International Affairs Fellowship in Canada 2027–28 – $110,000 Stipend

The International Affairs Fellowship in Canada 2027–28 is a Council on Foreign Relations fellowship for mid-career U.S. professionals interested in Canada and U.S.-Canada relations. Fellows spend six to twelve months at a Canadian institution. A twelve-month fellowship provides a $110,000 stipend, while shorter fellowships receive a prorated amount, along with a modest travel allowance.

Quick Overview

Programme: International Affairs Fellowship in Canada
Opportunity Type: International Affairs Fellowship
Organization: Council on Foreign Relations
Country: Canada
Duration: Six to twelve months
Programme Format: Full-time and in-person
Stipend: $110,000 for twelve months, prorated for shorter periods
Application Cycle: 2027–28

About the International Affairs Fellowship in Canada

Launched in 2016, the International Affairs Fellowship in Canada is sponsored by Power Corporation of Canada.

The programme seeks to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between rising generations of leaders and thinkers in the United States and Canada.

It enables mid-career U.S. professionals to spend six to twelve months at a Canadian institution and deepen their knowledge of Canada.

Applicants may come from professional backgrounds including:

• Academia
• Business
• Government
• Journalism
• NGOs
• Think tanks

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

Also read: U.S. Treasury International Affairs Junior Fellowship 2027–2029

Fellowship Award and Financial Support

The fellowship provides financial support based on the length of the selected fellow’s placement.

Confirmed support includes:

✓ $110,000 stipend for a twelve-month fellowship

✓ Prorated stipend for a fellowship shorter than twelve months

✓ Modest travel allowance

Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than CFR employees. Therefore, they are not eligible for CFR employment benefits, including health insurance.

The programme also states that indirect costs cannot be deducted from the fellowship stipend.

Fellowship Placement in Canada

CFR assists selected fellows in finding a host organisation that matches their proposed work in Canada.

However, placements remain at the discretion of the host institution. CFR does not guarantee placement with a particular agency or organisation.

The fellowship is a full-time, in-person experience. Fellows should expect to work on-site with their Canadian host organisation at least four days each week.

Check: World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026 in Korea (Fully Funded)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements established for the International Affairs Fellowship in Canada.

Candidates must:

• Be U.S. citizens.

• Be mid-career professionals.

• Have a strong record of professional achievement.

• Demonstrate a commitment to a career in foreign policy.

• Have an interest in U.S.-Canada relations.

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree.

• Have a U.S. passport valid through six months after the fellowship end date.

The programme encourages applications from professionals across different academic and professional backgrounds.

Required Application Materials

Candidates applying for the fellowship are required to provide:

• Basic biographical information

• Educational information

• Employment information

• Project proposal

• Proposed placements in Canada

• Two letters of support

Applicants should prepare a proposal that clearly explains the work they intend to undertake during the fellowship and its connection to U.S.-Canada relations.

Selection Process

The International Affairs Fellowship in Canada has a competitive selection process.

CFR awards approximately one to two fellowships each year. Strong preference is given to applicants who have not previously received a CFR fellowship.

Candidates are assessed according to:

• Scholarly qualifications and/or professional experience

• Merit and feasibility of the proposed research on U.S.-Canada relations

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

• The contribution the fellowship could make to the applicant’s professional development

Explore: Marshall Scholarship 2027 Application: Deadlines and Process

Application for the 2027–28 Fellowship Cycle

CFR states that eligible candidates may apply in the fall for the 2027–28 International Affairs Fellowship in Canada cycle.

The CFR fellowship submission portal lists the 2027–28 International Affairs Fellowship in Canada among its fellowship application opportunities.

Selected awardees are expected to be notified by spring 2027.

Official Link

Submit your application through the official CFR fellowship application portal below.

Apply for the 2027–28 International Affairs Fellowship in Canada