The Cadieux-Léger Fellowship 2026-2027 is a prestigious research opportunity offered by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) for doctoral students specializing in international policy fields. Integrated within the Open Insights Hub as analysts, Fellows conduct strategic research on foreign, security, and economic policy issues. The fellowship provides a total bursary of up to $54,000 for a 12-month period. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a recognized PhD program, have attained candidacy status (all coursework and exams completed), and reside in Canada or be Canadian citizens/permanent residents abroad. The application requires a 1,000-word cover letter, a sample publication, and transcripts, with a deadline of January 30, 2026.
Cadieux-Léger Fellowship 2026-2027 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Global Affairs Canada (GAC) |
| Location | Canada (Open Insights Hub) |
| Category | PhD Fellowship / Research Analyst |
| Eligible Countries | Persons in Canada, Canadian Citizens & PRs Abroad |
| Reward | Up to $54,000 Bursary |
| Key Criteria | PhD Candidacy Status (Coursework & Exams Complete) |
| Application Deadline | January 30, 2026 |
Cadieux-Léger Fellowship at Global Affairs Canada 2026
The Cadieux-Léger Fellowship is a unique bridge between high-level academic research and real-world policy formulation. Hosted by the Open Insights Hub of Global Affairs Canada, the program integrates doctoral students directly into the federal government as analysts. The goal is to foster an environment where rigorous, strategic, and innovative academic perspectives can inform Canada’s international engagement.
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Fellows are tasked with building extensive networks across the Government of Canada and engaging with external experts to leverage new ideas for international policy research. This position is ideal for researchers in Political Science, Economics, History, or Law who wish to apply their doctoral expertise to foreign, security, and trade policy challenges.
Scholarship Details
The fellowship lasts for a duration of 12 months, typically spanning from September 2026 to August 2027. During this time, the Fellow is considered a “Research Affiliate” and must maintain their full-time student status at their home academic institution. The experience provides unparalleled access to departmental data, internal expertise, and a front-row seat to the mechanisms of Canadian diplomacy and international assistance.
Benefits of the Cadieux-Léger Fellowship at Global Affairs Canada 2026
The Cadieux-Léger Fellowship utilizes a tiered funding and professional integration system to support the researcher.
Tier 1: Primary Research Bursary (Up to $54,000)
- Maximum Bursary Award: Fellows receive a total bursary of up to $54,000, contingent on the 12-month duration of the program, to support their living and research expenses.
- Research Affiliate Program Status: Integration into the federal public service with a recognized analyst title within the Open Insights Hub.
Tier 2: Institutional Access and Network Award
- Strategic Networking Access: The Fellow is granted access to build formal networks within Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the broader Government of Canada infrastructure.
- Internal Expert Interaction: Guaranteed collaborative opportunities with GAC’s range of internal experts and policy leads.
Tier 3: Academic and Professional Advancement
- Secret Security Clearance: Shortlisted candidates are sponsored for a Secret security clearance, a valuable professional credential for future government or international work.
- Knowledge Sharing Platform: Opportunities to present research findings to a diverse range of stakeholders whose ideas can be leveraged for policy analysis.
Eligibility Requirements for Global Affairs Canada PhD Fellowship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Candidates must be enrolled in a PhD program with a specialization in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, History, Law, or a related field.
- Study Status: Must have attained “candidacy status” (completed all coursework, comprehensive exams, and have an approved dissertation proposal) at the time of application.
- Visa/Residency Status: Open to persons residing in Canada, as well as Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents living abroad.
- Program Admission: Must be recognized as a full-time student (or part-time if recognized as having a disability) and maintain this status throughout the 12-month fellowship.
How to Apply for Cadieux-Léger Fellowship at Global Affairs Canada 2026 (Step by Step)
- Documentation Preparation: Update your résumé and request a complete official transcript from your university.
- Cover Letter Drafting: Write a 1,000-word cover letter explaining how your specific PhD research and expertise align with the mandate of Global Affairs Canada.
- Portfolio Selection: Select a high-quality sample paper or previous publication to demonstrate your analytical writing capabilities.
- Final Submission: Compile all documents, including proof of PhD enrollment and contact info for 3 references, and submit through the official GAC portal by the deadline.
Application Deadline: January 30, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply if I have not yet completed my PhD coursework?
No. Applicants must have attained candidacy status at the time of application, meaning all coursework and examinations must be completed.
2. Is the fellowship open to international students?
It is open to persons residing in Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents living abroad are also eligible.
3. What is the total value of the bursary?
The total bursary is not greater than $54,000 for a 12-month period, depending on the final duration of the fellowship.
4. Do I need a security clearance to apply?
You do not need it to apply, but shortlisted candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance to finalize the selection.
5. Can I participate in the fellowship part-time?
The fellowship is intended for full-time students, though exceptions are made for students recognized by their institution as having a disability.
6. What subjects are considered “related programs”?
Programs with a strong focus on international policy, such as Security Studies, International Development, or Public Policy, are typically considered.
7. How long is the 1,000-word cover letter requirement?
The cover letter must be exactly or close to 1,000 words to sufficiently explain the alignment of your research with GAC’s mandate.
8. Must I be physically located in Ottawa?
While the Fellow is integrated into the Open Insights Hub, residency requirements and remote work options are determined during the selection phase.
9. When does the 2026-2027 fellowship cycle begin?
The Fellow must be available for a 12-month period starting between September 2026 and August 2027.
10. Does the fellowship guarantee a permanent job at GAC?
No, it is a Research Affiliate Program fellowship designed for research and professional development, though it provides excellent networking for future careers.
