The Queen’s Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships Program, funded by the Government of Canada, supports four-month international research placements at universities in Australia, India, Japan, and Thailand for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty in
Quick Facts
🌏 Indo-Pacific research placements
🎓 Open to full-time graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty
⏳ 4-month funded stays (cannot be extended)
🤝 Institutional partnerships
🔬 45 placements over 2 years
Why Apply?
🔬 Train in world-class labs not available in Canada
ʵ Build international research networks
🤝 Gain immersive cross-cultural experience
📚 Strengthen thesis or research programs
🌱 Contribute to global climate solutions and sustainable development
Important Dates
Placements with a May or June 2026 Start
Deadline: Rolling, with deadline of March 15, 2026
Decisions: by April 15, 2026
Placements with July 2026 - February 2027 Start
Deadline: Rolling, with a deadline for April 15, 2026
Decisions: TBD
Research Streams
Applicants apply under one of two thematic research streams and must select the stream that best aligns with the core objective of their research. The streams are thematic, not departmental, and applicants cannot apply to both streams.
Stream I - Development of Radiation‑Resistant Materials and Advanced Functional Materials
Stream I focuses on radiation-resistant ceramic materials critical to safe nuclear energy systems, including fission, fusion, and small modular reactors. Research outcomes support decarbonization, hydrogen technologies, and industrial clean energy transition. Participants train in advanced materials science, nuclear engineering, and simulation in laboratories unavailable in Canada.
Host institutions include:
Proposals involving other institutions in Australia, India, Japan, or Thailand are welcome; however, current host institutions will be prioritized.
Stream II - Engineering Solutions for Climate-Resilient Energy, Water, and Infrastructure
Stream II focuses low-carbon energy technologies, resilient and efficient water treatment and management systems, sustainable construction materials and processes, and innovative agriculture. Emphasis is placed on materials innovation, process design, system integration, and infrastructure resilience to support decarbonization, resource efficiency, and climate adaptation. Projects may also incorporate human factors, robotics, and assistive technologies to enhance performance and accessibility. Participants collaborate with local stakeholders to design practical technological responses to climate challenges.
Host institutions include:
Proposals involving other institutions in Australia, India, Japan, or Thailand are welcome; however, current host institutions will be prioritized.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be:
- Enrolled in a full-time Masters or PhD program in Smith Engineering or Postdoctoral fellows in Smith Engineering or Tenure-track faculty members in Smith Engineering
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Eligible for international travel
- Have approval from Queen's supervisor and confirmed host university
- Applicants from all Engineering disciplines are eligible.
The program is committed to equitable access and encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented groups in engineering.
Applications Are Open!
Apply now for 4-month placements starting between May 2026 and February 2027.
Application Deadlines:
-
March 15, 2026 – For placements beginning in May or June 2026
-
April 15, 2026 – For placements beginning between July 2026 and February 2027
Please ensure your application is submitted by the appropriate deadline based on your intended start date.
Funding:
Award amounts (CAD) are estimates based on 4-month placements, and are subject to change.
- Thailand — $6,500
- India — $7,000
- Japan — $9,000
- Australia — $14,000
Awards are subject to final approval and compliance with program guidelines. Details are provided in Funding Letter.
Eligible Expenses:
Funding may be used for:
- Airfare
- Accommodation
- Meals and living expenses
- Visa costs
- Other research-related travel expenses
The program does not fund:
- Tuition
- Full degree programs abroad
- Tourism or personal travel
Participants are responsible for any additional costs beyond the awarded amount.
Reporting Requirements:
The following reports are required by funding recipients:
- Mid-placement progress update
- Final report within 30 days
Details on report requirements will be provided in the Award Notification email.
Apply
Applications for placements starting May 2026 - February 2027 are now open and will be received on a rolling admissions basis.
Confirm whether your project fits Stream I or Stream II.
Required documents:
- 2–3 page research proposal/project statement
- Application form
- CV
- Letter of support from Queen’s supervisor
- Host invitation letter
Your research proposal (graduate and post doctoral applicants) must explain:
- Research objectives
- Background and rationale
- Methodology and feasibility
- Suitability of host institution and supervisor
- Relevance to Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy
- Expected research outcomes (publications, patents, technical reports etc)
Your project statement (faculty) must explain:
- Purpose of the visit
- Research objectives
- Suitability of host institution
- Planned activities (lab collaboration, workshops, joint publications, grant development, etc.)
- Expected outcomes (publications, patents, grants, long-term collaboration etc)
- Relevance to Canada's Indo-Pacific strategy
Select Your Applicant Category
Please choose the application form that corresponds to your role:
Graduate Students & Postdoctoral Fellows
For Master’s students, PhD students, and Postdoctoral Fellows in Smith Engineering, apply as a Graduate Student / PostDoc.
Faculty Applicants
For tenure-track faculty members in Smith Engineering, apply as Faculty.
Application Committee evaluates application based on the following criteria:
- Academic merit
- Stream alignment
- Feasibility
- Collaboration potential
- Budget realism
Successful applicants will be notified via email and will receive:
- Award letter
- Funding agreement
- Reporting guidelines
- Travel checklist
The Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships program is funded by the Government of Canada.
