
The Canada ASEAN Scholarships program offers students from ASEAN member countries the opportunity to undertake short-term study or research in Canada. The Canada ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program, launched by the Government of Canada in 2017, provides short-term study and research opportunities for students from ASEAN member states at Canadian post-secondary institutions
Canada ASEAN Scholarships are facilitated through institutional collaborations and student exchange agreements. Aimed at reducing poverty and supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SEED fosters people-to-people ties between Canada and the Indo-Pacific region. The application deadline is March 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Institution Details:
- Funded By: Government of Canada
- Host Country: Canada
- Programs Offered: Bachelors, Masters, PhD
- Program Duration: Varies by Program
- Scholarship duration: Four months or one academic term
Participating Canadian Universities:
Scholars will have the chance to study at a variety of top Canadian schools, including but not limited to:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
- Dalhousie University
- Simon Fraser University
Study Areas:
The program encourages studies that contribute to sustainable development goals, including:
- Environmental Science
- Engineering
- Social Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Public Health
- Agriculture
- Renewable Energy
- Information Technology
- International Relations
Canada ASEAN Scholarships Benefits:
Recipients of the SEED scholarship will receive:
- Financial support of CAD 10,200 for undergraduate or graduate students for a 4-month term.
- Selected candidates may use scholarship funds towards:
- Visa or study/work permit fees
- Economy-class airfare
- Health insurance
- Living expenses (accommodation, food, utilities)
- Public transportation pass
- Books and study supplies (excluding computers)
Eligible Expenses for Canadian Institutions:
- $500 per student for administrative costs
- Reimbursement of certain employer compliance fees
Benefits Not Included:
The scholarship does not cover:
- Tuition fees payable to the home institution.
- Personal expenses beyond the provided living allowance.
- Costs associated with dependents or family members.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada ASEAN Scholarships:
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of an ASEAN member state (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam).
- Must be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an ASEAN country.
- Must be paying tuition fees to the home institution during the application and exchange period.
Not Eligible If:
- Holding or applying for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Already in a Canadian government-funded scholarship program.
- Currently enrolled in a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate program.
- Previously received a Canada-ASEAN SEED scholarship.
Canadian Institution Requirements:
- Must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Must have a student exchange agreement waiving tuition fees (for college/undergraduate level).
- Applications must be managed by the institution’s international office.
Scholarship Conditions:
- Must engage in full-time studies or research.
- No clinical training or research involving direct patient care.
- Must focus on studies/research and return home after the scholarship ends.
- Violation of terms may result in scholarship cancellation.
Additional Information:
- Scholarships cannot be deferred or renewed.
- Subject to Canadian government funding availability.
- Not taxable for institutions or recipients.

Required Documents:
- Proof of Citizenship
- Copy of passport or national ID with photo and valid dates
- Not accepted: driver’s license, permanent residence card, work permit, student card, health card, birth certificate, baptismal certificate
- Must match the citizenship selected in the application
- Signed Privacy Notice Statement
- Signed and dated within the last six months
- Letter of Intent (Max. 1 page)
- Study/research details and rationale for choosing Canada, institution, program, and supervisor
- Connection to future career and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- Explanation of how study in Canada will help combat poverty in ASEAN region
- Identification of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) the study aligns with
- Letter of Proof of Full-Time Enrollment
- On official letterhead, dated within the last six months
- Confirms full-time student status (transcripts, student card, or admission letter not accepted)
- Letter of Support from Home Institution (Max. 1 page)
- On official letterhead, dated within the last six months
- From instructor, professor, or international director
- Explains study/research in Canada and benefits to student and home institution
- Assesses student’s commitment to using studies for development in ASEAN region
- Letter of Invitation from Canadian Supervisor (Graduate Students Only, Max. 1 page)
- On institutional letterhead, signed and dated within the last six months
- Describes research collaboration and supervisor’s support
- Confirms tuition fee waiver if no MOU exists
- Signed MOU or Agreement with Partner Institution
- Confirms tuition fee waiver
- If no agreement for undergraduate research, a letter linking the application to research collaboration is required
- Expired agreements not accepted; renewal in process requires confirmation letter
- Ranking of Applications
- Based on institution’s priorities
- Sent to seed-bpeed@cbie.ca with MyEduCanada application numbers
Scholarship Selection Criteria
- Relevance of study/research to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- Commitment to using study/research to combat poverty and support ASEAN development
- Academic merit of proposed research/study
- Benefit to home institution and peers
- Benefit to Canadian institution, supervisor, and peers
- Strength of academic linkages created through the exchange
- Ranking by the Canadian institution
Canada ASEAN Scholarships Application Process
- Canadian post-secondary institutions must apply on behalf of eligible candidates before the deadline.
For Canadian Institutions:
- Assign a program coordinator to complete applications.
- Create a My EduCanada account and select “Institution” as the account type.
- Log in, choose the Canada-ASEAN SEED program, and click “Apply.”
- Fill out the required fields in the application form.
- Validate and save progress as needed.
- Upload all required supporting documents (must be under 5 MB).
- Review the application for accuracy and completeness.
- Accept the “Declaration and permission” statement and submit.
- Receive a confirmation message and reference number.
- Print or download a copy for records.
For more details, visit Help with MyEduCanada.
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Start Early: Begin the application process well in advance to ensure all components are completed on time.
- Tailor Your Intent Letter: Clearly articulate how your proposed study or research aligns with sustainable development goals.
- Secure Strong Recommendations: Obtain letters from advisors who can attest to your academic abilities and potential.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Ensure all documents are free from errors and meet the specified requirements.
- Communicate Clearly: Maintain open communication with both your home and prospective Canadian institutions.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Canada:
- Accommodation: CAD 600 – 1,500/month (depends on city and housing type).
- Food & Groceries: CAD 250 – 500/month.
- Transportation: CAD 80 – 150/month (public transit pass).
- Utilities & Internet: CAD 100 – 200/month.
- Personal Expenses: CAD 200 – 400/month.
- Total Estimated Cost: CAD 1,000 – 2,000/month (varies by lifestyle & location).
Why Choose This Opportunity?
Participating in the SEED program offers:
- Academic Advancement: Access to world-class education and research facilities in Canada.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience diverse cultures, enhancing personal growth and global awareness.
- Professional Development: Build international networks and gain insights into global best practices.
- Contribution to Home Country: Apply acquired knowledge to drive
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Who can apply for the SEED scholarship?
- Students from ASEAN member countries currently enrolled in their home universities.
- What is the duration of the scholarship?
- The program lasts for 4 to 6 months, depending on the study or research plan.
- Does the scholarship cover full tuition fees?
- No, tuition fees are paid to the home institution, not the Canadian university.
- Can I apply directly, or does my home university need to nominate me?
- Your home institution must apply on your behalf.
- What happens after completing the exchange program?
- You must return to your home country to complete your degree.
Official Link for More Details and Application:
🔗 Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship 2025