Applications are open for the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Canada 2027-2028 - a funded six- to twelve-month placement at a Canadian institution for mid-career U.S. professionals. Sponsored by Power Corporation of Canada and run by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), the programme deepens understanding of Canada and strengthens U.S. - Canada cooperation.
Applicants from academia, business, government, journalism, NGOs, and think tanks are encouraged. Prior Canada experience is not required. Stipend: USD 110,000 for twelve months (prorated for shorter terms), plus a modest travel allowance. Apply online between 8 September - 30 October 2026. Awardees notified by spring 2027.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official CFR fellowship page. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - International Affairs Fellowship in Canada 2027-2028
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Canada |
| Organiser | Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) |
| Sponsor | Power Corporation of Canada |
| Host location | Canada (host organisation placement) |
| Eligible applicants | U.S. citizens (mid-career professionals) |
| Duration | 6 - 12 months |
| Stipend | USD 110,000 for 12 months (prorated if shorter) |
| Travel | Modest travel allowance |
| Awards per year | Typically 1 - 2 fellowships |
| Application window | 8 September - 30 October 2026 (2027 - 28 cycle) |
| Deadline | 30 October 2026 |
| Notification | Spring 2027 |
| Official page | cfr.org - IAF in Canada |
| Apply | CFR Submission Manager (2027-28) |
About the Fellowship
Launched in 2016, the IAF in Canada places mid-career U.S. professionals at a Canadian host institution for full-time, in-person work. Fellows should expect to be on-site with their host organisation at least four days per week.
CFR helps match fellows with a host that fits their proposed work. Placements remain at the host’s discretion; CFR cannot guarantee a specific agency or organisation.
Benefits
- USD 110,000 stipend for a twelve-month fellowship (prorated for 6 - 11 months)
- Modest travel allowance
- Placement support from CFR to find a suitable Canadian host organisation
- Full-time immersion in Canadian institutions and U.S. - Canada policy networks
Fellows are independent contractors, not CFR employees, and are ineligible for employment benefits (including health insurance). No indirect costs may be deducted from the stipend.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen
- Mid-career professional with a strong record of achievement
- Demonstrated commitment to a foreign-policy career and interest in U.S. - Canada relations
- At least a bachelor’s degree
- Valid U.S. passport through six months after the fellowship end date
Academia, business, government, journalism, NGOs, and think tanks are all welcome. Prior Canada work or writing experience is not required. Strong preference for candidates who have never received a CFR fellowship.
Selection Criteria
- Scholarly qualifications and/or professional experience
- Merits and feasibility of a research proposal on some aspect of U.S. - Canada relations
- Character and personal qualities that support cross-cultural communication and cooperation
- Contribution the fellowship will make to the applicant’s career development
How to Apply
- Review the full call on the official CFR IAF in Canada page.
- Prepare: biographical/education/employment details; project proposal and proposed placements; two letters of support.
- Submit via the CFR Submission Manager between 8 September and 30 October 2026.
Questions: fellowships (at) cfr (dot) org
Official Links
Apply - 2027-28 IAF in Canada (CFR Submission Manager)
Programme overview - International Affairs Fellowship in Canada
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FAQs - International Affairs Fellowship in Canada 2027-2028
When is the deadline?
30 October 2026. The 2027 - 28 application window runs 8 September - 30 October 2026.
How much is the stipend?
USD 110,000 for twelve months, prorated for shorter fellowships of six to eleven months, plus a modest travel allowance.
Who can apply?
Mid-career U.S. citizens with a bachelor’s degree (minimum), strong professional record, foreign-policy commitment, and interest in U.S. - Canada relations.
Do I need prior Canada experience?
No. Prior work in or writing about Canada is not required.
Where do I apply?
Through the official CFR Submission Manager for the 2027-28 cycle.
