Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program

The Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program (CFSP) is a scholarship program designed to build institutional capacities by training nationals from developing countries of La Francophonie.

The program is entirely funded by the Government of Canada, which has entrusted the management of the program to the consortium Canadian Bureau for International Education / World University Service of Canada since January 1st, 2015.

Objective

The long-term goal of the program is to promote the development of recipient countries by giving priority to:

• Training of trainers, particularly in the field of technical and vocational education
• Improving the skills of college and university personnel in the field of education and research
• Increasing and strengthening the skills of specialists and managers in the public and private sectors

Selection process

Candidates are selected by using a quota system for each recipient country. The quota approach allows recipient countries to define their own priorities for training, as well as the level of training required for the development of their institutions.

Eligibility

Institutions targeted by recipient countries conduct internal recruitment campaigns to identify qualified candidates who show the greatest aptitude for helping strengthen their institution's capacities when they return to their country.

Candidates identified and selected may apply for university studies leading to a master's, doctoral and post-doctoral degree for technical and vocational training, or for short-term training.

Clinical training in pharmacy, medicine and dentistry is excluded.

Application process

Candidates must hold a key position so that the knowledge they acquire will benefit the capacity building of their institution.

Those who have already received a CFSP scholarship may not apply for a new scholarship until they have resided a full two years in their country.

Evaluation of applications

A local advisory committee formed by representatives of various ministries selects candidates in their country. The accredited Canadian diplomatic mission acts as observer to ensure transparency of the selection process.

The local advisory committee takes into account the candidates' jobs in the sector or institution to be strengthened and the level of academic excellence as defined by host institutions. An equal number of applications by gender and country is required, and fluency of candidates in spoken and written French is also mandatory.

Final admission to college or university is the sole responsibility of the relevant institution, and the scholarship becomes effective only when the candidate is admitted to the educational institution.

Link

For full information on CFSP eligibility criteria, evaluation procedures, application requirements, funding levels, deadlines, and exclusions, visit the CFSP website (in French).