Fulbright Scholar Award

Research Chairs - General and Interdisciplinary

Canada

Application Deadline
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Award Code
271429-CA
Activity Type
Research
Research includes activities involving scientific research, qualitative research, quantitative research, and practice-based research, including artistic research. Research can take place in locations such as the laboratory, the field, the archives, or an artist residency. It can be experimental, clinical, or applied. It can include examining policies, systems, theories, methods, interactions, and works of art and music, with the objective to evaluate or develop new knowledge or works. Quantifiable (tangible) outcomes can include publications (books, journal articles, scripts, etc.), conference presentations, artistic and musical compositions, exhibitions, performances, films, and patents.
Teaching/Research
A combination of teaching and research as described above. Refer to the award description for any specifications on percentages of time that should be devoted to teaching vs research.
Degree Requirements
PhD (or other terminal Degree)
Not Required
Career Profile
Early Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for no more than seven years.
Mid-Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than seven, and less than 13, years.
Professionals
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in a particular profession.
Senior Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than 13 years.
Community College Faculty
Community College Faculty
Artists
Awards are open to individuals who have more than seven years of experience in an artistic profession.

Number of recipients

Up To
4
Award Start Period
August 2027 - February 2028
Award Length
4 months - 5 months
Flex Option
No
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Projects are sought in all disciplines
Scholars selected for this award can choose to
Advise and/or mentor students
Assist in faculty, curriculum, and/or program development
Conduct a research project designated by the host institution
Conduct a research project of the applicant鈥檚 choosing
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses designated by the host institution
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses of the applicant鈥檚 choosing
Conduct a professional and/or artistic project

In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities鈥.

Award Activity

Fulbright Canada Research Chairs are pre-arranged affiliations to host exceptional scholars who conduct research important to that university. Partner universities are excited to welcome Fulbright Canada Research Chairs into campus life and encourage them to engage with students and faculty, and the broader community. You can conduct your own research, work collaboratively with new colleagues, guest lecture at university courses, mentor students, lecture in public venues, network, and promote your research while representing the Fulbright program, and your home and host institutions. For specific information about this opportunity, visit the

Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledges, Concordia University
Specializations: Indigenous knowledges as applied to diverse fields of study, including Indigenous studies, fine arts, public policy, as well as language and culture.

Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Justice and Reconciliation, King's University College at Western University
Specializations: Applicants from any Humanities or Social Science discipline are welcome. Applicants should demonstrate how past/ongoing research projects explore aspects of restorative justice and reconciliation, broadly construed.

Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Brain, Language, and Music, McGill University
Specializations: Language, speech, music, neuroscience, development, bilingualism, neuroplasticity.

Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Scholarship, McMaster University
Specializations: Indigenous knowledge, epistemologies, methodologies, across multiple disciplines.

Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Rural Aging, Population Health, and Health Systems, Thompson Rivers University
Specializations: Specializations in a variety of disciplines that could address rural aging and aging in place, vulnerable populations, global environmental shifts, rural health systems and workforce innovation, community and regional engagement (including Indigenous communities and organizations, where invited), and comparative Canada-星空传媒 policy analysis.  

Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Comparative Canada-星空传媒 Studies, Trent University
Specializations: Comparative Canada-US expertise in any area. This may include social and health policy, environmental policy or analysis, urban planning, political and economic history, law, social history, culture, language and literature, indigenous studies and security studies.

Fulbright Canada Research Chair, Universit茅 du Qu茅bec en Outaouais
Specializations: Cybersecurity; Development and Resilience to Environmental Shifts; Digital Transformation and Energy; Health, Well-being and Community-based Applied Research.

Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Popular Genre Fiction, University of Calgary
Specializations: Researcher and/or research-creation in fantasy and/or romantasy; medievalism; futurism; historical fiction; alternate history; romance.

Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Digital Humanities, University of Guelph
Specializations: Linked open data, cultural critique, or collaborative methods.

Fulbright Canada Research Chair (Field Open), University of Ottawa
Specializations: The University of Ottawa鈥檚 Fulbright Canada Chair is open to all fields, but priority will be given to research areas targeted in our .

Fulbright Canada Research Chair, University of Regina
Specializations: Mental Health and Wellness; Aging and Population Health; Public Safety Personnel/PTSI; Child Trauma; Clean Energy Technologies; Justice; Water Resilience; Extreme Weather; Digital Futures.

