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Frequently Asked Questions
In the following section, you will find frequently asked questions about the Understanding Canada program. Questions and answers specifically relating to the application forms will come shortly.
- Can we submit purely scientific projects?
- Do you offer support to Canadian citizens?
- To whom must we submit our project ideas?
- If my project is not related to the programs mentionned on the website, are there other possibilities?
- There is no association or center in my country/region. Can I still receive funding?
- What is the difference between a Center and a Program in Canadian Studies?
- Is there anybody NOT available to receive funding?
- Can we establish partnerships with countries that don't have Canadian Studies programs or centers (ex: Peru, Bolivia)?
- Is there an age limit for the Doctoral Research Program?
- What do you mean by "institution"? Are you only referring to universities?
- Is the subscription to academic journals included under the Library Support Program?
- I am studying Canada and would like to participate in a conference held in Canada. Is funding available for such activities?
- Is there a list of pre-approved books which can be purchased under the Library Support Program?
- I am a Colombian citizen but live in Venezuela. To whom must I present my application?
- How can I find contacts in Canada to help me with my projects?
- Which research subject is a priority under the new Canadian priority issues requirement?
- How does one write a good proposal for the Colloquium on Canada program?
- Can we submit purely scientific projects?
No. Purely scientific subjects such as physics, chemistry, medicine, engineering, etc., which would not lead to a better knowledge and understanding of Canada per se are not eligible, nor are proposals which focus exvlusively on technological or methodological issues.
- Do you offer support to Canadian citizens?
Yes. The Canada-Mexico Facilitation of Exchanges Program is designed for Canadian academics and renowned artists who have been granted a formal invitation by an academic institution in Mexico for their participation in high ranking conferences and relevant academic events.
Canada-Mexico Facilitation of Exchanges Program
The other programs are designed for foreign individuals and institutions. However, international partnerships and cooperation between different organisations are strongly encouraged.
- To whom must we submit our project ideas?
If you are applying as an individual, you must submit you application to the Academic Relations Officer in your country. If you are applying for an organisation or institution, you must submit your application to the Academic Relations Officer in the country of the organisation or institution.
List of Academic Relations Officers at the Canadian missions abroad - If my project is not related to the programs mentionned on the website, are there other possibilities?
There may be, but it depends on the theme of the project. Please contact the Academic Relations Officer at the Canadian mission in your country to discuss other opportunities.
- There is no Canadian Studies Association or Centre in my country/region. Can I still receive funding?
Yes. The programs offered by DFAIT are accessible throughout the world. Please contact the Academic Relations Officer at the Canadian mission nearest you, or contact the Desk Officer in Ottawa who is responsible for your geographical area.
- What is the difference between a Centre and a Program in Canadian Studies?
A Centre is a local point in an institution where the public and students can find information and resources related to Canada and/or Canadian issues in four or more disciplines. Centres offer a complete set of activities, courses, research, conferences, publications, etc.
The name “Canadian Studies Program” is used for bureaucratic purposes. Indeed, the only distinction between a Canadian Studies program and centre lies in the fact that the activities are concentrated in less than three disciplines.
**Not to mistake with programs in Canadian Studies.
- Is there anybody NOT eligible to receive funding?
Yes. Funds granted by the Government of Canada cannot be used to finance the travel or hospitality expenses of Canadian experts working within the federal, provincial, or municipal public service, or with a Crown corporation such as Air Canada, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, etc.
- Can we establish partnerships with countries that don't have Canadian Studies programs or centers (ex: Peru, Bolivia)?
Yes.
- Is there an age limit for the Doctoral Research Program?
No.
- What do you mean by "institution"? Are you only referring to universities?
No. “Institutions” refers to all organizations interested in Canada and capable of sharing their knowledge of the country with others. Specialized institutions, research centers, think-tanks, and chambers of commerce, amongst others, are also included.
- Is the subscription to academic journals included under the Library Support Program?
Yes, but given that such subscriptions are expensive and funds are limited we do not recommend it.
- I am studying Canada and would like to participate in a conference held in Canada. Is funding available for such activities?
Please verify with the host organization to see if they offer funding.
- Is there a list of pre-approved books which can be purchased under the Library Support Program?
You can find some titles on the following websites:
- Resources section of the Canadian Studies website
- Canada – A reader’s guide section on the ICCS website
- Association for the exportation of Canadian Books
It is important to remember that books must be about Canada and published in Canada.
- I am a Colombian citizen but live in Venezuela. To whom must I present my application?
If you are applying as an individual, you must submit your application to the Canadian mission of your country (Colombia).
However, if you work for a Venezuelan institution and are presenting a project in their name, you must submit your application to the local Canadian mission (Venezuela).
List of Academic Relations Officers at the Canadian missions abroad
- How can I find contacts in Canada to help me with my projects?
It is your responsibility to find contacts. The Canadian mission can probably help you. To find contacts within universities, it is recommended that you contact the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), which benefits from an excellent network of international liaison officers.
- Which research subject is a priority under the new Canadian priority issues requirement?
Any subject relating to:
- Peace and security
- North America Partnership (including key Canada-US bilateral issues)
- Economic Development and Competitiveness
- Democracy, Rule of law, Human Rights
- Managing Diversity
- Environment / Energy
- How does one write a good proposal for the Colloquium on Canada program?
The same way you would write a proposal to any granting institution/organization. You must:
- Insure that you are using the proper application form
- Follow the instructions thoughtfully while filling out your application form
- Give a detailed description and submit attachments when necessary
- Ensure that the budget is precise, detailed and balanced.
