The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 program is an initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada, aimed at fostering social and economic development in 26 eligible countries, including Francophonie and Commonwealth nations, as well as Small Island Developing States. Which commenced from 2022 to 2030, this program provides high quality education and training opportunities in Canada, focusing on priority areas aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The Canadian Development Scholarship emphasizes inclusivity and equity, ensuring that both women and men have access to learning opportunities. At least 51% of the scholarships are awarded to women. The program offers two streams which include, scholarships for studies in Canada and customized training tailored to the needs of partner countries.
Participants gain skills and knowledge to become agents of change, contributing to the development of their communities upon returning home. The program focuses on areas such as, STEM climate action, health sciences, and governance. And with $80 million CAD in funding, BCDI 2030 is a transformative initiative empowering individuals to drive socio-economic progress in Canada.
Host Institution
Canadian Universities And Institutions
Country
Canada
Field Of Study/Level
Bachelors’ Studies, Masters Degree Program, and PhD Research with focus areas on STEM, Climate Action, Health Sciences, and Governance.
Target Group
The 26 BCDI eligible countries: Ghana, Congo, South Africa, Chad, Cameroon, Centre Africa, Benin, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Tanzania, Morocco, Sao Tome, Rwanda, Madagascar, Kenya, Egypt, Gabon, Niger, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Senegal, Mauritania.
Number Of Scholarships
At least 600 students will receive the BCDI from partner countries with 51% women candidates to study in Canada.
Scholarship Benefits/Inclusions
Personal Development
The scholarship provide access to world-class education and training in Canadian institutions. Scholars benefit from exposure to advanced learning environments, innovative research opportunities, and diverse cultural experiences. They acquire critical knowledge and skills in fields aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as climate action, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), health sciences, and governance. This equips participants to tackle pressing issues in their home countries upon completion of their studies.
Community Development
The program fosters students to look in the socio-economic challenges within their home countries. Scholars return equipped with expertise to drive progress in sectors critical to development, such as healthcare, education, and sustainable development. This knowledge transfer creates a ripple effect, uplifting entire communities through improved services, enhanced infrastructure, and the establishment of innovative solutions to local problems. The program also encourages partnerships between Canadian institutions and organizations in eligible countries, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration that benefit both sides.
Networking
BCDI 2030 contributes to international challenges by nurturing a network of professionals committed to sustainable development. By focusing on fields like climate change and governance, the program enables participants to engage in global initiatives and collaborate on solutions to transnational issues. The program’s alignment with the SDGs ensures that its impact extends beyond individual and national levels, contributing to the broader goal of achieving a more equitable and sustainable world.
Inclusivity And Accessibility
By targeting individuals from developing nations, including Francophonie and Commonwealth countries as well as Small Island Developing States, BCDI 2030 ensures that those from underrepresented and vulnerable populations can access high-quality education. This democratization of learning opportunities empowers individuals to break cycles of poverty and inequality in their regions.
Financial Support
The scholarship alleviates the burden of educational expenses for participants with approximately $80 million CAD in funding, BCDI 2030 covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs, allowing scholars to focus entirely on their studies and personal growth.
Scholarship Eligibility
Citizenship From Eligible Countries
Candidates must hail from one of the 26 designated countries, including those within the Francophonie, Commonwealth nations, and Small Island Developing States. This criterion ensures inclusivity, focusing on developing nations that benefit greatly from international education and training opportunities.
Partnerships Between Institutions
Eligibility is determined through partnerships established between Canadian higher education institutions and organizations in the applicant’s country of origin. This collaboration allows applicants to access educational opportunities that align with their country’s developmental priorities.
Focus Areas
Applicants must express interest in study programs or customized training in priority areas such as climate action, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), governance, and health sciences. These fields align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote global progress.
Commitment To Development
Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing to the socio-economic development of their home country. This requirement ensures that scholarship recipients are motivated to use their acquired skills to drive positive change within their communities.
Gender Inclusion
The program emphasizes gender equity by reserving at least 51% of scholarships for women. Female applicants are encouraged to apply, reflecting the initiative’s dedication to inclusivity and empowering women as agents of change.
Application Instruction
Students must apply to the international partners of the program as individuals can not apply directly to the BCDI program. Find more information on the Explore page or you can visit the Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 platform to access your application form and get a complete information on how to apply for your scholarship.
Conclusion
The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 program offers numerous opportunities to international students. By investing in education and training, BCDI 2030 empowers individuals to create lasting change, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world for everyone. This program exemplifies the transformative power of education in addressing critical development challenges and creating a brighter future for everyone.
