The Organization of American States (OAS) offers graduate-level scholarships (master’s or doctoral) for study or research leading to a degree at a university or higher education institution in any OAS member state, except the applicant’s country of origin (Canada).
The program promotes cooperation among American states and aims to support economic, social, scientific, and cultural development while fostering stronger ties and understanding among peoples of the Americas through advanced education in priority areas. At least one scholarship is offered annually to Canadians.
Types of Scholarships
- OAS Consortium Member Universities
- Apply directly to up to three programs at consortium universities in up to three different countries
- Must consider at least two different countries to be eligible
- OAS may select the country of study for the candidate
- Non-Consortium Universities
- Apply directly to the chosen institution
- Submit a separate OAS scholarship application
- Full-time study or research can be conducted on-campus, online, or a combination of both
- Scholarships do not cover medical sciences or language learning programs
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Have completed prerequisites for the intended graduate program at the time of application
- Meet the host institution’s minimum GPA requirement
- Be in good physical and mental health to complete the proposed program
- Have language proficiency in the medium of instruction (English or Spanish)
- Ensure they meet admission requirements for the chosen university
Scholarship Value and Duration
- Graduate Level: 10,000 USD per academic year
- Duration: Minimum one academic year, renewable for a second year subject to funding, academic performance, and host institution confirmation
- Covers eligible costs, such as:
- Round-trip economy airfare from Canada to the country of study
- Tuition and mandatory program fees
- Fixed monthly living allowance (on-site only)
- Health insurance (on-site only)
Recipients must provide proof of additional funds to cover remaining living expenses. Language training is included only if required by the approved program.
Application Process
Step 1: OAS Online Application
- Complete the OAS online application form for Academic Scholarships
- Submit all required supporting documents:
- Copy of highest diploma (Bachelor’s or Master’s)
- Official transcripts of all post-secondary studies, including GPA
- Curriculum vitae (max 2 pages, no photos or personal info)
- Two signed recommendation letters from professors or employers
- Admission letter from the host institution (if not currently enrolled)
Step 2: MAECD Online Application (Mon ÉduCanada)
- Create an account on Mon ÉduCanada, select the OAS Scholarship Program, and submit the required documents online
- Supported document formats: .jpg, .gif, .png, .pdf, .doc, .docs, .txt, .xlsx, max 5 MB each
- Read and accept the Declaration and Authorization, then submit the application
Review Process
- Applications meeting eligibility criteria are evaluated by the Canadian Selection Committee, which ranks candidates based on:
- Academic or professional merit
- Quality of written submission and five-year impact plan for the home country
- GPA and completeness of application
- Strength of recommendation letters
- Commitment to applying knowledge for Canada’s development
- Preselected applications are sent to the OAS Secretariat for final selection by the Academic and Technical Studies Scholarship Selection Committee
- Final decisions are communicated by the OAS
Key Dates
- Deadline for both OAS and MAECD applications: 13 March 2025
- Final selection announcement: June 2025
Terms and Conditions
- Applicants are ineligible for scholarships in their country of citizenship or permanent residence
- OAS employees, consultants, and family members must wait six months after ending their affiliation to apply
- Selected candidates must:
- Provide unconditional acceptance from the host institution
- Begin studies between January and December 2025 for at least one academic year
- Return to Canada for a minimum of 24 months after program completion
- Provide proof of additional funds for living expenses
Additional Information
- Decisions by the Canadian Selection Committee and OAS are final and not subject to appeal
- Scholarships are subject to OAS funding availability through the Department of Human Development, Education, and Employment