Fulbright Canada Research Chair, York University
Specializations: Liberal arts, Fine arts, Media, Performance and design, Sciences, Engineering, Environmental studies, Health studies, and the professions, including Business, Law, Nursing, Social work, and Education.

Locations
Location Selection: Award must be undertaken at one of the following institutions
Locations Detail



McGill University,
McMaster University, or
Thompson Rivers University,
Trent University, School for the Study of Canada


University of Guelph,


Award Length and Period

Awards should fall within the academic year and are not available for the summer months only. 

Flex
Flex allowed for only the following activity type(s):

All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).

Citizenship/Residency Requirement
Applicants residing in the award country at the time of application or thereafter are not eligible to apply for this award.
Permanent residents of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Invitation Requirement
An invitation letter is optional.
Invitation Requirement Additional Information

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their preferred host institution to discuss research interests. 

Applicants are also encouraged to include a letter of affiliation/invitation from the host faculty/department if applying for the opportunities at Universit茅 du Qu茅bec en Outaouais, University of Regina, or York University.

Language Proficiency Requirements
None, English is sufficient. However, feasibility of conducting the project must be demonstrated in the project statement
Additional Language Requirement

If proposing affiliation at a Francophone host institution, French language ability commensurate with the requirements of the project and the host institution is required. 

Additional Comments

Candidates may be considered for other Fulbright Canada award opportunities as appropriate. Identify host institutions in order of preference in the project statement and on the application form.  
Most award themes are interdisciplinary; check other  awards for additional opportunities.

Academics are expected to hold a Ph.D. or terminal degree, and professionals should have equivalent experience.

Award Allowances

Research Chair Award Grantees to Canada receive a fixed sum:
US$25,000 for one semester (four months)

Do you offer dependent benefits
No
Estimated Cost of Living

Canada has one of the strongest economies in the world and is consistently ranked as having a very high quality of life. However, it is not an inexpensive place to live. The average cost of living in Canada is US$2,200 per month. Note that Toronto is one of the most expensive cities to live in Canada (US$4,000). And the cost of living in Montreal is among the lowest for major cities in Canada (US$1,600). For additional information about how much it will cost you to live in Canada, please see the Government of Canada .

Special Award Benefits

: The incoming cohort of 星空传媒 Fulbright students and scholars to Canada are invited to a program of professional and personal development in Canada鈥檚 national capital, Ottawa, Ontario (in early September). Fulbright Canada covers local costs (accommodations, meals, activities). Up to C$1,000 is provided to reimburse travel expenses to the Fall Orientation in Ottawa, Ontario.

: Up to C$1,000 for travel expenses to a different city or region of Canada can be granted on a competitive basis.  Through this program, the scholar may present at professional conferences, offer formal presentations at other Canadian post-secondary institutions, and/or provide lectures or briefings to community groups.  Preference is given to applications with a robust agenda.

: Granted on a competitive basis, up to C$8,000 for a unique community-focused initiative that provides awards to both grantees and alumni in any area of community action.

: Granted on a competitive basis, up to C$8,000 for current grantees and alumni of 星空传媒 government (USG) sponsored exchange programs, with ideas for creative community and volunteer-based outreach projects in Canada.

: During their grant period, Fulbright 星空传媒 Scholars in the Western Hemisphere (WHA) region may apply for a short-term regional travel grant for activities such as workshops, seminars, presentations, lectures, performances, exhibits, curricular advising and similar projects at institutions in eligible WHA countries. (Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and Uruguay). 

The Regional Travel Program covers travel to and from the destination; lodging may be offered by the host institution. Scholars may only apply for this grant once they are in country on their Fulbright grant. Scholars who apply for the Flex award are ineligible for the Regional Travel Program. Additional information can be found on the . 

Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.

Canada

What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?

Get to Know Canada

Canada is home to one of the most highly educated populations in the world. Canadian universities, institutes, and internationally renowned think tanks support innovative and collaborative research. They are typically situated in vibrant multicultural cities, in proximity to Canada鈥檚 diverse natural landscapes 鈥 making for an extraordinary professional and cultural experience. While Canada and the United States share a continent, deeply-held core values, and numerous points of collaboration, the two countries have distinct historical, cultural, and political realities.

