De Chastelain Scholarship Programme 2026 – Fully Funded Postdoctoral Research Exchange in Canada & Ireland

The De Chastelain Scholarship Programme 2026, offered by the prestigious Ireland Canada University Foundation (ICUF){:target=”_blank”}, is an exceptional opportunity for highly motivated postdoctoral researchers seeking to deepen their academic expertise while contributing to important themes of peace, reconciliation, and sustainability. This fully supported mobility award enables accomplished scholars from Canada and the island of Ireland to undertake short-term research or academic exchange visits to partner institutions across both regions.

The programme, designed to strengthen academic collaboration and cultural understanding, offers generous support for travel, accommodation, and living expenses. Through this scholarship, researchers gain a platform to engage in high-impact work while building long-term professional networks in world-class universities and research centres.

To help you review essential information at a glance, here is a summary:

This exclusive programme continues to gain international recognition due to its strong alignment with themes that matter globally. Scholars who participate in the De Chastelain Scholarship Programme 2026 become part of a growing network committed to promoting peacebuilding and sustainability through research excellence.

Subjects Offered

One of the unique strengths of the De Chastelain Scholarship Programme 2026 is its broad subject flexibility. Scholars from multiple academic fields can apply, as long as their research aligns with the programme’s core themes: Pathways to Peace or Grounds for Hope.

Eligible research disciplines include, but are not limited to:

Peace Studies, Reconciliation Studies, Sustainability Research, Social Sciences, Humanities, Environmental Studies, Public Policy, Cultural Studies, International Relations, Conflict Resolution

Any project that supports sustainable peace, social cohesion, environmental responsibility, or cross-cultural understanding is considered acceptable under this program.

Degree Offered

This award supports postdoctoral-level research or short-term academic exchange. Eligible applicants must hold a PhD at the time of applying and must be actively affiliated with a recognized university, research institute, or publicly funded research centre in either Canada or Ireland.

The programme provides flexibility for:

• Collaborative research stays
• Field investigations
• Academic lectures or seminars
• Knowledge exchange programmes
• Interdisciplinary research visits

The aim is to support impactful short-term mobility that strengthens academic partnerships.

Benefit

The De Chastelain Scholarship Programme 2026 offers highly competitive funding to ease financial burdens and enable scholars to focus fully on their research goals.

Key financial benefits include:

• CAD $3,000 / €1,875 for international travel, airport transfers, and local transportation
• CAD $2,250 / €1,400 per week to cover accommodation, meals, research meetings, and daily living expenses
• Funding is released in three stages:

1. 1. Before travel
   2. At the start of the research visit
   3. After fulfilling programme requirements

Additionally, scholars are encouraged to submit a final report and photographs reflecting their research experience, which may be featured on the official ICUF website.

This structured funding model ensures participants receive complete support throughout their research journey.

Eligible Nationality

Applicants must be:

• Ordinarily and lawfully resident in Canada or the island of Ireland, and
• Must have lived in the eligible region for at least three consecutive years before the application deadline.

This residency requirement ensures the award supports scholars who are genuinely integrated into academic communities across Canada or Ireland.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the De Chastelain Scholarship Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a lawful resident of Canada or the island of Ireland
• Must have resided for at least three consecutive years in the eligible region
• Must hold a PhD at the time of application
• Must be affiliated with a recognized university, public research centre, or a non-profit research institution
• Must provide a research proposal aligned with the programme themes:
  • Pathways to Peace
  • Grounds for Hope
• Must not have received any ICUF scholarship or fellowship since 2021
• Must demonstrate the academic merit and impact value of their proposed project

Meeting these criteria ensures applicants are strongly positioned to contribute meaningful academic outcomes.

How to Apply

The application process for the De Chastelain Scholarship Programme 2026 is entirely online, conducted through the official Award Force platform.

Application Steps:

1. Create an account on the Award Force system
2. Complete the online application accurately
3. Upload all required documents, including:
   • A 3-page academic CV (PDF)
   • A host partner statement (PDF) on official institutional letterhead
4. Submit all materials in English
5. Ensure your application is submitted before 5 February 2026 (2300 hrs GMT / 1800 hrs EST)

For questions, applicants may email: [email protected] stay updated by subscribing to notifications via this mailing list, or follow ICUF on X and LinkedIn.

Apply Now

Applications will open soon. To begin your application, visit the official webpage: Apply Now

If you are passionate about creating meaningful impact through research and ready to expand your academic horizon beyond borders, the De Chastelain Scholarship Programme 2026 is your gateway to an unforgettable international experience. This is your chance to learn, grow, collaborate, and contribute to powerful themes like peace, reconciliation, and sustainability—while studying in world-class institutions across Canada or Ireland. Do not let this opportunity pass you by. Start preparing your documents, refine your proposal, and take the next bold step in your academic journey. Apply with confidence and let your research shape a better future. Your next big achievement starts right here. 5 February 2026 is the last date for applying for the De Chastelain Scholarship. Don’t wait and apply today.