Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (Funded)
The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030, officially known as BCDI 2030, is a Canadian international development programme funded by Global Affairs Canada.
The programme uses higher education and technical training to support social and economic development in 26 eligible partner countries. It focuses on increasing access to quality education, improving employment opportunities, strengthening institutions, and supporting participants who can contribute to development in their home countries.
BCDI 2030 has a total funding envelope of CAD $80 million and operates through two main streams. Stream 1 provides scholarships for study and training in Canada, while Stream 2 supports institutional partnerships between Canadian and partner-country higher education institutions.
There is an important point for students searching online for the Canadian International Development Scholarships: this is not a scholarship with one central application form.
The Government of Canada states that individuals cannot apply directly to BCDI 2030. Instead, eligible Canadian higher education institutions and their partner institutions in the 26 countries develop funded scholarship projects. Those institutions then announce their own calls for applicants and select scholars according to the project’s rules and admission requirements.
The programme is scheduled as an eight-year initiative covering 2022 to 2030, but that does not mean there is one single “2030 scholarship intake.” Different projects can have different study periods, fields, eligibility rules, and application dates.
Some funded projects already include scholarship opportunities with cohorts extending into 2027, 2028, and 2029, making the programme relevant to students planning future study or research in Canada.
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Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 – Quick Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Programme | Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) |
| Country | Canada |
| Funding Government | Global Affairs Canada |
| Programme Period | 2022–2030 |
| Total Funding | CAD $80 million |
| Eligible Countries | 26 partner countries |
| Main Scholarship Stream | Stream 1 – Scholarships for Studies in Canada |
| Other Stream | Stream 2 – Institutional Partnerships |
| Target Beneficiaries | More than 7,000 direct beneficiaries across the wider programme |
| Study-in-Canada Scholars | Approximately 600 |
| Women Target | At least 51% of scholarship recipients |
| Key Areas | STEM, AI, climate action, green and blue economy, health sciences, governance and administration |
| Study Options | College training, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, research stays, internships and other approved activities |
| Direct Individual Application | No |
| Application Route | Through participating partner institutions/projects |
| Pakistan | Not among the 26 BCDI 2030 partner countries |
| Programme Status | Active |
| 2030 Deadline | No single programme-wide student deadline |
What Are Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030?
The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 are part of a large international development programme designed to use education as a tool for social and economic development.
The programme is funded by Global Affairs Canada and jointly administered by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and Universities Canada (UnivCan), in partnership with regional and higher education organisations.
Rather than sending students through a single national scholarship portal, BCDI 2030 works through institutional partnerships.
A Canadian university, college, or institute partners with an eligible higher education institution in one of the 26 countries. The partners then design a scholarship project around a particular development need.
The project may provide a full academic programme in Canada, a short-term research placement, a mobility stay, technical training, or another approved form of education.
The scholarship selection is then handled by the participating institutions rather than by the BCDI 2030 programme office itself.
Who Funds BCDI 2030?
The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 programme is funded by Global Affairs Canada.
The programme has a total funding commitment of approximately CAD $80 million.
BCDI 2030 is designed as an eight-year initiative running from 2022 to 2030.
The current programme website says that more than 7,000 people are expected to benefit directly across its activities, with at least 51% women among the programme’s direct beneficiaries.
For the specific Stream 1 scholarship component, the Government of Canada describes approximately 600 scholars receiving study and training opportunities in Canada.
The different numbers refer to the broader programme and its specific study-in-Canada scholarship stream, so they should not be treated as interchangeable.
Two Main Streams of the Programme
The Canadian International Development Scholarships programme operates through two major streams.
Stream 1: Scholarships for Studies in Canada
This is the part most students are interested in.
Stream 1 provides scholarships for education and training in Canada through projects developed by Canadian and international partner institutions.
The study options can include:
- College-level training
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral study
- Research stays
- Research internships
- Mobility programmes
- Short-term studies
- Professional or technical training
- Postdoctoral opportunities in eligible projects
The programme rules allow different study formats depending on the funded project.
