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

Herstart International Fellowship Opportunities for 2025

Applications Open!

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

• February 2nd: Deadline to apply for the May 2025 cohort

• June 2nd: Deadline to apply for the September 2025 cohort

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 2025 join a global movement to accelerate social innovation and sustainable development! Ready to apply? ➡️ 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

University of Seoul International Research Internship Program

The University of Seoul is delighted to host the International Research Internship Program, designed for students from our global partner universities. This program provides a unique opportunity to engage in academic research and cultural exchange in the vibrant city of Seoul, South Korea.

Download the program brochure here

Please note: Interested students should contact the SMU Global Learning Office to express their interest before applying to the host university.

Call for applications: Virtual Internships at IOHE

The Inter-American Organization for Higher Education (IOHE) has announced a call for applications for the 2025 Virtual Internship program at the Executive Secretariat. The program is designed for last year students or recent graduates (maximum one year) from members of the IOHE.

The deadline for submitting applications is February 28 (5 pm, Montreal time). The application link is here.

High North Young Entrepreneur Award 2025

The High North Young Entrepreneur contest is an international pitch competition of Arctic-related business ideas of young entrepreneurs and start-ups. The goal of the contest is to promote the potential and opportunities of the High North for young people and to encourage them to develop their business ideas for the sustainable North.

View award brochure here

You can  apply if:

• You have an individual start-up or you are a part of a company

• Even just with a good start-up idea as individual (registered company is not required)

• You or your company can be located in any country and sphere and your idea is focused and related to the Arctic

  • All projects from Northern area are eligible

  • Projects from areas outside the Arctic need to show relevance to the Arctic

• The company is not older than five years of the start-up date

• The applicant can be the idea generator or the one who will execute the idea in practice or any other person, related to the idea

• The applicant’s age is up to 40 years old

We especially encourage projects from Bioeconomy, clean energy, health and welfare, ocean, smart society, creative industries, tourism, and the green shift areas.

Key Evaluation Criteria

• Relevance to the North

• Quality of the project application and business plan elements

• The inovativeness / originality of the idea

Try to tell us why your idea is unique, important, and doable.

How to Apply?

• You can apply via this application form: Click here.

• Please, follow the prescribed limitation in characters, given in the application form.

• You are allowed to send one attachment max 30 MB (no more than 3 pages).

• The deadline for applications is February 5, 2024.

The Global Arctic Leadership Initiative

The Global Arctic Leadership Initiative (GALI) fund is now open for applications! Global Affairs Canada’s GALI funding program aims to strengthen Canada’s global leadership in the Arctic. Supported through Global Affairs, funding is delivered through Memorial University with two funding opportunities (listed below).

GALI funding gives researchers the opportunity to fund projects that focus on enhancing Canada's leadership in the Arctic and fostering collaborations in the Circumpolar North.

The two funding opportunities include the Indigenous and Northern Collaborative Research and Education Engagement Fund and the Indigenous and Northern Relationship Development Fund.

Northern Collaborative Research and Education Engagement Fund:

The purpose of this fund is to support researchers with established relationships and partnerships in the Arctic who are interested in continuing their research and education programs in the region in keeping with the UArctic values, Memorial University’s Policy on Research Impacting Indigenous Groups, and supporting priorities within Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework.

This fund is a maximum total of $40,000 over a 1-year duration.

Northern Relationship Development Fund:

The purpose of this fund is to help researchers at all UArctic member institutions, those in the North and those in the South, establish new relationships or strengthen the existing ones in order to develop collaborative, co-created research projects based on mutual respect and acknowledgment of the deep understanding and knowledge Indigenous and Northern people bring to such projects while ensuring that the academic research and engagement projects meet the needs of the people and the regions where such research takes place.

This fund is a maximum total of $15,000 over a 1-year duration.

Who can apply for these funds:

UArctic and Memorial University encourage engagement between Northern Canadian UArctic member institutions, other Canadian members, and other UArctic member institutions for these initiatives. The lead applicant must come from a Canadian Arctic/Northern UArctic member institution. A complete and updated list of member institutions can be found on the UArctic website.

Due Date for applications:

February 15, 2025

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Lisa Goulet, Membership Engagement Coordinator for Canadian UArctic members.

For full application criteria, procedures, timelines, eligible funding costs, and a link to the application portal, please see the following website.

We are also pleased to present the attached infographic as an overview of the distribution and focus of the funding. The visual report of UArctic funding demonstrates the impact of strategic investment on both research and community engagement.