Call for Applications: 2026 Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program

Offered by Global Affairs Canada and China’s Ministry of Education, the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program (CCSEP) aims to foster deeper mutual understanding, build strong academic and professional ties between Canada and China, and develop future Canadian leaders with expertise and experience in China. CCSEP alumni are part of a distinguished network of professionals who have gone on to build impactful careers in academia, public service, business, and other fields that contribute meaningfully to Canada-China engagement.  

The program provides an excellent opportunity to learn Chinese, and/or pursue post-secondary studies or research at leading institutions across China.  

Candidates must be Canadian citizens to participate in the outbound component of the program.  

Who is eligible to apply? 

• Students at the post-secondary level 

• Faculty members and researchers  

• Mid-career professionals 

Last year, the program introduced new components to expand eligibility and create new opportunities for participants: 

• Longer Stays for Graduate Students: Graduate students can now stay in China for up to 24 months with the option to obtain a graduate degree from designated learning institutions in China. 

• Shorter Stays for Professionals: The minimum stay requirement for faculty, researchers, and mid-career professionals has been reduced from 2 months to 1 month, offering greater flexibility for those seeking short-term professional development opportunities. 

The deadline to apply on the My EduCanada portal is January 12, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST. Apply today to start your extraordinary adventure in China!  

For more information:

• Review application guidelines: Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program

• Register for the online info session on November 18 at 2:30 p.m. EST:  Webinar - Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program 2026-2027.

• Program Flyer

• Presentation Slides

For any questions about the program, please contact: scholarships-admin-bourses@international.gc.ca. 

Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge

Empowering the next generation of ocean innovators

Created and powered by the International University of Monaco, the Oceanographic Institute, Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation, Monaco Impact and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge is an international business plan pitching competition for students, fresh graduate & young entrepreneurs showcasing new business concepts with a measurable, positive impact on the ocean .

Learn more here: https://www.monaco-opc.com/

UArctic 2026 Calls for Applications

UArctic is excited to share the 2026 Calls for Applications for three Canadian UArctic Project Funds administered through Memorial University and supported through Global Affairs Canada. The funds aim to strengthen collaboration and networking between UArctic members and their Indigenous and Northern partners by supporting projects that address priority issues in Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework while upholding UArctic values and Memorial University’s Policy on Research Impacting Indigenous Groups. These opportunities are open to Canadian UArctic member institutions. 

As part of this year’s call, we are pleased to launch a new round of project funding, offering up to $100,000 over five years to support collaborative, community-driven research and education initiatives across the Circumpolar North.

Note: Funding availability for this call is subject to approval from Global Affairs Canada. Final award decisions will only be confirmed once funding has been approved. Funding cannot be applied retroactively or used for previously completed activities.

1. Indigenous and Northern Relationship Development Fund

Deadline: April 24, 2026
Funding: Up to $15,000
Project Period: September 2026 – September 2028

This fund is designed to build or strengthen relationships between academic researchers and Indigenous or Northern partners. Projects may include meetings, workshops, or other activities that establish or deepen collaborative relationships, with an emphasis on respectful, ethical, and community-led engagement in line with Memorial University’s Policy on Research Impacting Indigenous Groups.

·       Open to researchers from any Canadian UArctic member

·       Designed to build relationships between academic researchers and Indigenous or Northern partners

·       Projects focus on relationships outcomes rather than research outcomes

·       Projects must be completed 24 months from start of project activities

For more information, including funding guides: CLICK HERE

TO APPLY: CLICK HERE

2. Indigenous and Northern Collaborative Research and Education Engagement Fund (Stream A: Two-Year Projects)

Deadline: April 24, 2026
Funding: Up to $40,000 (maximum of five awards per year)
Project Period: September 2026 – September 2028

This stream supports shorter-term collaborative projects that strengthen partnerships and knowledge exchange in Northern and Indigenous research and education. Projects should address priorities within Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and reflect UArctic’s values of collaboration, inclusion, and respect for Indigenous knowledge systems.
Who can apply:

·       The lead applicant must be from a Canadian UArctic member institution.

