Scholarship Overview
The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme is funded by Global Affairs Canada to strengthen people-to-people ties between Canada and the Indo-Pacific region while contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable development in ASEAN countries. This unique scholarship enables Myanmar students currently enrolled at Myanmar universities to undertake short-term study or research exchanges at Canadian institutions without paying Canadian tuition fees.
SEED provides exceptional opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to spend 4-8 months (one or two academic terms) studying or conducting research at top Canadian universities like University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, McGill, Dalhousie, and many others. The programme focuses on fields aligned with the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly development studies, public health, environmental science, engineering, agriculture, education, and social sciences. Scholars return to Myanmar to complete their degrees while bringing valuable knowledge and international connections.
What Makes SEED Special?
Unlike full-degree scholarships, SEED is a SHORT-TERM EXCHANGE programme - you remain enrolled at your Myanmar university while studying in Canada for 4-8 months! This is perfect for students who want international experience without interrupting their degree programme. You'll experience Canadian education, build networks, conduct research, earn credits (transferable to your home university), and return to Myanmar with enhanced skills. Plus, Canadian institutions waive tuition fees, and you receive living allowances! It's an accessible way to gain Canadian academic experience without long-term commitment.
Scholarship Details
Scholarship Name
Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED)
- Funded by Global Affairs Canada
- Part of Canada's International Scholarships Program
- Aims to achieve 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- Focuses on poverty reduction and development in ASEAN region
Canadian Host Institutions
Participating Canadian Universities Across All Provinces
Study at ANY Canadian post-secondary institution willing to host you! Popular choices include University of British Columbia (UBC), University of Toronto, McGill University, Dalhousie University, University of Alberta, York University, Concordia University, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, University of Calgary, University of Waterloo, and many more across Canada's provinces. Students work with their Myanmar university's international office to connect with Canadian partner institutions.
Category
Funded by Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. Competitive scholarship programme targeting academically strong students with commitment to sustainable development and poverty reduction in ASEAN region.
Eligible Fields of Study
Focus on SDGs: Studies or research must align with UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demonstrate commitment to combating poverty and narrowing development gap in Myanmar/ASEAN. Clinical training or patient-care research NOT eligible.
Programme Level & Duration
Undergraduate Students
4 months (1 term) or 8 months (2 terms)
CAD $10,200 or $15,900Graduate Students (Master's & PhD)
4 months, 5-6 months, or 8 months
CAD $10,200, $12,700, or $15,900Important: This is a SHORT-TERM EXCHANGE - NOT a full degree programme! You remain enrolled full-time at your Myanmar university and return after the exchange to complete your studies. Scholarships are NOT renewable or deferrable.
Location
🇨🇦 Canada - All Provinces & Territories
Study anywhere across Canada! Popular provinces and cities:
- British Columbia: Vancouver (UBC, SFU), Victoria
- Ontario: Toronto (U of T, York), Ottawa (Carleton, uOttawa), Kingston (Queen's)
- Quebec: Montreal (McGill, Concordia), Quebec City (Laval)
- Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton (U of A)
- Nova Scotia: Halifax (Dalhousie)
- Other Provinces: Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador
Application Process: You cannot apply directly! Your Myanmar university nominates you, then a Canadian institution submits application on your behalf. Contact your university's international office!
Application Timeline
Programme Announced
January - February 2027
Global Affairs Canada announces SEED programme for 2027-28
Contact Your University
February - Early March 2027
Approach Myanmar university international office ASAP - internal deadlines are earlier!
Canadian Institution Deadline
March 31, 2027 (11:59 PM EDT)
Canadian universities must submit applications on your behalf
Results Announced
Late June 2027
Canadian institutions notified of successful candidates
Arrival in Canada
August 1 - October 1, 2027
Begin exchange studies/research in Fall 2027
Critical: Myanmar universities set their OWN internal deadlines (often early March or earlier) to prepare applications. Contact your international office in January/February - don't wait until March 31!
