The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030)

If you are a passionate changemaker from one of the 26 eligible developing countries, the Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) applications are now open!

This unique, fully funded program, supported by Global Affairs Canada, empowers individuals—especially women—to gain quality education, technical and professional training in Canada, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and return home as agents of change. Details in this article.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Program Name: Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030)

• Location: Canada (for studies/training), with project applications through partner institutions in eligible countries

• Host Institutions: Canadian HEIs partnering with eligible country HEIs

• Study Level:

  • Vocational and technical training

  • Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)

  • Graduate (Master’s and PhD)

  • Short-term professional development programs

• Target Group: Citizens of 26 eligible countries across Francophonie, Commonwealth, and Small Island Developing States (e.g., Burkina Faso, Egypt, Morocco, Rwanda, Haiti, etc.)

• Fields of Study:

  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Green and Blue Economy

  • Climate Action and Sustainability

  • Health Sciences

  • Governance and Administration

• Value & Coverage:

  • Full or partial tuition coverage

  • Living stipend

  • Accommodation support

  • Health insurance

  • Return airfare

  • Mentorship, skills training, and networking opportunities

• Duration: Varies by program type—short-term training or full degree programs within the 2022–2030 timeframe

• Application Deadline: Not fixed; depends on calls issued by participating Canadian HEIs and their partner institutions in eligible countries

• Start Date: Varies depending on when the selected Canadian HEI and partner launch the scholarship and timeline of academic sessions

🌍 Programme Overview

BCDI 2030 is an eight-year international development program (2022–2030) that provides inclusive, high-quality education and training tailored to the development needs of partner countries and aligned with SDGs . With a total budget of CAD 80 million, it aims to benefit over 7,000 individuals—at least 51% women . The program is administered in partnership with Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada, the West African Economic and Monetary Union, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, and the Association of African Universities .

BCDI 2030 operates through two complementary streams:

• Stream 1: Scholarships for individual studies or training in Canada

• Stream 2: Customized, locally delivered training addressing partner country needs

🎁 Benefits

• Comprehensive financial and logistic support: tuition, living stipend, accommodation, health insurance, travel

• Professional and personal empowerment: mentorship, skill-building, networking with Canadian institutions and industries

• High potential for community impact: scholars expected to return and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries

• Strong gender equity focus: minimum of 51% of scholars are women

• Institutional capacity building: broader benefits through institutional partnerships, not just individuals

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a citizen of one of the 26 eligible partner countries

• May not apply individually to BCDI 2030 directly

• Must apply via a project partnership launched by a Canadian HEI and its local partner in the eligible country

• Must meet the admission requirements of the Canadian host institution and program

• Selection is conducted by partner institutions in compliance with program terms and institutional criteria

📝 Application Procedure

1. Identify projects: Visit the official BCDI 2030 website or your local partner institution to check for active project calls .

2. Apply to the partner institution (not BCDI directly), submitting required documents such as:

   • Academic transcripts and certificates

   • Proof of citizenship

   • Statement of purpose aligned with national development goals

   • CV / résumé

   • Recommendation letters

   • Any additional documents per the local partner's guidelines

3. Shortlisting & selection: Done by the partner institution based on BCDI and institutional criteria

4. Notification: Selected candidates are informed through their institutions

5. Preparation: Once selected, scholars arrange logistics (visa, travel, etc.) to begin their program in Canada

🔗 For details on specific projects and application periods, consult the BCDI 2030 “Projects” or “News” sections at the official site and the partnering Canadian and local HEIs .

ℹ️ Additional Information

• BCDI 2030 and its partners never request money from applicants or recipients—beware of scams .

• The program emphasizes gender equity and development impact.

• Queen’s University, for example, will host 34 graduate students over four years through selected African partnerships focusing on healthcare and entrepreneurship training .

• For up-to-date project opportunities, announcements, and deadlines, regularly consult the official BCDI 2030 website and partner institution communications.

💡 Final Thoughts

BCDI 2030 stands out as a transformative, fully funded scholarship initiative that goes beyond funding individual students—it strengthens institutional capacities, promotes equitable access, and empowers individuals to serve as catalysts for positive change in their home countries. If your local university or partner institution issues a call under BCDI 2030, act swiftly to apply—this is an exceptional opportunity to study, grow, and return as a leader in development.

🔗 Official Link

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