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Introduction
Over the last several decades, governments have collectively pledged to slow global warming. But despite intensified diplomacy, the world is already facing the consequences of climate…
Fellowships
International Affairs Fellowship in Canada
The Program
Launched in 2016, the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Canada, sponsored by Power Corporation of Canada, seeks to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between rising generations of leaders and thinkers in the United States and Canada. This transformational program enables mid-career U.S. professionals to spend six to twelve months at a Canadian institution to deepen their knowledge of Canada. Individuals from academia, business, government, journalism, NGOs, and think tanks are all encouraged to apply. Prior experience working in or writing about Canada is not required.
Hear From Past International Affairs Fellows
“We see the folks that really have a huge impact on the conversations that we are having, the questions that we are asking, and the direction that we are headed,” says historian Melissa Jane Taylor about her experience as a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow. Described as the “Jewel of the Council,” the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) programs aim to bridge scholarship and practice by giving participants transformative opportunities to work in a new environment they will give them a different perspective at a critical point in their careers. Whether at home in the United States or abroad in Canada, Europe, Indonesia, and Japan, fellows work in government, international organizations, and think tanks and universities. Join the more than 650 alumni—including Condoleezza Rice and Samantha Power—in shaping the field of foreign policy and the world.
The IAF in Canada provided a unique and unparalleled opportunity to learn about Canadian policymaking through effective engagement with government, civil society, and academia. It could not have come at a more appropriate time to observe this key bilateral relationship.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Applicants must be mid-career professionals.
- Applicants must have a strong record of professional achievement.
- Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy and have an interest in U.S.-Canada relations.
- Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants must have a U.S. passport, valid through six months after the fellowship end date.
The IAF in Canada program does not fund pre- or postdoctoral research, work toward a degree, or the completion of projects on which substantial progress has been made before the fellowship begins. The program is meant to be a transformational experience that enables awardees to develop new skills, pursue new avenues of research, or otherwise take a significant step in their career development. Although the program is intended for applicants without substantial working in experience in Canada, individuals who have worked in Canada will be considered if they can demonstrate that the fellowship would add a significant new dimension to their career.
Fellowship Award
The fellowship runs between six and twelve months. The program awards a stipend of $110,000 for a period of twelve months (or a prorated amount if the duration is shorter) as well as a modest travel allowance. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR and are ineligible for employment benefits, including health insurance. No indirect costs can be deducted from the stipend.
CFR assists fellows in finding a host organization that matches their proposed work in Canada. However, all placements are made at the discretion of the host institution. CFR cannot guarantee placement at any specific agency or organization. The fellowship is intended as a full-time, in-person experience for the duration of the fellowship; fellows should expect to work on-site with their host organization at least three days per week.
A wonderful opportunity to explore U.S.-Canada relations. This fellowship was the chance of a lifetime.
Selection Process
Selection as an IAF in Canada is based on the following criteria:
- Scholarly qualifications and/or professional experience
- The merits and feasibility of a research proposal on some aspect of U.S.-Canada relations
- Character and personal qualities conducive to promoting cross-cultural communication and cooperation
- The contribution the fellowship will make to the applicant’s career development
The selection process is highly competitive. CFR awards one to two fellowships each year. A strong preference is given to candidates who have never received a CFR fellowship.
How to Apply
The application period for the 2025–26 fellowship cycle has closed. The application period for the 2026–27 fellowship cycle will open in September 2025.
To apply, you will need to submit the following:
- Basic biographical, educational, and employment information
- Project proposal and proposed placements
- Two letters of support
2024–25 Fellows
Affiliations at the time of the award
Global Trade Compliance Associate, Autodesk
Policy Director for Oceania, U. S. Indo-Pacific Command
Alumni
A complete list of former International Affairs Fellows in Canada is available here.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact [email protected]