Global Affairs Canada (Government of Canada) |
| Study Levels | College, Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD (short-term study or research) |
| Scholarship Type | Fully funded short-term exchange scholarship |
| Eligible Students | Citizens of eligible ASEAN member states enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in their home country |
| Language of Study | English or French (depending on the host institution) |
| Financial Support | Scholarship funding for eligible expenses including travel, living costs, health insurance, study materials, and other approved expenses |
Eligibility for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships in Canada
To be considered for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED), applicants must meet the eligibility requirements set by the Government of Canada and their home institution. Students must also be nominated by a Canadian post-secondary institution, as individual applications are not accepted directly. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection because the scholarship is highly competitive.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a citizen of an eligible ASEAN member state.
- Must be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an eligible ASEAN country at the time of application.
- Must be paying tuition fees to their home institution throughout the exchange period.
- Must be applying for a short-term study or research exchange at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- The exchange must contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Applicants must meet the admission and exchange requirements of the Canadian host institution.
- Applications must be submitted by the Canadian institution on behalf of the student.
Age and Academic Requirements
- The official scholarship guidelines do not specify a minimum or maximum age limit.
- There is no universal minimum GPA or academic score stated by the Government of Canada.
- Applicants must meet the academic requirements of both their home institution and the Canadian host institution.
- Students should have a strong academic record, as selection is highly competitive.
Benefits of the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships in Canada
The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) provides funding to help selected students complete a short-term study or research exchange in Canada. The scholarship is intended to reduce the financial burden of international mobility while allowing participants to gain academic and cultural experience at a Canadian post-secondary institution.
Financial Benefits
- Scholarship valued at CAD 10,200 for undergraduate and college students for a study or research period of 4 months or one academic term.
- Scholarship valued at CAD 12,700 for graduate students (Master’s and PhD) for a study or research period of 5 to 6 months.
- Airfare to and from Canada (for the most direct and economical route).
- Visa or study/work permit fees, where applicable.
- Health insurance for the duration of the exchange.
- Living expenses, including accommodation and utilities.
- Ground transportation, including a public transportation pass.
- Books and study supplies required for the program.
Academic and Personal Benefits
- Study or conduct research at a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Gain international academic experience through a short-term exchange program.
- Learn from Canada’s higher education system and research environment.
- Build professional and academic networks with Canadian faculty and students.
- Develop intercultural communication and global perspectives.
- Contribute to projects that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Strengthen future academic and career opportunities through international exposure.
Documents Required for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships in Canada
Applicants must submit the documents required by the Canadian host institution for the scholarship nomination. The Canadian institution is responsible for submitting the complete application on behalf of the student. Missing or incomplete documents may result in the application not being considered.
- Valid passport or national ID
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of full-time enrollment
- Letter of intent or motivation letter
- Privacy Notice Statement
- Proof of citizenship
- Letter of support from the home institution
- Letter of invitation from the Canadian supervisor (required for graduate research students only)
- Any additional documents requested by the Canadian host institution
How to Apply for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships in Canada
The application process is coordinated by the Canadian post-secondary institution, not by individual students. Interested applicants must first secure a place at a Canadian institution that has an exchange agreement or collaboration with their home institution. The Canadian institution then submits the scholarship application to EduCanada on the student’s behalf.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check your eligibility and confirm that you are a citizen of an eligible ASEAN country and enrolled full-time at your home institution.
- Contact your home institution’s international office to find out whether it has an exchange partnership with a Canadian post-secondary institution.
- Identify a Canadian host institution that is willing to accept you for a short-term study or research exchange.
- Work with the Canadian institution to complete the required scholarship nomination process.
- Prepare all required documents, including academic transcripts, proof of enrollment, passport, letters, and any additional documents requested.
- Submit your documents to the Canadian institution before its internal deadline, as it is responsible for forwarding the application to EduCanada.
- The Canadian institution submits the application online through the official EduCanada scholarship portal.
- Wait for the selection results. Successful applicants are notified through the Canadian host institution.
Application Tips
- Start contacting universities and preparing your documents several months in advance.
- Write a clear and well-structured motivation letter that explains how the exchange supports your academic goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Ensure your proposed study or research matches your current academic program.
- Double-check that all required documents are complete and up to date before submission.
- Follow the internal deadlines set by your Canadian host institution, as these are often earlier than the official scholarship deadline.
- Stay in regular contact with the international offices of both your home and Canadian institutions throughout the application process.
Deadline for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships in Canada
The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) follows an annual application cycle. Applicants should check the official website regularly for updated deadlines, as dates may change from one application cycle to another.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships?
The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) is a Government of Canada scholarship that supports short-term study and research exchanges for students from eligible ASEAN countries at Canadian post-secondary institutions.
Is the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships fully funded?
The scholarship provides funding to cover eligible expenses such as travel, living costs, health insurance, study materials, and other approved expenses for the exchange period. It is intended for short-term mobility rather than a full degree program.
Can students apply directly for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships?
No. Students cannot submit applications directly to the Government of Canada. Applications must be submitted by a Canadian post-secondary institution on behalf of eligible students.
Is IELTS or another English language test required?
The scholarship itself does not specify an IELTS requirement. However, applicants must meet the language requirements of the Canadian host institution, which may require proof of English or French proficiency.
What study levels are eligible for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships?
The scholarship supports eligible college, undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students participating in a short-term study or research exchange in Canada.
Can students remain in Canada after the ends?
The scholarship is designed for temporary academic exchanges. Participants are expected to return to their home institution after completing their approved study or research period.
How long does the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships last?
The scholarship supports short-term exchanges. Undergraduate and college exchanges are generally funded for one academic term (about four months), while graduate exchanges may last five to six months.
Can applicants choose any Canadian university?
Applicants must study at a Canadian post-secondary institution that agrees to host them and submits the scholarship application. The institution should also have an appropriate partnership or exchange arrangement.