Stream 2: Institutional Partnerships
Stream 2 focuses on strengthening higher education institutions in partner countries.
This can involve institutional capacity building, staff development, leadership training, curriculum development, research collaboration, and other activities.
Stream 2 is not simply a student scholarship programme.
A student should therefore not confuse a BCDI institutional-partnership announcement with an open application for an individual scholarship.
How the Scholarship System Works
The most important feature of the Canadian International Development Scholarships is the project-based model.
The process generally works like this:
Canadian institution + partner institution: A Canadian higher education institution works with an eligible institution in one of the 26 partner countries.
Project development: The institutions design a scholarship or training project connected to development priorities.
Project approval: BCDI 2030 provides funding to selected projects.
Student recruitment: The participating partner institutions launch their own calls for applications.
Selection: The institutions select scholars using predetermined criteria and the academic admission requirements of the Canadian programme.
Study or training in Canada: Successful scholars complete the approved programme, research stay, internship, or training.
Return and contribution: BCDI 2030 is designed so that scholars use their knowledge and skills to contribute to development in their home countries.
This structure means students need to follow individual project announcements rather than waiting for one universal BCDI 2030 application form.
Who Is Eligible for Canadian International Development Scholarships?
There is no one universal student eligibility list covering every BCDI 2030 scholarship.
The Government of Canada states that eligibility works through the partnership projects, and each participating institution establishes selection criteria consistent with BCDI 2030 rules and the admission requirements of the programme of study.
Depending on the project, applicants may need to be:
- Students at a named partner institution
- Faculty members of a partner institution
- Researchers
- Staff or managers at an eligible partner institution
- Applicants from a particular country
- Students in a particular academic year
- Applicants studying a specific subject
Some projects require applicants to return to their home institution after studying in Canada.
Other projects are specifically designed for graduate researchers or professors.
This is why applicants should never use a generic BCDI eligibility checklist without first identifying the exact project.
Eligible Countries
The current BCDI 2030 programme identifies 26 eligible countries:
- Benin
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Egypt
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea-Bissau
- Haiti
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Niger
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
The official BCDI 2030 programme and Colleges and Institutes Canada pages use this 26-country list for the programme.
Is Pakistan Eligible?
Pakistan is not included in the current BCDI 2030 list of 26 partner countries.
This is an important distinction because Canada’s broader international scholarship information has historically included Pakistan among countries eligible for some other Canadian development scholarship programmes.
That broader list should not be confused with the specific BCDI 2030 eligibility list.
Therefore, a student living in Pakistan cannot assume that they can apply for BCDI 2030 simply because Pakistan appears on another Canadian scholarship page.
Eligibility must be checked against the specific BCDI 2030 programme and project.
What Fields of Study Are Supported?
BCDI 2030 is focused on subjects connected to development needs in partner countries.
The programme’s key thematic areas include:
- STEM
- Artificial intelligence
- Green and blue economy
- Climate action
- Health sciences
- Governance and administration
Individual scholarship projects can be more specialised.
For example, current BCDI 2030 projects include work involving cybersecurity, digital agriculture, water science, food security, artificial intelligence, coastal management, biomedical devices, green energy, sustainable tourism, orthotics and prosthetics, and other fields.
This means that students should search the project’s subject area rather than assuming that every academic discipline is available.
What Study Levels Are Available?
The Canadian International Development Scholarships can support multiple forms of education.
The BCDI 2030 programme rules identify four broad types of scholarship activities.
Full Programme of Study in Canada
A scholar may be enrolled in a regular Canadian college or university programme.
Depending on the approved project, this can include:
- Undergraduate study
- Graduate study
- Doctoral study
- Other approved professional or technical programmes
The maximum duration of a scholarship project can be up to four years, while the exact duration is determined by the project.
Research or Mobility Stay
A student can remain enrolled at a partner institution in their home country and travel to Canada for one or two semesters of study or research.
This route is different from enrolling in a full Canadian degree.