Scholarship Coverage
Living Allowance
CAD $10,200 - $15,900
$10,200 (4 months) | $12,700 (5-6 months grad) | $15,900 (8 months undergrad/college)
Tuition Fee Waiver
100% at Canadian Institution
Canadian host university waives tuition for exchange period (must maintain enrollment at Myanmar university)
Travel NOT Included
Student Responsibility
International airfare NOT covered - students must arrange and pay for flights to/from Canada
Health Insurance
Student Responsibility
Must obtain health insurance coverage for duration of stay in Canada
Study/Research Support
Included
Access to Canadian institution facilities, libraries, labs, and academic resources
Study Permit Fees
Student Responsibility
Must apply and pay for Canadian study permit/visa (CAD $150)
📊 Scholarship Funding Breakdown
CAD $10,200 - $15,900
4 months (1 term): CAD $10,200 | 5-6 months (grad only): CAD $12,700 | 8 months (2 terms): CAD $15,900 | Plus tuition waiver at Canadian institution (value varies)
Important Financial Note: The allowance covers living expenses in Canada (accommodation, food, local transport). You MUST budget for international airfare (approximately $1,000-1,500 USD), study permit fees ($150 CAD), health insurance (~$500-800 CAD for duration), and maintain tuition payments at your Myanmar home university.
Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Citizenship Requirements
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Must be citizens of ASEAN member states (Myanmar included)
-
Cannot hold or have pending Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
🎓 Academic & Enrollment Requirements (CRITICAL!)
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Must be enrolled FULL-TIME at a Myanmar university at time of application
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Must continue paying tuition to Myanmar university during entire exchange period
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Cannot be enrolled in degree/diploma/certificate programme at Canadian institution (exchange only!)
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Must return to Myanmar university after exchange to complete studies
📚 Study/Research Focus
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Studies/research must align with UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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Must demonstrate commitment to use learning to combat poverty and narrow development gap in Myanmar
-
Cannot engage in clinical training or patient-care oriented research
🔗 Partnership Requirements
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Your Myanmar university must have agreement/partnership with Canadian institution (or be willing to establish one)
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For undergraduate: Requires MOU/agreement with tuition waiver clause
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For graduate research: Agreement recommended but not required
📄 Required Documents (Prepared by Universities)
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Proof of Citizenship: Passport or national ID with photo and valid dates
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Letter of Intent (1 page max): Your statement explaining study/research plan, rationale, SDG alignment, poverty reduction commitment
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Proof of Full-Time Enrollment: Official letter from Myanmar university on letterhead (dated within 6 months)
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Letter of Support from Myanmar University (1 page max): From instructor/professor/international director
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Letter of Invitation from Canadian Supervisor (grad only, 1 page max): Confirms supervision and mentorship
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Signed MOU/Agreement: Between Myanmar and Canadian institutions (must include tuition waiver clause)
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Signed Privacy Notice Statement: Dated within 6 months
CRITICAL - Cannot Apply Directly: Students CANNOT apply directly to Global Affairs Canada! Your Myanmar university nominates you, then a Canadian institution submits the application on your behalf. Contact your university's international office EARLY (January/February) as internal deadlines are typically 2-4 weeks before March 31!
Application Deadline
Canadian Institution Deadline
11:59 PM EDT (9:29 AM Myanmar Time, April 1)
Canadian universities submit on your behalf
⏱️ Time Remaining (Until March 31, 2027)
Contact your university international office NOW!
📋 Important Deadline Information
- March 31, 2027 (11:59 PM EDT): Final deadline for Canadian institutions to submit applications
- Myanmar University Internal Deadlines: Often early-mid March or earlier - contact your international office!
- Late June 2027: Results announced to Canadian institutions
- August 1 - October 1, 2027: Exchange period begins (Fall 2027 intake only)
ACT EARLY: Don't wait until March! Your Myanmar university needs weeks to prepare nomination. Canadian institutions need time to submit. Start conversations with international office in January/February 2027. Late applications CANNOT be accepted!
How to Apply
Contact Your University International Office (January-February)
Approach your Myanmar university's international office or student exchange coordinator in January or early February 2027. Ask about SEED scholarship, Canadian partner institutions, and internal application procedures. DO NOT wait until March!
Identify Canadian Institution & Programme
Work with your university to identify Canadian partner institutions. Research programmes/professors aligned with your studies and SDG-focused research interests. For graduate students, contact potential Canadian supervisors early to secure invitation letters.
