The Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program was established by the Government of Canada on August 6, 2017, to foster educational collaborations between Canada and the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This initiative is administered by Global Affairs Canada, the department responsible for the country’s diplomatic and consular relations, international trade and development assistance. The SEED program aims to provide students from ASEAN countries with opportunities to engage in short-term study or research at Canadian post-secondary institutions, thereby enhancing academic exchanges and mutual understanding.
The primary objective of the SEED program is to support projects that contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a global plan adopted by all United Nations member states to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. By aligning educational exchanges with sustainable development goals, the program seeks to address critical issues such as poverty reduction, environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
This alignment ensures that the academic pursuits of participating students have a meaningful impact on global development challenges.
Global Affairs Canada oversees the administration of the SEED program, ensuring that it aligns with Canada’s foreign policy priorities and international commitments. The department collaborates with Canadian post-secondary institutions to facilitate the selection and placement of eligible students from ASEAN countries. These institutions play a crucial role in hosting international students and providing them with the necessary support to succeed academically and culturally during their stay in Canada.
The SEED program operates on a model of institutional collaboration, where Canadian institutions apply for scholarships on behalf of eligible students.
This approach encourages the development of bilateral agreements and partnerships between Canadian and ASEAN educational institutions, fostering long-term relationships that extend beyond the duration of the scholarship. Such collaborations contribute to the internationalization of education and research, benefiting both Canadian and ASEAN institutions through shared knowledge and resources.
Since its inception, the SEED program has contributed significantly to strengthening people-to-people ties between Canada and the Indo-Pacific region. By providing students with the opportunity to experience different cultures and educational systems, the program enhances mutual understanding and respect.
This cultural exchange not only enriches the academic experience of the participants but also lays the foundation for future cooperation in various fields, including trade, diplomacy and global development initiatives.
Why Should You Apply for the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship?
This fully funded academic exchange program provides ASEAN students with a chance to:
- Experience high-quality education at prestigious Canadian institutions
- Gain practical research exposure aligned with international development efforts
- Build professional networks that may shape future careers
- Enhance Canada-ASEAN cooperation through education and cultural exchange
- Contribute to sustainability and poverty reduction efforts
With financial coverage of all essential costs, students can focus entirely on academics and research, making this an invaluable opportunity for those eager to expand their knowledge and career prospects.
Degree Levels Covered by the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship 2025
The Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship is open for students at different levels, including:
- Undergraduate programs (short-term study opportunities)
- Master’s degree students (academic coursework or research projects)
- PhD candidates (exchange and research collaboration with Canadian institutions)
This scholarship is structured to support students enrolled in post-secondary institutions in their home country who wish to pursue a temporary study or research period in Canada.
Fields of Study Under the SEED Scholarship
The scholarship primarily supports fields of study that align with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Applicants can choose from various disciplines, including:
Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction
- Development Economics
- Community Development
- Social Entrepreneurship
Environmental Sciences and Climate Change
- Renewable Energy and Sustainability
- Climate Policy and Environmental Law
- Ecology and Biodiversity
Engineering and Technology
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Green Technology and Sustainable Infrastructure
- Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Public Health and Social Sciences
- Global Health and Epidemiology
- Public Policy and Human Rights
- Mental Health and Social Work
International Relations and Policy Studies
- Global Governance and Diplomacy
- Trade and Economic Policies
- Migration and Refugee Studies
This broad range of in-demand fields makes the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship an attractive option for students pursuing careers in development, sustainability and policy-making.
Financial Benefits of the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship 2025
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial assistance, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without financial stress. The funding package includes:
- CAD 10,200 – Covers a four-month exchange program for undergraduate, college or graduate students
- Round-trip airfare – The most economical route between the student’s home country and Canada
- Visa and permit fees – Costs associated with study or work permits
- Health insurance – Full coverage for medical emergencies while in Canada
- Living expenses – Funding for accommodation, food and local transportation
- Books and academic materials – Excludes electronic devices such as laptops
- CAD 500 for Canadian institutions – Administrative support to assist students upon arrival
By covering all significant costs, this scholarship ensures that recipients experience a stress-free learning environment in Canada.
Who Can Apply? Eligible Nationalities
The Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship is exclusively open to students from the following ASEAN countries:
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Students from non-ASEAN countries are not eligible to apply for this program.
Eligibility Requirements for the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship
To qualify for this highly competitive scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a citizen of one of the ASEAN member countries mentioned above
- Must be currently enrolled full-time in a recognized post-secondary institution in an ASEAN country
- Must continue paying tuition fees to their home institution during the scholarship period
- Must not hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency or a pending Canadian visa application
- Must not already be a recipient of any other Government of Canada-funded scholarship
Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in automatic disqualification from the scholarship selection process.
How to Apply for the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship?
Find a Canadian Institution and Secure Placement
- Applicants must first contact a Canadian university that participates in the SEED program.
- The institution must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with an existing exchange agreement with the student’s home university.
Prepare the Necessary Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application package:
- Copy of passport or national ID – Proof of nationality
- Signed Privacy Notice Statement – Consent for data sharing
- Letter of Intent – Explanation of study or research plans in Canada
- Proof of full-time enrollment – Confirmation from the home institution
- Letter of support from the home institution – Endorsement by faculty or academic supervisor
- Letter of invitation from a Canadian professor (graduate students only)
- Academic transcripts – Records of previous studies
- Signed exchange agreement (undergraduate and college students only)
Submission of Application
- The Canadian institution must submit the application on behalf of the student before March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT.
- Students should coordinate closely with their home institution’s international office to ensure a smooth application process.
Selection Criteria for the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship
Applications will be evaluated based on the following factors:
- Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – The proposed study must align with global sustainability efforts
- Commitment to Development – Candidates must demonstrate how Canadian education will help them reduce poverty and development gaps in ASEAN
- Academic Excellence – High academic performance and research potential are key selection factors
- Institutional and Faculty Support – Endorsements from academic supervisors and partner institutions strengthen applications
Since this is a highly competitive scholarship, applicants should focus on demonstrating their impact, academic achievements and future career goals in their application.
Important Dates for the Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship 2025
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
- Results Announcement: Spring 2025
- Scholarship Start Date: Between August 1 and October 1, 2025
Early application is encouraged to increase chances of selection.
The Canada-ASEAN SEED Scholarship 2025 is an outstanding opportunity for students from ASEAN countries to experience world-class education, gain hands-on research experience and contribute to international development.
With full financial support, this scholarship removes all barriers to studying in Canada, making it ideal for ambitious students looking to grow academically and professionally.
Start preparing your application today to maximize your chances of securing this prestigious scholarship.