·       Collaboration between multiple UArctic member institutions (including international partners) and partners is required

·       Researchers from Northern and Southern institutions are encouraged to apply.

·       Only one active project award may be held at a time.

Eligible activities include:

·       Developing or strengthening UArctic Thematic Networks

·       Creating joint courses or programs relevant to Northern communities

·       Advancing online and flexible education initiatives

·       Supporting networking and collaborative research across UArctic members

For more information, including funding guides: CLICK HERE

TO APPLY: CLICK HERE

3. Indigenous and Northern Collaborative Research and Education Engagement Fund (Stream B: Five-Year Projects) *NEW*

Deadline: April 24, 2026 *five-year projects are awarded only in 2026
Funding: Up to $100,000 (maximum of six awards)
Project Period: September 2026 – September 2031

This stream supports longer-term, multi-partner collaborations designed to create sustainable research and education initiatives across the circumpolar North. Proposals should include at least three UArctic partners (with a Canadian lead) and align with UArctic values and Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. Additional information is required for this stream; review the Funding Guide and Application Form for full details.

Who can apply:

·       The lead applicant must be from a Canadian UArctic member institution.

·       Collaboration between multiple UArctic member institutions (including international partners) and partners is required

·       Researchers from Northern and Southern institutions are encouraged to apply.

·       Only one active project award may be held at a time.

Eligible activities include:

·       Developing or strengthening UArctic Thematic Networks

·       Creating joint courses or programs relevant to Northern communities

·       Advancing online and flexible education initiatives

·       Supporting networking and collaborative research across UArctic members

For more information, including funding guides: CLICK HERE

TO APPLY: CLICK HERE

We will be hosting an information session on the funds on January 28th, 2026. For help connecting with other Canadian UArctic member institutions or identifying potential partners, please reach out to me directly: lgoulet@mun.ca

Applications for all three funds must be submitted through Memorial University’s online application portal by April 24, 2026 (23:59 CEST).

If you would like more information, please contact Miyuki.Arai@smu.ca

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships available to Canadian students

November 7, 2025 – Are you a Canadian student interested in obtaining a master’s degree abroad? Scholarships are available to top-ranked students from around the world who are admitted to the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programs.

These prestigious and innovative programs are jointly designed and delivered by leading universities across Europe and beyond, and include opportunities for study, research, or traineeships at multiple partner institutions.

The highly competitive scholarships for admitted students cover:

• Participation costs

• Travel expenses

• Visa fees

• A living allowance

For more information, visit: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters.

ESSCA Winter 2026 Online Programs (Applications Closed)

ESSCA Winter 2026 Online Programs

The ESSCA School of Management, based in France, is one of the world’s leading business schools, known for its academic excellence and international focus. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate management programs across 10 global campuses. The institution emphasizes a humanistic and responsible approach to business education, with programs designed to foster leadership skills, prepare students for the global marketplace, and promote entrepreneurial spirit through its various campuses, research, and extensive alumni network. 

Saint Mary’s Students are invited to participate in the ESSCA Winter Online Programme to explore new horizons!

ESSCA Online Campus (January 5-February 2, 2026)

The ESSCA Online Campus is offering a choice of 3 topics:

1. Luxury Fashion Branding & Consumer Experience (4 Ects), 
   from 5th January to 2nd February 2026

2. Leader Communication in a Cross Cultural & Changing World (3 Ects),
   from 5th January to 26th January 2026

3. Innovation & Creativity (3 Ects),
   from 5th January to 26th January 2026

Note that courses will open with a minimum of 10 students. 

Fees

SMU students pay normal SMU tuition for the transfer credit hours at SMU. In addition, students will pay 55 euros at ESSCA to cover registration.

