International Affairs Fellowship in Canada
Hear From Past International Affairs Fellows
Launched in 2016, the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Canada, sponsored by Power Corporation of Canada, seeks to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between rising generations of leaders and thinkers in the United States and Canada. This transformational program enables mid-career U.S. professionals to spend six to twelve months at a Canadian institution to deepen their knowledge of Canada. Individuals from academia, business, government, journalism, NGOs, and think tanks are all encouraged to apply. Prior experience working in or writing about Canada is not required.
The IAF in Canada provided a unique and unparalleled opportunity to learn about Canadian policymaking through effective engagement with government, civil society, and academia. It could not have come at a more appropriate time to observe this key bilateral relationship.
Fellowship
The fellowship runs between six and twelve months. The program awards a stipend of $110,000 for a period of twelve months (or a prorated amount if the duration is shorter) as well as a modest travel allowance. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR and are ineligible for employment benefits, including health insurance. No indirect costs can be deducted from the stipend.
CFR assists fellows in finding a host organization that matches their proposed work in Canada. However, all placements are made at the discretion of the host institution. CFR cannot guarantee placement at any specific agency or organization. The fellowship is intended as a full-time, in-person experience for the duration of the fellowship; fellows should expect to work on-site with their host organization at least three days per week.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Applicants must be mid-career professionals.
- Applicants must have a strong record of professional achievement.
- Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy and have an interest in U.S.-Canada relations.
- Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants must have a U.S. passport, valid through six months after the fellowship end date.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the program’s eligibility requirements can apply online between September 15 and October 31, 2025, for the 2026-27 fellowship cycle. Awardees will be notified by early spring 2026.
To apply, you will need to submit the following:
- Basic biographical, educational, and employment information
- Project proposal and proposed placements
- Two letters of support
Selection Process
The selection process is highly competitive. CFR awards one to two fellowships each year. A strong preference is given to candidates who have never received a CFR fellowship.
Selection as an IAF in Canada is based on the following criteria:
- Scholarly qualifications and/or professional experience
- The merits and feasibility of a research proposal on some aspect of U.S.-Canada relations
- Character and personal qualities conducive to promoting cross-cultural communication and cooperation
- The contribution the fellowship will make to the applicant’s career development
A wonderful opportunity to explore U.S.-Canada relations. This fellowship was the chance of a lifetime.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact [email protected]