Custom-Made Training
Some projects provide specially designed training leading to a certificate, attestation, diploma, or another recognised educational outcome.
Research Internships and Other Short Programmes
Projects can also include research internships, short-term study, professional training, mobility stays, and similar activities.
The exact format is determined by each funded project.
Is the Scholarship Fully Funded?
The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 programme is funded by the Canadian Government, but it is not accurate to say that every BCDI 2030 scholarship has one identical fully funded package.
Funding is project-specific.
Some projects provide full scholarships for a complete Master’s degree or another programme, while others offer research internships, mobility stays, short-term training, or specialised educational opportunities.
The BCDI 2030 programme’s published project pages do not use one universal stipend, airfare, accommodation, and tuition package for all scholarships.
Therefore, students should check the exact funded project to determine whether it covers:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Airfare
- Living allowance
- Insurance
- Study materials
- Research expenses
- Visa-related costs
- Other travel or settlement support
A project may cover some or all of these costs depending on its approved budget and design.
Examples of Funded Scholarship Projects
The current BCDI 2030 project database shows a variety of real scholarship projects.
Coastal Management Scholarships for Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire
One current project led by the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR) offers 19 scholarships over three academic years from 2026–27 through 2028–29.
The project supports students from partner institutions in Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire.
Study options include areas such as:
- Maritime resource management
- Oceanography
- Natural-disaster risk analysis
- Fish farming
- Bivalve farming
- Marine and coastal management
The project lists application periods in January 2026, 2027, and 2028, with internal recruitment through the participating partner institutions.
Green Economy Training in Tanzania
Another project led by Nova Scotia Community College supports students from Tanzania in green economy and tourism-related training.
The project provides 14 scholarship positions and includes an eight-month stay in Canada.
The project lists recruitment for winter 2026, 2027, and 2028 for students beginning in September of those years.
Artificial Intelligence and Governance in Tunisia
A BCDI 2030 project involving Université TÉLUQ and the University of Sfax in Tunisia provides research internships and doctoral cotutelle opportunities connected with:
- Artificial intelligence
- Governance
- Green economy
- Computer science
- Sustainable development
The research internship route is designed for Master’s and doctoral students and lists application periods from May to July in 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028.
These examples show why BCDI 2030 should be understood as a collection of funded projects rather than one scholarship with one application deadline.
Can Women Apply?
Yes.
Gender equality is a major part of the Canadian International Development Scholarships programme.
The programme aims to ensure that at least 51% of scholarship recipients are women, where possible.
Partner institutions are responsible for establishing a fair selection process and recruitment strategy that supports this target.
Several individual BCDI 2030 projects also specifically prioritise women or aim for a majority of female recipients.
However, female applicants still need to meet the academic and project-specific eligibility requirements.
Can Faculty Members and Researchers Apply?
Yes, where a funded project allows it.
BCDI 2030 can support not only students but also:
- Professors
- Researchers
- Administrative staff
- Managers
- Academic leaders
A faculty or staff member of an eligible partner institution may receive BCDI support when the project includes this type of activity and the applicant meets the programme’s academic requirements.
The programme is therefore broader than a conventional scholarship for students.
Documents Required
There is no universal BCDI 2030 document list.
The participating project determines the required documents.
Depending on the scholarship, applicants may be asked for:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Proof of enrolment
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivation or cover letter
- Recommendation letter
- Research proposal
- Proof of employment
- Proof of nationality
- Evidence of language ability
- Partner-institution recommendation
- Research project information
- Other programme-specific documents
Some projects can also require evidence of previous research experience or a minimum academic average.
Applicants should follow the exact project announcement rather than copying documents from another BCDI scholarship project.
How to Apply for Canadian International Development Scholarships
Step 1: Check the 26-country eligibility list
Confirm that your country is included in the official BCDI 2030 partner-country list.
Do not assume eligibility simply because you qualify for another Canadian scholarship.
Step 2: Explore the funded projects
Visit the official BCDI 2030 Stream 1 scholarship projects page.
