Future Leaders Fellowship — Fellowship

The Future Leaders Fellowship is a one-year research and mentoring program run by the Global Migration Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University. It pairs senior PhD candidates and early postdoctoral scholars with senior Bridging Divides researchers to study migration and advanced digital technologies.

Fellows begin with a five-day visit in Toronto, continue their research from their home institutions with regular mentorship, and work toward a peer-reviewed article and an international conference presentation. The May 1, 2026 application round has closed, and the official site does not state the next opening date.

Benefits & funding

Up to $18,000 in total benefits.
A $5,000 stipend, paid as $3,000 at the start and $2,000 after successful completion and submission of a journal article.
Travel, per diem, and accommodation coverage for the initial five-day visit to Toronto Metropolitan University.
Travel, per diem, accommodation, and registration coverage for the conference where the research is presented.
Open-access publication fees.

Eligibility

PhD candidates must have completed a first draft of their dissertation.
Postdoctoral scholars must be no more than five years beyond completion of the PhD.
Applicants may be based anywhere in the world but must be affiliated with an academic institution.
Applicants from Toronto Metropolitan University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, and Concordia University are not eligible.
The proposed research must examine advanced digital technologies and immigrant integration in Canada or beyond and align with a Bridging Divides theme.

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Education required
PhD Enrolled · PhD

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Application process

1
For the 2026 round, applicants submitted the official online form by May 1, 2026.
2
They provided a one-page cover letter.
3
They submitted a two-page proposal stating the objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, aligned Bridging Divides theme, and preferred TMU Bridging Divides mentor.
4
They attached a curriculum vitae of no more than four pages and one reference letter from an academic supervisor or professional.
5
Incomplete application packages were not considered.

Program timeline

Application deadline.
May 1, 2026
Successful applicants notified.
June 1, 2026
Primary route begins with a five-day visit to Toronto.
September 2026
Fellows on the primary route are expected to have draft papers ready for peer review and conference presentation.
June 2027
January 2027 to November 2027
Alternative route for candidates unable to begin in September.