Canada Cadieux Léger Fellowship 2026

January 20, 2026 7:25 am

Canada Cadieux Léger Fellowship 2026

An exceptional opportunity for doctoral researchers has arrived. The Cadieux Léger Fellowship for 2026 is now accepting applications, offering a unique bridge from academic study to real-world foreign policy impact. This prestigious program places scholars directly within Global Affairs Canada, providing hands-on experience alongside a substantial bursary.

Why This Fellowship is a Career-Defining Experience

This fellowship stands apart as a direct pathway into government policy work. It moves beyond traditional academic grants by embedding fellows within the federal foreign policy apparatus. Furthermore, as a fellow, you will contribute to active policy discussions and strategic briefs. Consequently, this experience transforms your doctoral research from a theoretical project into a tool for tangible diplomatic impact.

Comprehensive Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows gain a powerful combination of financial support and professional access:

A bursary of up to $54,000 for a period of up to twelve months.
Direct placement within the Open Insights Hub at Global Affairs Canada.
The chance to work alongside policymakers and senior analysts.
Flexible weekly commitment of up to 25 hours.
Unparalleled networking within the Canadian government and international circles.
Essentially, this fellowship provides both the resources to support your studies and the platform to launch a meaningful career in global affairs.

Eligibility Criteria

The program seeks doctoral candidates whose research aligns with Canada’s international priorities. To qualify, you must meet these requirements:

Be enrolled full-time in a PhD program for the duration of your application and the fellowship.
Have completed all required coursework and comprehensive exams with an approved dissertation proposal.
Conduct research in a field relevant to Canadian foreign policy, such as political science, international relations, economics, or law.
Be available to commit up to 25 hours per week for a maximum of twelve months.

Note that Canadian citizens and permanent residents receive preferred consideration.

Application Process

Applying involves a focused, centralized procedure. Follow these key steps:

Prepare Your Proposal: Develop a compelling research proposal that addresses a contemporary issue within Global Affairs Canada’s mandate. Your proposal should demonstrate clear relevance to current foreign policy priorities.
Submit Your Application: Visit the official Global Affairs Canada fellowship webpage and submit your complete application package through the designated portal before the deadline.

Click Here to Apply

This process is your opportunity to present your ideas directly to the foreign policy community.

Critical Application Deadline

Prospective applicants must note the final submission date: January 30, 2026. This deadline is firm, so initiating your application well in advance is strongly advised.

Launch Your Policy Career in Ottawa

The Cadieux Léger Fellowship represents a rare synthesis of academic pursuit and governmental practice. It is designed for PhD candidates who are ready to apply their expertise to the complex challenges of international relations. By securing this fellowship, you gain not only financial support but also professional credibility that will distinguish your profile for years to come.

Do not miss this chance to contribute to meaningful policy work while completing your doctorate. This fellowship offers an immersive environment where your research can influence real-world decisions, connecting scholarly rigor with diplomatic practice. Prepare your application today to step into a role where you can immediately observe the impact of your work on Canada’s global engagements and begin building a formidable network at the highest levels of international policy.