Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED): A Gateway to Academic Growth
Introduction
The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program is an excellent opportunity for students from ASEAN member states to pursue short-term studies or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions. This initiative, launched by the Government of Canada on August 6, 2017, aims to contribute to sustainable development, focusing on poverty reduction in ASEAN countries. By aligning with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SEED opens doors for students to gain valuable academic exposure and contribute to global goals.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Canada-ASEAN SEED program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of an ASEAN member state (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam).
Enrollment: Must be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution in an ASEAN member state.
Tuition: Applicants must be paying tuition fees to their home institution at the time of application and for the entire duration of their exchange.
Exclusions: Candidates who hold or have pending applications for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, are currently enrolled in Canadian post-secondary institutions, or have previously received a SEED scholarship are not eligible.
Program Value and Duration
The scholarship provides financial support for students to cover various costs related to their studies in Canada.
College/Undergraduate: $10,200 for a duration of four months or one academic term. A student exchange agreement that waives tuition fees is required for undergraduate applicants.
Graduate (Master’s and PhD): $10,200 for a duration of four months or one academic term. No student exchange agreement is required for graduate students.
The funding can be used for visa or permit fees, airfare, health insurance, living expenses, transportation, and study supplies (excluding equipment like computers).
Application Process
To apply for the SEED program, Canadian post-secondary institutions must submit applications on behalf of eligible candidates. The following steps outline the process:
Institution Registration: Canadian institutions need to create a My EduCanada account and apply online.
Supporting Documents: Candidates must provide a range of documents, including proof of citizenship, a letter of intent explaining their research or study, a letter of support from the home institution, and additional documents like a letter of invitation from the Canadian supervisor (for graduate students).
Selection Process: Applications are evaluated based on factors such as the alignment of proposed research with sustainable development goals, the impact on the ASEAN region, and the candidate's potential to contribute to both the Canadian and home institutions.
Scholarship Benefits
The SEED program fosters collaboration between Canadian institutions and ASEAN countries. Selected candidates benefit from the following:
Academic Exposure: Students gain access to world-class research facilities, diverse academic programs, and the opportunity to work with Canadian faculty and peers.
Cultural Exchange: Beyond academics, the program fosters strong people-to-people ties between Canada and ASEAN nations, enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration.
Professional Development: Through the program, students are encouraged to apply their learning to real-world problems, focusing on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and poverty alleviation in their home countries.
Application Deadline
The application period for Fall 2025 is open, and Canadian institutions must submit applications on behalf of candidates by March 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Applicants should ensure they submit all required documents before this deadline to be considered.
Conclusion
The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development program offers ASEAN students the chance to study and conduct research in Canada, enriching their academic journey while contributing to global sustainable development goals. By supporting education and research initiatives aligned with the 2030 Agenda, SEED plays a vital role in reducing poverty and fostering long-term growth in the ASEAN region.
If you’re a student from an ASEAN country looking to expand your academic horizons and make a meaningful impact, the Canada-ASEAN SEED program is the perfect opportunity. Visit your institution’s international office for more details on how to apply and begin your journey towards a brighter future.
