International Affairs Fellowship in Canada 2027 to 2028

Applications are now open for the International Affairs Fellowship in Canada 2027 to 2028, a prestigious fellowship programme sponsored by Power Corporation of Canada and administered by the Council on Foreign Relations. The fellowship is designed for mid career professionals in the United States who want to deepen their knowledge of Canada and strengthen their understanding of United States and Canada relations.

Launched in 2016, the International Affairs Fellowship in Canada seeks to promote greater mutual understanding and cooperation between emerging generations of leaders and thinkers in the United States and Canada. The programme gives selected fellows an opportunity to spend between six and twelve months at a Canadian institution while pursuing an approved project related to United States and Canada relations.

The fellowship welcomes professionals from a wide range of backgrounds, including academia, business, government, journalism, nongovernmental organizations and think tanks. Applicants do not need previous professional experience working in Canada or writing about Canada to be considered.

The programme provides a USD 110,000 stipend for a twelve month fellowship, or a prorated amount when the fellowship lasts for a shorter period, together with a modest travel allowance. Fellows undertake the programme full time and in person at a Canadian host organization, normally working on site at least four days each week.

About the Fellowship

The International Affairs Fellowship in Canada provides mid career American professionals with an opportunity to develop deeper expertise on Canada through direct engagement with Canadian institutions and professionals.

During the fellowship, participants work on an approved research or professional project concerning an aspect of United States and Canada relations. The experience is intended to give fellows a deeper understanding of Canadian policymaking, institutions, society and the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The Council on Foreign Relations assists selected fellows in identifying a Canadian host organization that matches their proposed work. However, placement decisions are made by the host institution, and the Council on Foreign Relations cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization or agency.

The fellowship is highly competitive, with only one or two fellowships awarded each year. A strong preference is given to candidates who have not previously received a Council on Foreign Relations fellowship.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows will receive:

• A USD 110,000 stipend for a twelve month fellowship.

• A prorated stipend when the fellowship lasts for fewer than twelve months.

• A modest travel allowance.

• A six to twelve month professional and research experience in Canada.

• Assistance from the Council on Foreign Relations in identifying a suitable Canadian host organization.

• A full time, in person fellowship placement.

• Opportunities to engage with Canadian institutions and professionals.

• An opportunity to deepen knowledge of Canada and United States and Canada relations.

• Professional development through an intensive international affairs experience.

Fellowship Areas

The International Affairs Fellowship in Canada is suitable for professionals working across a range of fields connected to international affairs and public policy.

Potential professional backgrounds include:

• Academia and higher education.

• Business and the private sector.

• Government and public policy.

• Journalism and media.

• Nongovernmental organizations.

• Think tanks and policy research institutions.

• Foreign policy and international affairs.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the International Affairs Fellowship in Canada 2027 to 2028, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of the United States.

• Be a mid career professional.

• Have a strong record of professional achievement.

• Demonstrate a commitment to a career in foreign policy.

• Have an interest in United States and Canada relations.

• Hold at least a bachelor's degree.

• Hold a United States passport that remains valid for at least six months after the fellowship end date.

Applicants from academia, business, government, journalism, nongovernmental organizations and think tanks are encouraged to apply.

Previous professional experience working in Canada or writing about Canada is not required.

Required Application Materials

Applicants will need to provide:

• Basic biographical information.

• Educational information.

• Employment information.

• A project proposal related to an aspect of United States and Canada relations.

• Proposed Canadian placements or host organizations.

• Two letters of support.

Selection Criteria

The International Affairs Fellowship in Canada is highly competitive and only one or two fellowships are awarded each year.

Applications are assessed based on:

• Scholarly qualifications and professional experience.

• The merits of the proposed project.

• The feasibility of the proposed research or professional project.

• The relevance of the project to United States and Canada relations.

• Character and personal qualities that support cross cultural communication and cooperation.

• The potential contribution of the fellowship to the applicant's career development.

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements for the International Affairs Fellowship in Canada 2027 to 2028.
2. Confirm that you are a United States citizen and hold a valid United States passport.
3. Prepare a project proposal focused on an aspect of United States and Canada relations.
4. Identify potential Canadian host organizations or placements that align with your proposed project.
5. Prepare your biographical, educational and employment information.
6. Obtain two letters of support from appropriate professional or academic contacts.
7. Complete the online application through the Council on Foreign Relations application platform.
8. Review your application carefully to ensure that the project proposal, proposed placements and supporting materials are complete.
9. Submit your application by October 30, 2026.
10. Successful applicants will be notified by spring 2027.