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February 15-16

2025 Queen Elizabeth Scholarship (QES) Program

Established in 2012, this program has been awarded to more than 2,600 scholars from Canada and around the world. The QES program is led by The Rideau Hall Foundation in collaboration with Universities Canada.  It is Canada’s premier academic program for global leadership, collaboration and multidisciplinary learning. To learn more about the program, visit: www.queenelizabethscholars.ca

Vancouver Community College (VCC) has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships Program for the project entitled, Addressing Climate Change in Asia and the Pacific – Leveraging University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) for Action.

VCC currently hosts the UMAP International Secretariat, a student mobility consortium with 500+ member institutions across Asia and the Pacific, and this project is framed as a legacy initiative to continue the development of strong partnerships developed between UMAP Canada member institutions and the UMAP network during our tenure in this role.

Eligible Programs or study abroad terms must be registered in the UMAP Student Connection Online (USCO) system. 

 

Program Details

Canadian and Permanent Residents students enrolled at eligible UMAP Canada member institutions will apply to participate in a one-semester exchange in program focused on adaptation and resilience to a changing climate. In addition to taking courses, students will complete a community engagement project and/or research internship with support from the host institution.

Selected UMAP member institutions in eligible countries will serve as the host institutions for this project. Programs will be offered on the UMAP USCO platform. Students will apply for and be nominated by their home institution in the USCO platform. Student applications will be vetted by the UMAP host institution based on the host institution's admissions requirements. In addition to the one-semester exchange experience, selected students will participate in activities like virtual check-ins, mentorship, on-the-ground facilitators, and a variety of professional training and networking.

Timeline for Fall 2025 Placements:

  • QES Program
  • Student Application and Nomination Period: March 28 – April 30, 2025
  • Student Selection Period: May 1-12, 2025
  • Student Acceptance and Confirmation of Award: May 12-16, 2025
  • VCC-led pre-departure: June-July 2025
  • Placements begin Fall 2025* dates dependent on the host institution

 

Details and Eligibility

To be eligible for the 2025 QES program scholarship:

  • Students must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents studying at an eligible Canadian UMAP member institution (Universities Canada and/or Colleges and Institutes Canada members are considered eligible by QES).
  • Must have completed at least one year of education in their current program of study if studying at an eligible UMAP member College in Canada;
  • Must have completed at least the 2nd year of their post-secondary education if studying at an eligible UMAP member University in Canada.
  • Students must confirm they will receive academic and/or co-curricular credit from their home institution upon completion of experience

 

Add Value

Successful applicants will receive an award ranging between $5,000 and $10,000 CAD.

The scholarship value will be based on the type and length of the program developed by the host institution, as well as the geographical location of their institution.

The award amount is determined based on estimates for eligible expenses in the placement context and aims to provide financial support to successful applicants to successfully complete the placement:

Travel expenses – international airfare, the most direct and economical route, visas, medical insurance, immunization, ground transportation

Living allowance – including accommodation, local transportation, food, communications, and all other personal expenses

 

Physical Mobility

  • One academic term (3-4 months)

 

Application Procedures 

Students must apply on the UMAP to a listed QES program and be accepted by the Host institution. Upon acceptance, eligible students will be contacted directly with scholarship application details.  Contact VCC’s International Education office for more information.