Transfer credits

Students may be able to earn credits to the extent that those credits are applicable to the program requirements of their SMU degree. Meet with your academic advisor of your program (visit https://www.smu.ca/academics/academic-advising.html) to see if any of your remaining degree requirements can be completed at another university. If your advisor confirms that there is room for transfer credits in your degree, you will request approval to take courses for transfer credits by submitting a Letter of Permission Request Form (found here https://www.smu.ca/academics/student-forms.html) to the SMU Records Office as soon as your acceptance is confirmed. Typically, 3credit hours at SMU is earned for each 6 Ects credits given at European partner school.

Interested students should email Global@smu.ca by December 1.

Herstart International Fellowship Opportunities for January 2026

📣APPLICATIONS OPEN: Herstart International Fellowship Opportunities for January 2026! 📣 

Youth Challenge International’s (YCI) HerStart Innovate the Future program aims to provide 10,000 women and local partner organizations in Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda with access to social entrepreneurship training and networks to successfully launch or grow their businesses. To achieve this, the HerStart program leverages the passion and skills of Canadian volunteers through the International Fellowship program.  

HerStart International Fellows complete 3-month placements that meaningfully contribute to the goals of HerStart, while gaining hands-on professional international experience, expanding their global networks, and collaborating with our impact-driven teams in Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda! 

⭐️3-month Fellowship opportunities include: 

·                Program & Partnerships Fellow 

·                Communications & Marketing Fellow

·                Research & Learning Fellow 

·                Social Entrepreneurship Fellow 

📍Important Dates: September 30th is the application deadline 

   (positions offered on a rolling basis – apply early!). 

A focus on Gender Equality, Climate Action, Social Innovation or Human Rights may be integrated into the above positions depending on the needs of the project and your skills/interests. 

HerStart International Fellows receive a holistic benefits package including pre-departure training, post-placement support, round-trip airfare, visas, health insurance, a monthly living stipend and much more. This program is funded by the Government of Canada.  

💡 Want to learn more about HerStart International Fellowships? 🎬 Meet our Fellows and watch videos highlighting their experience here! 

In 2026 join a global movement to accelerate social innovation and sustainable development! Read more and apply today ➡️ bit.ly/3pW1DBv  

You can also share this opportunity on social media and stay up-to-date on future YCI events and opportunities using the links below:  

·                YCI’s post on LinkedIn  

·                YCI’s post on Instagram   

·                YCI’s post on Facebook  

·                YCI’s E-Newsletter  

South Korea Field Course (Winter 2026) (Closed)

Update: Applications now closed

The GEOG 4110: South Korea Field Course provides an opportunity to study the dynamic geography of South Korea (Republic of Korea). Through engaging in-class seminars and an enriching field trip to the country, students delve into diverse aspects of South Korea's physical and cultural landscape. The main themes of the course may change over the years with faculty interests and collaborative opportunities, ensuring relevance and dynamism. By adopting an integrative regional geography perspective, students gain insights into the past, present, and future of South Korea, fostering a comprehensive understanding of this vibrant nation.

• 6 credit hours

• Prerequisites:27 credit hours including GEOG1100/GEOG1200, AND permission of instructor

• Weekly Seminar Meetings on Fridays (9:30-12:00pm)

• Fieldtrip Period: April 23- May 5, 2026 (11 nights & 12 days trip)

• Class size: 12~14 students

• Faculty: Drs. Min-Jung Kwak & Mathew Novak

ESSCA Winter 2026 Programs (Closed)

Update: Applications now closed

The ESSCA School of Management is one of the world’s leading business schools, known for its academic excellence and international focus. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate management programs across 10 global campuses. The institution emphasizes a humanistic and responsible approach to business education, with programs designed to foster leadership skills, prepare students for the global marketplace, and promote entrepreneurial spirit through its various campuses, research, and extensive alumni network. 
Saint Mary’s Students are invited to participate in the ESSCA Winter Programme to explore new horizons! Learn more here.