You could spend a lifetime exploring Canada鈥檚 cities and towns, national parks, lakes, ocean shores, and mountains. Whether you鈥檙e looking to stroll along a beach in British Columbia, learn more about Francophone culture, hike in the Rocky Mountains at Banff National Park, or visit Indigenous heritage and cultural centres, there is an opportunity to embrace Canada for all it has to offer!

During your grant period, you will get to know Canada鈥攖he people, languages, culture, food, climate, and so much more. You鈥檒l quickly learn that Canada offers you a safe and secure place to live, work, and travel. Canada consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for quality of life. 

Additional Resources

To learn more about Fulbright 星空传媒 Scholar awards in Canada for 2027-28, please view our archived webinar and slides to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission, IIE staff and 星空传媒 Scholar alums regarding award details, the scholar experience and application guidance.

Please visit the for more information about Canada鈥檚 higher-educational institutions.

Activities for Every Season

Canada is a utopia for anyone looking to get active in the great outdoors. Due to the unique climate that each season brings and its geographic diversity, you鈥檒l have the perfect setting for almost any sport, exercise, or activity you may want:

  • In the summer, you can go boating on one of the many lakes, swim in the ocean, or play beach volleyball. It鈥檚 also a great season to be a tourist in Canada by exploring one of the many national parks, visiting local beaches, dining out on a restaurant patio soaking up the sun, or enjoying a bonfire with friends.

  • During the fall, you鈥檒l love exploring the countryside to see the splendor of the autumn leaves, hiking up a mountain or through a park on a crisp day, and generally enjoying the outdoors with your friends. Fall is also a great time to explore Canada鈥檚 vibrant cities and historic towns.

  • Once winter comes, it鈥檚 time to grab your snow gear and join in some great Canadian fun! You can learn to ski or snowshoe, build a snowman, have a snowball fight with your friends, or simply enjoy the peaceful sound of walking through the quiet winter woods.

  • Spring is a time for renewal in Canada, as the birds return from the south and flowers bloom in the gardens. It鈥檚 also 鈥渟ugaring off鈥 season, where you鈥檒l discover how sap is collected and boiled to create 70% of the world鈥檚 maple syrup. The best part? Eating maple taffy poured hot on snow.

The Canadians you meet will impress you all year long with their warmth.  Enjoy this opportunity to get to know Canadians and introduce your culture.

Multiculturalism in Canada

Multiculturalism is fundamental to Canadian identity. Not only does Canada have two official languages (English and French), Canadian culture includes people and cultures from around the world. The Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, enshrined in the Constitution, prohibits discrimination. Each province and territory in Canada also have respective human rights codes. Canadians have a strong sense of justice and care about ensuring people鈥檚 rights are upheld in all facets of their lives. A commitment to equality makes Canada a sought-after destination for international students. 

Previous Fulbright Recipients

Hear from Our Alumni

The time, space, and access to resources through Fulbright Canada have allowed me to make great progress on my research.鈥&苍产蝉辫;&苍产蝉辫;
鈥2024-25 Fulbright Canada Research Chair

My Fulbright Canada Research Chair experience has been incredible on multiple levels. It has not only enriched my research experiences through cross-disciplinary, cross-institutional, and cross-country collaboration but has also expanded my cultural repertoire and broadened my global horizon. These invaluable experiences will significantly strengthen my future work, enabling me to provide local and global services with a deeper appreciation for social, cultural, and historical contexts."  
鈥2023-24 Fulbright Canada Research Chair

Above all, creative and intellectual work takes time and resources. Fulbright Canada has afforded me both. My work is richer for this experience.鈥&苍产蝉辫;
鈥2022-23 Fulbright Canada Research Chair

My Fulbright Canada Research Chair experience was awesome, for both intellectual stimulation, and for a further cultural understanding of Canada.鈥&苍产蝉辫;
鈥2016-17 Fulbright Canada Research Chair

Alumni Databases

Our interactive database for Fulbright Canada scholars can be browsed here: . You can reach out to our Public Affairs team if you would like to contact us or learn more about any of our grantees or partner institutions. We will also be happy to work with you to make the appropriate connections. Access Canadian alumni in the global Fulbright Scholar Directory here: Fulbright Scholar Directory - Canada Alumni.

Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.