Fulbright Canada Entrepreneurship Initiative (FCEI)
Canada
Number of recipients
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.
Fulbright Canada scholars will conduct their own research, work collaboratively with new colleagues at the host institution, engage with students, and become involved in the local community. Applicants may propose teaching projects, research projects, or a combination of both in a wide range of subject areas relevant to Canada or Canada-U.S. relations.
The Fulbright Canada Scholar Entrepreneurship Award is designed for scholars who wish to combine their academic research with entrepreneurial ventures. As part of the Fulbright Canada Entrepreneurship Initiative (FCEI), this award supports scholars in conducting research while providing the necessary resources to transform innovative ideas into successful entrepreneurial endeavours.
Affiliation can be with any university, government agency, or research institution in Canada.
One-semester grants are preferred. Awards should fall within the academic year and are not available for the summer months only.
Final approval of Flex grants will be contingent upon available funding.
The Flex Award is designed for scholars who require multiple visits to the host country. This option allows grants to be conducted over two or three short segments. Applicants must select Flex in the application form, and clearly describe their plans for Flex in their project statement, including a project timeline. Flex grantees may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host-country academic community.
While the competition is open to all disciplines, Fulbright Canada is particularly interested in encouraging research on contemporary issues relevant to Canada, the United States, and the relationship between the two countries. Applicants should also clearly document the need to be in residence in Canada to carry out the project and present innovative ideas with potential for significant social impact.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their preferred host institution to discuss research interests and to include a letter of affiliation/invitation from the host faculty/department.
If proposing affiliation at a Francophone host institution, French language ability commensurate with the requirements of the project and the host institution is required.
Appropriately qualified professionals outside of academia who do not hold a terminal degree may also apply.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
For additional information, please visit the Fulbright Canada website: Fulbright Canada Scholar Entrepreneurship Award.
Fulbright Canada contact: info@fulbright.ca
All Disciplines Award Grantees to Canada receive a fixed sum:
US$12,500 for one semester or
US$25,000 for an academic year
All Disciplines Flex Award Grantees to Canada receive a fixed sum:
US$6,250 for each two-month segment
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 in Canada (US$4,000), while 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 webpage.
- Fall Orientation: The incoming cohort of U.S. Fulbright Students and Scholars to Canada are invited to a program of professional and personal development in Canada’s 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.
- Visiting Scholar Speakers Program: 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.
- Fulbright Canada Community Action Program: 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.
- Fulbright Canada Community Leadership Program: Granted on a competitive basis, up to C$8,000 for current grantees and alumni of U.S. government (USG) sponsored exchange programs, with ideas for creative community and volunteer-based outreach projects in Canada.
Regional Travel Program: During their grant period, Fulbright U.S. 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, México, 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 Regional Travel Program website.
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
To learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards in Canada for 2025-26, please view our archived webinar and slides to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission, IIE staff and U.S. Scholar alums regarding award details, the scholar experience and application guidance.
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’s diverse natural landscapes – 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.
Please visit the Universities Canada website for more information about Canada’s higher-educational institutions.
You could spend a lifetime exploring Canada’s cities and towns, national parks, lakes, ocean shores, and mountains. Whether you’re 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—the people, languages, culture, food, climate, and so much more. You’ll 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.
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’ll 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’s 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’ll 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’s vibrant cities and historic towns.
Once winter comes, it’s 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’s also “sugaring off” season, where you’ll discover how sap is collected and boiled to create 70% of the world’s 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 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’s rights are upheld in all facets of their lives. A commitment to equality makes Canada a sought-after destination for international students and immigrants.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.