Prepare Required Documents
Gather all documents: passport/ID copy, Letter of Intent (max 1 page explaining your plan, SDG alignment, poverty reduction commitment), academic transcripts, proof of enrollment. Ensure all letters are on official letterhead and dated within 6 months!
Write Strong Letter of Intent
Craft compelling 1-page letter explaining: nature of study/research in Canada, rationale for institution choice, how it relates to career, SDG alignment (which specific SDG?), commitment to combat poverty in Myanmar, how you'll apply learning upon return. Be specific and passionate!
Myanmar University Nominates You
Your Myanmar university reviews your application, provides Letter of Support, and officially nominates you to Canadian partner institution. This process takes time - why you must start early!
Canadian Institution Submits Application
Canadian university compiles your nomination, adds their Letter of Invitation (for grads), verifies MOU/partnership agreement, and submits complete application to Global Affairs Canada online portal by March 31, 2027 (11:59 PM EDT).
Await Results & Prepare for Canada
Global Affairs Canada reviews applications. Results announced late June 2027 to Canadian institutions, who notify successful candidates. If selected, apply for study permit immediately, arrange accommodation, book flights, prepare for departure between August 1 - October 1!
📌 Critical Application Process Notes:
- Student Cannot Apply Directly: Only Canadian institutions can submit applications - you must work through university channels
- Start in January: Internal university processes take weeks - don't wait until March!
- Partnership Required: Your Myanmar university must have relationship with Canadian institution
- Focus on SDGs: Every part of application must clearly link to Sustainable Development Goals and poverty reduction
- Fall 2027 Only: SEED only accepts Fall term arrivals (August-October) - no winter/spring intake
Pro Tips for Success
Start EARLY - January is Key
This cannot be emphasized enough! Myanmar universities often set internal deadlines in early-mid March (2-4 weeks before March 31) to prepare nominations. Canadian institutions need time to compile and submit. Contact your international office in January, not March!
Clear SDG Alignment is CRITICAL
This scholarship is ALL about sustainable development! Your Letter of Intent must clearly identify which specific SDG(s) your study/research addresses (poverty, health, education, climate, etc.) and provide concrete explanation of how it will help combat poverty in Myanmar. Be specific, not generic!
Leverage Existing Partnerships
Check if your Myanmar university already has MOUs with Canadian institutions - this dramatically simplifies process! If not, ask international office about establishing connections. Universities with strong Canada ties have higher success rates.
Letter of Intent: Quality Over Quantity
You only get 1 page! Make every sentence count. Don't waste space on generic statements. Be specific about: exact research/study plan, why this Canadian institution/professor, which SDG and how specifically you'll address it, concrete plans to apply learning in Myanmar. Show genuine passion and realistic commitment!
For Grad Students: Secure Canadian Supervisor Early
If you're graduate student, start identifying and contacting potential Canadian supervisors in December/January. Their Letter of Invitation is required! Email professors whose research aligns with yours, explain your SDG-focused project, and request supervision during exchange.
Budget for Additional Costs
SEED allowance covers living expenses, but NOT flights or visa! Budget minimum CAD/USD $2,000-2,500 for: international airfare ($1,000-1,500), study permit ($150), health insurance ($500-800), settling costs. Start saving early or seek additional funding sources.
Maintain Strong Home University Relationship
You MUST remain enrolled full-time at Myanmar university and pay tuition there throughout exchange. Discuss credit transfer options BEFORE applying. Ensure your exchange courses will count toward your Myanmar degree - don't waste time on non-transferable credits!
Demonstrate Future Impact
Selection committee wants to see how this exchange creates lasting development impact. Explain specific ways you'll share learning with Myanmar peers, contribute to your home institution, apply research to Myanmar context, and advance sustainable development. Think beyond just "learning for myself"!
Need Help?
🇨🇦 EduCanada Official Website
Official SEED programme information and guidelines from Global Affairs Canada
Visit EduCanada →🏫 Your University International Office
Start here! Contact your Myanmar university's international office for nomination process
Visit Your University →🇨🇦 Canadian Universities
Contact international offices at Canadian partner institutions for details
Find Canadian Universities →Ready for Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship?
Contact your Myanmar university international office in January 2027 to start the nomination process!