Got aspirations of solving global problems but no resources to make it happen? Look no further! IDRC Research Awards Scholarship in Canada for International Students 2025/2026 is here.
The IDRC Research Awards Scholarship is given by the International Development Research Centre and allows talented researchers from around the world to investigate new ideas, work with top experts and make an impact.
This post will look at the IDRC Research Awards, including the benefits, eligibility and application process.
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IDRC Research Awards Scholarship in Canada for International Students 2025/2026
This project will train future researchers to apply their results to Sustainable Development Goals and specific development outcome areas of interest to IDRC.
It will enable Canadian universities to establish and administer a peer-reviewed, merit-based scholarship program that will allow doctoral students to conduct fieldwork in developing countries.
Seventy students from Canada and low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) will have the opportunity to pursue careers in related fields and actively contribute to finding innovative solutions to pressing problems during the project.
The program builds on previous versions of this award and will increase the capacity of emerging researchers at Canadian universities, more researchers who can organize, lead and conduct high quality research in a development context.
It will strengthen and improve collaboration between researchers and their organizations in Canada and the Global South on development-oriented research by including students from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), as these students often return to their home countries, and by focusing on field research support in the Global South.
Eligibility for IDRC Research Awards Scholarship
- Permanent residents of Canada and citizens of developing countries with work visas valid for full-time employment in Canada
- Students from low- or middle-income countries who are citizens or permanent residents who are enrolled at Canadian universities with valid student work permits
- Students pursuing a PhD program at an accredited university, and those who are enrolled in or have recently completed a master’s program at an accredited university
- Preference will be given to students who are in the first two years of a PhD program or who have completed a master’s degree.
- One or more poor countries must be the focus of the proposed study.
- These awards can be for academic credit.
- Each study theme has specific eligibility requirements.
Research Proposal Evaluation Criteria
- Relevance to IDRC’s mandate and mission
- Relevance to a specific development outcome area
- Quality and clarity of the proposal
- Gender and ethical considerations should be addressed clearly.
- Ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed research program taking into account their educational background, language proficiency and relevant experience
- Ability of the applicant to carry out the work program including relevant work experience
Why You Should Apply for the IDRC Research Awards Scholarship
The IDRC International Doctoral Research Awards (IDRA) program offers a unique opportunity for you. Here are some good reasons to apply:
1. Make a Real Impact
IDRC prioritizes research on problems affecting the Global South.
You will work on projects that matter to you. Climate-Resilient Food Systems or Democratic and Inclusive Governance.
The IRC can give you the tools to change the world if you can design and implement innovative ways for more sustainable farming practices, strengthen democratic processes or solve global health challenges.
2. Gain Research Experience
This IDRC program goes beyond other organizations’ usual funding. It combines research and its implementation.
You will work on your PhD for half of the time and collaborate directly with IDRC staff to develop the foundation for research linked to the program for the other half.
- Practical research skills
- Exposure to cutting-edge development research
- Professional network
3. Funding for Your PhD Journey
The IDRC fellowship provides significant funding (between CAD$42,033 and CAD$48,659) for a year so you can focus on your studies and alleviate financial burden.
This fellowship may cover tuition, living expenses and research expenses. The program also offers resources and support to help you manage your PhD research and coursework.
4. Boost Your Academic Profile
Being part of the IDRC program is a great achievement that makes you a bright researcher and development professional. It also makes you more prominent in your academic field and differentiates you from other PhD students.
Besides, the program will give students important knowledge and skills that will be useful in their future endeavours, including future research projects, academic job applications and publications.
5. Be part of a Global Research Community
IDRC promotes and values collaboration. saying this award will give you a chance to network with other awesome students from different backgrounds.
This means you can share information, get feedback from peers and advance your career.
With people from all over the world, you will tackle the biggest problems facing humanity.
IDRC Research Awards Scholarship in Canada for International Students
How to Apply for IDRC Research Awards Scholarship in Canada for International Students
FAQs on IDRC Research Awards Scholarship in Canada for International Students
Can I design my research to focus on a crisis-affected region or conflict zone?
Yes, IDRC allows research in challenging regions including crisis or conflict zones. But your proposal must include a clear safety plan, ethical considerations and strong justification why your research must be done in that setting. IDRC values research that addresses urgent development issues especially in fragile environments but your personal and community safety is top priority.
Will the IDRC Research Award support projects that combine research with field-based community work?
Yes. Projects that combine academic research with hands-on work in local communities are highly regarded. If your research includes community training, awareness campaigns or participatory development work, it shows you’re not just studying a problem but also contributing directly to solutions. Just make sure your research questions are still clearly defined.
Do IDRC support projects that involve two or more academic disciplines?
Yes, interdisciplinary research is highly encouraged. If your project combines fields — like public health and urban planning, or agriculture and economics — it can offer more depth to development issues. Make sure to explain how each discipline contributes and why this combination adds value to your research.
How does IDRC evaluate the long-term relevance of a research proposal?
The selection committee looks at how your findings can be used by policymakers, NGOs or development institutions after your research is completed. If your project includes plans to share results through open-access publications, community workshops or policy briefs it shows a forward thinking approach. Long term value is also judged by how relevant your topic will remain in the next few years.
Can my research focus on issues affecting marginalized groups that are not represented in the data?
Yes, research on overlooked or underrepresented populations is strongly supported. If you want to collect new data on groups that are invisible in mainstream research — like informal workers, Indigenous communities or people with disabilities — your proposal may stand out. Just make sure to approach the work ethically and respectfully, with consent and inclusion at its core.
Conclusion
Scholarship for the IDRC Research Awards Scholarship gives you the chance to describe your innovative ideas, drive positive change and make the world a better place than ever before.
Besides offering significant funding, mentorship and a global network, the award aims to support the research talent that can follow up groundbreaking research, work with leaders and create a better future for all.
If you are a passionate researcher and want to make the world a better place, don’t miss this opportunity. IDRC will give you the same rank as other IDRC awardees. Join a program that will impact your research, your environment and the world by applying for the IDRC Research Awards Scholarship today!
Recommended: University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarship for International Students 2025/2026