• Budapest Winter Programme (January 5-16, 2026)

• ESSCA Online Campus (January 5-February 2, 2026)

Details

SMU students pay SMU tuition for the transfer credit hours. In addition:

For Budapest Winter Program:

Students will also pay 1,300 euros at ESSCA to cover administrative fees, housing, welcome meal and visits. Travel, visa and insurance are also students’ own responsibility.

For Online Program:

Students will pay 55 euros at ESSCA to cover registration.

Transfer credits

Students may be able to earn credits to the extent that those credits are applicable to the program requirements of their SMU degree. Meet with your academic advisor of your program (visit https://www.smu.ca/academics/academic-advising.html) to see if any of your remaining degree requirements can be completed at another university. If your advisor confirms that there is room for transfer credits in your degree, you will request approval to take courses for transfer credits by submitting a Letter of Permission Request Form (found here https://www.smu.ca/academics/student-forms.html) to the SMU Records Office as soon as your acceptance is confirmed.

Interested students should email Global@smu.ca by October 15.

Online Circumpolar Studies Courses

Register by August 27, 2025 to participate in the online Circumpolar Studies courses offered this coming fall and winter.

The following are the Circumpolar Studies courses to be offered this fall and winter, jointly hosted by Trent University and Yukon University. The courses are free for all students from an institution that is registered with UArctic.

Interested students should consult their academic advisor to discuss whether there is room for transfer credits in their program requirements and then email Global@smu.ca by August 15 to request the registration form. Students pay regular SMU tuition at SMU for the transfer credit hours.

Course Offerings

CS 100 / GEOG: 1045 / NOST 101 Hosted by Yukon University

Introduction to the Circumpolar World (GEOG-1045H-W-F01)

• 9/4/2025-12/31/2025 - Course Dates with YukonU may vary slightly.
  Introduces students to the landscape, peoples, and issues of the circumpolar region. Beginning with an examination of the geography, biological, and physical systems of the Subarctic and Arctic, the course then turns to the Indigenous and contemporary peoples of the region.

CS 311 / Lands and Environments of the Circumpolar North I
Lands and Environments of the Circumpolar North (GEOG-2320H-W-F01)

• 9/4/2025-12/31/2025
  Explores the lands and environments that define the Circumpolar region and identifies the key issues involving interaction between humans and their environments, examining climate change and its impacts on landscapes, biodiversity, and ecological systems. Provides a broad foundation for the study of circumpolar peoples, economies, landscapes, communities, and adaptation to climate change.

CS 321 / Peoples and Cultures of the Circumpolar World I

Peoples and Cultures of the Circumpolar World (INDG-3745H-W-F01)

• 9/4/2025-12/31/2025

An introduction to historic traditional cultures and contemporary peoples through both traditional Indigenous and Western perspectives. Identifies the broad and basic understanding of the histories and experiences of the peoples of the Circumpolar North, and the development of northern cultures. Explores and defines the cultural diversity present in the Circumpolar North with reference to environments, contact, and economic processes.

CS 331 / Contemporary Issues of the Circumpolar World I
Contemporary Issues of the Circumpolar World (GEOG-3390H-R-F01)

• 9/4/2025-12/31/2025
  Develops a basic appreciation of the most important contemporary challenges surrounding governance and politics, social issues, education and knowledge systems, and global issues in the circumpolar regions of the North. It explores the complexity and inter-relatedness of governance, social policy, gender, indigeneity, and law.

Canada's People and Places (CAST-2810H-R-F01)

• 9/4/2025-12/31/2025
  Explores the geography of Canada and its peoples and places. Examines the development of Canada's cultural landscapes and regions, and the social, economic, and political development of the Canadian nation-state. Canada's geography is explored as an east-west nation under increasing pressure from globalization and new national agendas.