Use the filters to search by:
- Canadian institution
- Partner country
- Level of study
- Subject area
This is the most useful way to identify a scholarship that actually matches your background.
Step 3: Read the project-specific eligibility
Each project has its own candidate profile.
Some require applicants to be students at a named partner university. Others may be intended for professors, researchers, or students in a specific academic year.
Step 4: Follow the project application instructions
BCDI 2030 does not accept a general direct application from individuals.
The official Government of Canada states that candidates must apply through the international partner institutions involved in the funded project.
Step 5: Submit the required documents
Follow the project instructions and submit your academic, professional, research, and supporting documents through the institution responsible for recruitment.
Step 6: Complete the selection process
The partner institutions select candidates using their predefined criteria and the academic admission requirements for the Canadian programme.
Successful candidates then complete the required arrangements for study or training in Canada.
Do I Apply Through EduCanada?
Not directly.
EduCanada provides information about the programme, but the Government of Canada explicitly states that individuals cannot apply directly to BCDI 2030.
The actual scholarship call is made by the institutions responsible for a funded project.
Therefore, an applicant should be suspicious of any website or individual claiming to offer a separate central BCDI 2030 application form in exchange for money.
The official BCDI 2030 programme also warns that applicants are never asked to pay an application or scholarship fee.
Fraud Warning
BCDI 2030 has published clear warnings about scholarship fraud.
The programme states that:
- It does not work with individual scholarship agents or representatives.
- Applicants are not asked to pay money to apply or receive a scholarship.
- The programme does not randomly select people who never applied.
- Official scholarship communications come through participating partner institutions.
- Candidates should verify scholarship offers against the funded project listings on the official BCDI 2030 website.
This is especially important because fake Canadian scholarship advertisements can circulate through Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, or unofficial websites.
Never send money simply because someone promises a BCDI 2030 scholarship.
Important Dates for 2026–2030
There is no single deadline for the Canadian International Development Scholarships programme.
Different projects use different application periods.
Some currently listed projects have future recruitment windows in 2027 and 2028.
For example, the UQAR coastal-management project lists January 2027 as a future recruitment period, while the Tunisia AI and governance project lists research-internship applications during May–July 2027.
At the same time, the BCDI 2030 programme has a current institutional partnership call closing on October 23, 2026. That particular call is for eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions, not individual students.
| Event | Current Information |
|---|---|
| BCDI 2030 programme period | 2022–2030 |
| Central individual application | Not available |
| Stream 1 scholarship applications | Project-specific |
| Some 2027 project recruitment | January / May–July depending on project |
| Current institutional partnership call | October 23, 2026 |
| Universal student deadline | None |
Students should therefore search for the relevant project before looking for a deadline.
What Happens After Selection?
Successful scholars complete their studies or training under the conditions established by the funded project.
Depending on the project, the scholar may:
- Study full-time at a Canadian institution
- Complete a research stay
- Participate in an internship
- Attend technical training
- Complete a graduate programme
- Participate in leadership and employability activities
- Work with Canadian and home-country academic partners
Many projects also include mentoring, employability training, leadership activities, or professional development.
BCDI 2030’s broader purpose is not simply to send students overseas. It aims to strengthen skills that can be used when scholars return to their home institutions and communities.
Return-to-Home-Country Requirement
Some scholarship projects explicitly require scholars to return to their home institution after completing their Canadian study or training.
This requirement supports the development goals of BCDI 2030.
For example, certain mobility projects state that students must return to their partner institution after completing their Canadian component so that the new knowledge and skills can be used in the home country.
Applicants should therefore read the return and participation requirements of the exact project before accepting an offer.
Why Is the Programme Focused on Development?
The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 are built around development outcomes rather than simply international education.
The programme aligns its work with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:
- SDG 4: Quality education
- SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals
The programme also places strong emphasis on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Its thematic areas, including AI, STEM, climate action, health sciences, green and blue economies, and governance, are selected in response to development and labour-market priorities in partner countries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Searching for one universal application form: BCDI 2030 does not accept direct individual applications.
