Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) – Fully Funded Opportunity to Study in Canada

The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) is a fully funded award from Global Affairs Canada for study at Canadian universities and colleges. It supports Masters, PhD and short training levels for students from 26 eligible partner countries.

It is for citizens of those partner countries, and selection works through institutional partnerships rather than individual applications. The award covers tuition, a living allowance, accommodation, health insurance, return airfare and mentorship. Dates are on the official page. Read the sections below for eligibility, benefits and how to apply.

Selected scholars will receive:

• Full or partial tuition coverage

• Living allowance / stipend to cover daily expenses

• Accommodation support during studies in Canada

• Health insurance coverage

• Return airfare between home country and Canada

• Skills training and mentorship opportunities

• Networking with Canadian HEIs and industry

Upon returning home, graduates are expected to contribute to social and economic development as agents of change in their communities.

The BCDI 2030 program supports multiple levels of study and training opportunities, including:

• Vocational Training

• Technical Training

• Undergraduate Programs

• Graduate Studies (Master’s and PhD)

• Short-Term Professional Development Programs

Key Thematic Areas of Study

The program focuses on priority fields tailored to partner countries’ labour market and development needs:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

• Artificial Intelligence

• Green and Blue Economy

• Climate Action and Sustainability

• Health Sciences

• Governance and Administration

BCDI 2030 is open only to students from the following partner countries:

Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia.

Unlike other scholarships, eligibility for BCDI 2030 is not on an individual basis, but through institutional partnerships.

• Applicants must be citizens of one of the 26 eligible partner countries.

• They must apply through a partner higher education institution (HEI) that has a project agreement with a Canadian HEI.

• Candidates must meet the admission requirements of the Canadian institution.

• At least 51% of scholars are women, with emphasis on gender equity.

• Candidates must show a commitment to applying their education to national development goals.

Interested students cannot apply directly to BCDI 2030. The process is:

1. A Canadian HEI establishes a project partnership with an HEI in one of the 26 eligible countries.

2. The partner institution launches a call for applications in the local country.

3. Students apply through the local partner university or institution.

4. Candidates are shortlisted and selected according to the scholarship and program criteria.

5. Final recipients travel to Canada to begin their academic program.

To find ongoing projects and available calls, visit official site

Two Streams of the BCDI 2030 Program

The initiative operates through two main streams:

• Stream 1: Scholarships for studies in Canada, including technical, undergraduate, and graduate opportunities.

• Stream 2: Customized training programs delivered locally, tailored to the development priorities of partner countries.

This dual approach ensures that both individual scholars and local institutions benefit from Canadian expertise.

Final Thoughts

The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) is one of the most impactful fully funded opportunities for students from 26 developing countries. By focusing on STEM, health, governance, and sustainability, this scholarship program not only enhances academic capacity but also supports long-term social and economic transformation.