Histories of the Canadian North (CAST-3241H-W-F01)

• 9/4/2025-12/31/2025
  Introduces students to major themes the Canadian Northern history, from pre-contact to the creation of the territory of Nunavut in 1999. The major themes focus on evolving cultural, political, socio-economic, and environmental histories.

Below Courses Being Offered Winter 2026

CS 100 / GEOG: 1045 / NOST 101 Hosted by Yukon University
Introduction to the Circumpolar World (GEOG-1045H-W-F01)

• 1/7/2026-4/30/2026
  Introduces students to the landscape, peoples, and issues of the circumpolar region. Beginning with an examination of the geography, biological, and physical systems of the Subarctic and Arctic, the course then turns to the Indigenous and contemporary peoples of the region.

CS 312 / Lands and Environments of the Circumpolar North II
Changing Resources of the Circumpolar North (GEOG-2330H-W-W01)

• 1/7/2026-4/30/2026
  Provides students with an in-depth understanding of the key issues which define the future of resources and resource use in the Circumpolar North. Focuses upon the challenges of resource management for governments and communities, and assesses the potential conflicts derived from resource use.

CS 322 / Peoples and Cultures of the Circumpolar World II

Language, Culture, Identity & the Circumpolar World (INDG-3750H-W)

• 9/4/2025-12/31/2025

A broad examination of circumpolar peoples in North America, Russia and northern Asia, Greenland, and northern Scandinavia. Notions of identity, culture, language, and self-determination are discussed, similarities and differences of northern peoples and cultures are examined, and their adaptations to change and roles as agents of change explored. 

CS 332 / Contemporary Issues of the Circumpolar World II
Geography of the Polar Regions (GEOG-3640H-W-W01)

• 1/7/2026-4/30/2026
  Study of selected aspects of the Polar regions with considerable reference to northern Canada but with the deliberate intention of developing comparisons between it and other parts of the Polar regions.

The Contemporary Canadian North in a Circumpolar Context (CAST-3243H-W-W01)

• 1/7/2026-4/30/2026
  Explores issues in the contemporary Canadian North with a focus on social, political, economic, and environmental issues. Students are encouraged to critically examine Canada's Northern strategies and compare these to the social and economic priorities of Arctic leaders and Indigenous Peoples living in remote Northern communities.

About Circumpolar Studies

Circumpolar Studies is by definition an interdisciplinary field that explores the global Arctic region from a number of different perspectives, including the social sciences, the humanities, the natural sciences and the arts.  It brings together scholarly perspectives from educators, researchers, practitioners and Indigenous knowledge holders who live and work throughout the Circumpolar North. The result is a comprehensive study of lands and environments, peoples and places, cultures and languages, and political and economic systems.  This holistic approach permits us to understand how the Circumpolar North is connected by common environments, experiences and identities.

Contemporary research, teaching and learning in Circumpolar Studies does not promote abstract conceptions of the Circumpolar North, but rather strives to see the region from the perspective of its inhabitants.  Its curriculum reflects a diversity of viewpoints and and sensitivity to context.  It develops an appreciation for the connections between people and place, the impacts of globalisation and colonialism, the challenges of climate change, and the interplay between Indigenous knowledge and Western science.  This rich and situated knowledge breaks down disciplinary barriers, inviting students, educators and researchers to understand the Circumpolar North as a unique place that is both a lived-in homeland and an emerging global region undergoing rapid change.

Nordic Winter School on Sustainability (closed)

Update: Applications closed

This unique Winter School, a collaboration between Lund University School of Economics and Management and Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki, Finland, includes an intensive two-week program (6 ECTS) in Lund, Sweden and Helsinki, Finland.

From Bitcoins to Biases (3 ECTS), Lund

This course begins by examining how psychology interacts with economics to shape financial decisions and market outcomes in what is called behavioral finance. You’ll then turn to cryptocurrencies, learning blockchain fundamentals and how cryptocurrencies work. Working in small groups, you’ll complete four concise reports — including one quantitative project with real transaction data—to apply these insights in practice.

