The International Affairs Fellowship in Canada is a Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) program, sponsored by Power Corporation of Canada since 2016, that builds ties between rising U.S. and Canadian leaders.
Mid-career professionals from academia, business, government, journalism, NGOs or think tanks spend six to twelve months at a Canadian host institution on a project about U.S.–Canada relations. CFR helps find the host; each host decides on placement.
Benefits & funding
- $110,000 stipend for twelve months, prorated for shorter stays, plus a modest travel allowance.
- Fellows are independent contractors: no CFR employment benefits, including health insurance.
- Full-time and in person, on-site with the host at least four days a week.
- No specific placement is guaranteed.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizens only, with a U.S. passport valid until six months after the fellowship ends.
- Mid-career professionals with a strong record of professional achievement.
- At least a bachelor’s degree.
- A demonstrated commitment to a foreign-policy career and an interest in U.S.–Canada relations.
- Prior Canada experience is not required; candidates who have never held a CFR fellowship get strong preference.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
USA
Education required
Bachelor
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Application process
- 1Prepare a project proposal on U.S.–Canada relations with proposed host placements.
- 2Secure two letters of support.
- 3Apply online through CFR’s portal between September 8 and October 30, 2026.
Program timeline
September 8, 2026
Applications open for the 2027–28 cycle.
Application deadline.
October 30, 2026
Awardees notified.
Spring 2027