Assuming every country is eligible: The programme has a specific list of 26 partner countries.
Thinking Pakistan is currently eligible: Pakistan is not included in the official 26-country BCDI 2030 list.
Calling every scholarship fully funded: Project benefits vary.
Using one deadline for every project: Each participating institution can set its own recruitment schedule.
Applying to a project without the required partner affiliation: Many projects are limited to students or staff at named partner institutions.
Confusing institutional calls with student scholarships: Current BCDI calls for Canadian institutions are not individual student application calls.
Paying an agent: BCDI 2030 states that it does not work with individual agents and does not charge applicants scholarship fees.
Current Status of Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030
The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) programme is currently active and continues to operate through funded projects in its 26 partner countries.
The official BCDI 2030 website currently lists numerous Stream 1 scholarship projects involving Canadian universities, colleges, and institutes. Some projects have recruitment planned for 2027 and later, so future opportunities remain available within the programme’s project portfolio.
However, there is no central 2030 student application deadline and no general scholarship form.
A current BCDI 2030 institutional partnership call closes on October 23, 2026, but that opportunity is for Canadian post-secondary institutions rather than individual applicants.
For students, the most reliable method is to search the official Stream 1 project database, identify a project available in the applicant’s country and field, and then follow the recruitment instructions issued by the participating institutions.
Official Sources
BCDI 2030 — Official Programme
BCDI 2030 — Stream 1: Scholarships for Studies in Canada
BCDI 2030 — Frequently Asked Questions
Colleges and Institutes Canada — BCDI 2030
BCDI 2030 — Current Institutional Partnership Call
Example: BCDI 2030 Coastal Management Scholarships — 2027 Recruitm
FAQs About Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030
1. What are Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030?
They are scholarships and educational opportunities provided through BCDI 2030, an eight-year Canadian international development programme funded by Global Affairs Canada.
2. Is BCDI 2030 fully funded?
The programme is fully funded by Global Affairs Canada, but individual scholarship benefits vary by project. Some projects can provide comprehensive funding, while others support specific study, research, mobility, or training activities.
3. Can I apply directly for Canadian International Development Scholarships?
No. Individuals cannot apply directly to BCDI 2030. Applicants must apply through a funded project and the participating international partner institution.
4. How many countries are eligible for BCDI 2030?
The current programme covers 26 countries in Africa, Haiti, and other eligible partner locations identified by the programme.
5. Can Pakistani students apply for BCDI 2030?
Pakistan is not included in the current list of 26 BCDI 2030 partner countries, so Pakistani applicants should not assume they are eligible for this specific programme.
6. What fields are available under BCDI 2030?
The programme focuses on areas including STEM, artificial intelligence, climate action, green and blue economy, health sciences, and governance and administration. Individual projects can have much more specific subjects.
7. What study levels are available?
Depending on the funded project, opportunities can include Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, college-level training, research internships, research stays, mobility, postdoctoral activities, and short-term training.
8. What is the Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 deadline?
There is no single deadline for individual applicants. Each funded project sets its own recruitment period. Some current projects include application periods in 2027 and 2028.
Final Thoughts
The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 are a large Canadian-funded education and development initiative, but they work differently from conventional government scholarships.
There is no single application form, no universal student deadline, and no identical funding package for every scholar.
Instead, BCDI 2030 funds specific partnerships between Canadian and international higher education institutions. Those projects then recruit and select their own scholars.
For students, the most useful step is to search the official Stream 1 scholarship projects by country, study level, Canadian institution, and thematic area.
It is also important to check the eligibility country list carefully. Pakistan is not among the 26 BCDI 2030 partner countries, despite appearing on some broader Canadian international scholarship eligibility pages for other programmes.
The programme remains active through 2030, and several funded projects already include recruitment periods or study cohorts extending into 2027, 2028, and 2029.
Students should therefore rely on the individual funded project and its participating institutions for the final eligibility criteria, documents, funding details, and application deadline.