What to Know About the Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030
The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030, also known as BCDI 2030, is a transformative initiative designed to open access to quality education and training in Canada for learners from developing nations. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, this ambitious eight-year program runs through 2030 and is centered on global development, equity, and long-term impact.
Whether you’re a student exploring opportunities abroad or an institution looking to build meaningful international collaborations, here’s what you need to know about this opportunity that merges education with global progress.
A Program with Purpose: Beyond Education
BCDI 2030 isn’t just about classroom learning, it’s a targeted effort to reduce inequality and accelerate social and economic development across 26 eligible partner countries. It goes hand-in-hand with global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to education, gender equality, and inclusive growth.
The program offers access to a wide range of training opportunities in Canada, including vocational and technical education, to ensure participants are equipped with practical skills needed in their home countries.
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A Focus on Inclusion and Equity
A defining feature of BCDI 2030 is its strong emphasis on gender equality. Out of the approximately 600 scholarships to be awarded over the life of the program, at least 51% are reserved for women. This approach helps build leadership among underrepresented groups and ensures a diverse, empowered pool of changemakers.
Scholars will gain not only academic knowledge but also practical experiences that prepare them to succeed in the workforce and lead initiatives that improve lives in their communities.
Eligibility: How the Program Works
BCDI 2030 does not accept individual applications. Instead, eligibility is determined through institutional partnerships. Canadian higher education institutions (HEIs) must form collaborative projects with HEIs in one of the 26 eligible countries. Once these partnerships are approved and funded, the Canadian and partner institutions will lead their own selection processes, identifying scholarship recipients based on their own criteria and the program’s core guidelines.
These partnerships ensure that training is locally relevant, responsive to country needs, and aligned with long-term development goals.
Application Pathway: What Prospective Scholars Should Know
If you’re a student hoping to benefit from BCDI 2030, you cannot apply directly through the program’s website. Instead, you must go through one of the international partner institutions participating in an approved project.
To explore current opportunities, visit bcdi2030.ca, where you can review funded projects and reach out to designated contact persons listed under each Canadian scholarship initiative. These contacts can provide details on application deadlines, program areas, and eligibility specifics.
The Bigger Picture
BCDI 2030 is more than just a scholarship, it’s an investment in global transformation. By empowering individuals through education, Canada aims to foster stronger, more resilient societies in regions that need it most. From building workforce-ready skills to encouraging lifelong leadership, BCDI 2030 prepares students not just for jobs, but for lasting impact.
Upon completing their studies or training, scholars are expected to return home, where they’ll apply what they’ve learned to strengthen institutions, drive innovation, and improve outcomes in their communities.
