Supporting the next generation of global leaders

Alberta’s government is ensuring all Albertans can gain the skills and knowledge they need to build successful careers and secure Alberta’s future. The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program supports international opportunities for Alberta students through international research and learning opportunities for studies.

This investment supports Alberta’s International Education Strategy by helping students build and foster relationships on a global scale while attracting international talent to the province.

The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program was developed to create global citizens through academic, professional and cross-cultural experiences by activating a new generation of leaders in Canada and around the world through facilitating lasting local and global community engagement.

“It is crucial that we support innovation and international collaboration. The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program, operated by the Rideau Hall Foundation, opens more doors for our students to gain meaningful experience on a global level while attracting international talent to our province.”

The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program was established in 2012 in honour of the late Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Canadian post-secondary institutions submit project proposals to the program in various fields and disciplines. Previous projects have focused on pressing and emerging issues such as advancing global health, increasing access to education and building inclusive and sustainable economies.

“We are honoured to have the Province of Alberta invest $10 million in this next phase of Queen Elizabeth Scholars. This means more Alberta students will benefit from global learning experiences while attracting talent from abroad into the province as well – all of which positions Alberta for success in the global economy.”

Universities with winning project proposals are responsible for recruiting scholars based on their area of focus, partner organizations and partner countries. More than 2,200 young people have completed the program worldwide. The next phase will open the program to colleges and institutions across Canada.

This investment is part of Advanced Education’s allocation of nearly $112 million for scholarships and awards to support the education needs and goals of about 57,000 students.

Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.

Quick facts

• The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program is led by the Rideau Hall Foundation – a national charitable organization focused on building a better Canada. The program was founded by the Rideau Hall Foundation, Community Foundations Canada and Universities Canada.

• About 80 per cent of participants are Canadian students travelling abroad.

• About 20 per cent of participants are from other countries coming to Canada through the program. On average, they stay between three months and three years.

• To date, the program has funded 106 projects at 46 Canadian universities and in 72 countries around the world.