IDRC John G. Bene Fellowship 2026: Research Funding of Up to CA$30,000
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is inviting applications for the John G.
- FundingUp to CA$30,000 per fellowship award
- Duration10 weeks to 12 months
- Who can applyCanadian citizens and permanent residents only
- Application feeNo application fee disclosed
Overview
The fellowship provides financial support of up to CA$30,000 for eligible research activities. Selected fellows can undertake field research lasting between 10 weeks and 12 months, depending on their approved research plans.
However, this opportunity has an important nationality restriction. It is exclusively available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents enrolled in a master’s or doctoral programme at a Canadian university.
The John G. Bene Fellowship is an IDRC research funding initiative designed to support emerging researchers working on sustainable development challenges.
The 2026 fellowship focuses on strengthening inclusive, community-led nature-based solutions for forest restoration and food system transformation.
The programme aims to support research that examines how communities can protect and restore ecosystems while improving food security, livelihoods and resilience.
Selected fellows will conduct research that contributes to practical knowledge and evidence-based approaches to sustainable development.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Research Fellowship
- Host institution
- International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada
- Location
- Canada and eligible research locations
- Duration
- 10 weeks to 12 months
- Mode
- Research-based fellowship
- Event
- Date
- Research period
- 10 weeks to 12 months
- Fellowship start
- As specified by IDRC
Funding
- Application fee
- No application fee disclosed
- Stipend / salary / financial support
- Up to CA$30,000 per fellowship award
Eligibility
- Age limit
- No specific age limit stated
- Nationality
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents only
- Minimum degree required
- Currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral programme at a Canadian university
- Work experience
- Not specified as a mandatory requirement
Who can apply
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
- Be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree programme at a Canadian university.
- Have a research proposal relevant to the fellowship’s 2026 research theme.
- Be able to undertake the proposed field research within the approved fellowship period.
- Meet the academic and research requirements specified in the official application guidelines.
Can undergraduate students apply?
No. Applicants must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral programme at a Canadian university.
Is work experience required?
The fellowship announcement does not specify a separate mandatory professional work experience requirement. Applicants should demonstrate their academic and research suitability through their application.
What you get
Selected fellows may receive the following support:
1. Research Funding
Successful applicants can receive up to CA$30,000 to support eligible research activities.
2. Field Research Support
The fellowship supports approved field research lasting between 10 weeks and 12 months.
3. International Research Exposure
Depending on the approved research proposal, fellows may conduct research in eligible locations outside Canada.
4. Travel Support
The programme provides support for one return airfare from Canada to the research country or region, subject to the fellowship’s travel conditions.
5. Research and Professional Development
Fellows gain experience conducting research on nature-based solutions, forest restoration, food systems and sustainable development.
Important: The CA$30,000 is a maximum fellowship award, not a guaranteed monthly stipend. The funding is intended to support eligible research expenses. It does not cover university tuition fees.
Fields & areas
The 2026 fellowship focuses on the following interconnected themes:
1. Community-Led Nature-Based Solutions
Research on approaches that involve local communities in protecting, restoring and sustainably managing natural ecosystems.
2. Forest Restoration
Research examining sustainable forest restoration, biodiversity conservation and the role of communities in maintaining forest ecosystems.
3. Food System Transformation
Research exploring how nature-based approaches can contribute to sustainable food production, food security and resilient livelihoods.
4. Inclusive and Community-Driven Development
Research that considers the participation, knowledge and priorities of local communities in environmental and development initiatives.
Applicants should ensure that their proposed research aligns with the fellowship’s stated objectives.
How to apply
Applicants should consult the official application portal for the complete document checklist. Depending on the application requirements, they may need to prepare:
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of enrolment at a Canadian university.
- Research proposal.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Supporting academic or research documents.
- Any additional information requested through the application portal.
Do not submit documents that are not requested by the official application instructions.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official IDRC John G. Bene Fellowship application portal.
- Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Create an account or sign in to the application platform.
- Complete the application form with your academic and personal details.
- Provide information about your proposed research.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Review your application to ensure all information is accurate.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is the IDRC John G. Bene Fellowship 2026 open?
Yes. Applications are being accepted for the 2026 fellowship. The stated deadline is 30 November 2026.
2. Is there an application fee?
No application fee is disclosed in the official fellowship announcement.
3. Can Indian students apply?
Only Indian citizens who also hold Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency and meet the other eligibility requirements can apply. Indian citizens without either status are not eligible.
4. Can international students studying in Canada apply?
International students who do not hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residency are not eligible under the stated nationality requirements.
5. How much funding does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship offers up to CA$30,000 per award for eligible research expenses.
6. Is the CA$30,000 a monthly stipend?
No. It is a maximum research funding award, not a monthly stipend or unrestricted personal allowance.
7. Does the fellowship cover university tuition fees?
No. University tuition fees are not covered by the fellowship.
8. How long does the fellowship last?
Approved research activities can last between 10 weeks and 12 months.
9. Is there an application fee or registration charge?
No application fee is disclosed by IDRC.
10. Can I conduct research outside Canada?
The fellowship includes support for eligible field research outside Canada, subject to the programme’s research and travel conditions.
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