Sustainable Finance (3 ECTS), Helsinki

Sustainable finance and high-quality corporate governance practices are essential tools in fighting the climate change and in creating more sustainable economies. This module focuses on the role of financial innovations in facilitating the energy transition and other environment-related global challenges.

Information for applicants

• Language of instruction: English

• Level: Bachelor

• Credits: 6 ECTS

• Format: The course will be held on-campus unless circumstances change

• Who: The courses require an active participation in group work and discussions and therefore a very good command of English is expected, corresponding to CEFR B2-C1 level. Participants must also have completed at least one year of business-related studies including an introductory course in economics.

• When: Full-time from 12-23 January 2026 (one week in Lund and one week in Helsinki). Initial online assignment to be turned in before course start

• Teaching methods: The modules combine a variety of methods, ranging from traditional lectures, guest lectures, case studies, interaction-based pedagogy, reading groups, student debates, group work and study visits. Students are expected to participate actively in class

• Nomination deadline: 1 October

• Application: Interested students should contact Global@smu.ca by September 10.

• More information: https://www.lusem.lu.se/study/international-opportunities/incoming-exchange-students-lusem/winter-school-lusem

Winter 2026 Short-Term Intensive Japanese Program in Tokyo (closed)

Update: applications closed

Warm greetings from the Center for Japanese Language Education at Rikkyo University!

We are pleased to introduce our AY2025 Winter Short-Term Intensive Japanese Program in Ikebukuro Campus (Tokyo, January 2026). 

About the program 

The entire program consists of about 46 hours of Japanese classes including cultural activities.
Program capacity is limited and the maximum number of participants in the program is 30 students.
In this program, “Beginner” and “Elementary” level classes will be held. 

The classes are suitable for students who have no or little experience in learning Japanese or students who have learned Japanese for approximately one year and are at JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N4/N5 level. Please note that English is the primary language for communication in this program, and participants are expected to have a certain level of English ability.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and an Official Transcript.

Program dates
Tuesday, January 20 - Friday, January 30, 2026
Participants need to check in at the designated accommodation on January 19, and check out on January 31, 2026.
Program location
Rikkyo University, Ikebukuro Campus (Tokyo)
Application period
Tuesday, July 1 – Saturday, September 27, 2025
Application deadline
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 11:59 p.m. (JST)
For more information, please refer to the attached brochure, application requirements, and our website below.
https://cjle.rikkyo.ac.jp/english/sijp/application.aspx

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
We are looking forward to receiving the applications from the students who are interested in learning Japanese language and culture!

Iwate University, Japan

We are pleased to announce that we are now taking applications for the Iwate University IHATOV Summer Program (IUIS) 2025.

The Iwate University IHATOV Summer Program (IUIS) is a 2-week program where students can learn Japanese language and culture. This program is open to SMU students. It offers two Japanese courses, an introductory course, and a lower intermediate course. Participants will be able to deepen their understanding of Japan and Iwate through not only Japanese classes but also Japanese cultural activities and field trips while staying in an international student housing on campus.

In this short-term program, participants will not be given credits but can register with the SMU Co-Curricular Records for recognition.

Program Period

From August 19, 2025 to September 1, 2025 (13 nights and 14 days)

APPLICATION DEADLINE

June 27, 2025 (Japan Time)

See program guidelines

Sapporo University Summer Program 2025

Sapporo University is offering a 13-day summer program in 2025 focused on Japanese language and culture. This program includes Japanese culture experiences, off-campus learning, interaction with local students, and language study. Participants receive a certificate of completion upon finishing the program. 

Come to learn Japanese language and study culture at Sapporo University, located in the heart of Hokkaido!

Monday, July 7, 2025 to Saturday, July 19, 2025 (13 days)

If you wish to apply, please contact the Global Learning Office at SMU.