Stiftung für Kanada-Studien travel grant for doctoral students

Stiftung für Kanada-Studien travel grant for doctoral students

You receive a one-off travel grant of 1,000 to 3,000 EUR towards the travel and living costs of a research stay in Canada that is part of your doctorate. The exact sum depends on the foundation's funds and the costs you can prove. You are expected to cover part of the total yourself. This is a single payment, not a monthly stipend, and you set the length of your Canada stay in your application. The grant comes from the Stiftung für Kanada-Studien, which supports Canadian studies in German-speaking countries. Attending a conference does not count and is not funded.

Who can apply

• Level: You are a doctoral student. If you only write a bachelor thesis, you cannot apply.
• Where you study: You study or do research at a university in Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
• Topic: Your project is about Canada. This can be the country, its regions, provinces or peoples, a typically Canadian question, or a topic where Canada has recognised expertise. It must add something to Canadian studies in the German-speaking area.
• Field of study: Any subject works, from natural sciences and medicine to law, humanities and engineering, as long as the Canada link is clear.
• Timing: You apply before your Canada stay has started.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply. What matters is that you study at a university in Germany, Austria or Switzerland.

How to apply

You send your completed application form and documents as a single PDF by email to the foundation's office at the University of Jena. The deadline is 1 November each year for a stay in the following year. The foundation's board reviews applications, sometimes with external experts, and usually decides within about two months, by the end of the year.

How realistic are your chances?

This grant is narrow: you need a doctorate project with a clear Canada focus and a place at a university in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, so few people qualify. If you fit those conditions and present a well-costed project with a supervisor's reference, your prospects are good. You can resubmit a rejected application with a revised plan or a new project, so one no is not final.