The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) is an eight-year fully funded scholarship by Global Affairs Canada. It empowers students from 26 eligible low- and middle-income countries to study in leading Canadian institutions, spanning vocational, undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.
This program focuses on priority global development areas like health, climate, agriculture, and education, aiming to produce future changemakers in the applicants’ home countries.
What Makes BCDI 2030 Unique?
Unlike generic scholarship programs, BCDI 2030:
Supports up to 600 scholars, with at least 51% women
Covers multiple education levels, from vocational training to PhD
Aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Focuses on priority sectors with direct impact on communities
Pro Tip: Female applicants or those from marginalized communities have a higher chance, as the scholarship emphasizes gender equality and inclusion.
Who Can Apply? Eligible Countries
Applicants must be citizens of 26 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean:
Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, DR Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia.
Tip: Check country-specific eligibility rules and project partnerships carefully—some projects prioritize specific countries.
Education Levels & Fields Covered
BCDI 2030 supports:
Vocational training and certification
Undergraduate programs (Bachelor’s)
Graduate studies (Master’s and PhD)
Short professional development courses
Eligible fields: Any discipline is allowed, but preference is given to programs advancing sustainable development, such as:
Climate change and environmental studies
Public health
Agriculture and food security
Education and community development
Example: A student from Kenya could pursue a master’s in sustainable agriculture, while a candidate from Haiti could enroll in climate-resilient technology training.
Financial Benefits – Fully Funded
BCDI 2030 is completely funded, covering:
Tuition and mandatory fees at Canadian institutions
Return airfare to Canada
Monthly living allowance
Health insurance
Study materials and professional development support
Insider Tip: Plan your budget to invest your monthly allowance in skill-building workshops and networking opportunities. This is what sets top scholars apart.
Eligibility Criteria – Who Should Apply
To qualify:
Be from an eligible BCDI 2030 country
Be nominated through a project-based partnership
Meet admission requirements of the Canadian institution
Show commitment to development in your home country
Pro Tip: Strong community involvement or documented local projects increases your chances of selection significantly.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Canadian institutions define projects with partner countries
Institutions publish project-specific calls
Students apply through home or partner universities
Selection is based on academic merit and project relevance
Insider Tip: Start gathering recommendation letters, project reports, and proof of achievements early. Applications with complete documentation consistently rank higher.
Application Deadlines
Each project has its own deadline
All applications must be submitted by 2030
Early applications are recommended to maximize chances
Check the official BCDI 2030 website for open calls and project listings.
FAQs – People Also Ask
Q1: Can I apply for multiple BCDI 2030 projects?
A1: Yes, but you must meet each project’s specific eligibility criteria. Choose projects matching your expertise.
Q2: Are scholarships available for short-term courses?
A2: Yes, BCDI 2030 funds short-term professional development programs in addition to full-degree studies.
Q3: Is work experience required?
A3: Not mandatory, but relevant work or volunteer experience strengthens your application.
Q4: Can I change my field of study?
A4: Generally, scholarship must align with project priorities. Check with the project partner.
Q5: How can I increase my chances of selection?
A5: Demonstrate clear impact, strong academic record, community involvement, and alignment with SDGs.
