Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts:
Export Development Canada (EDC) awards up to 25 scholarships of $5,000 each annually to students studying international business at a Canadian college, university, or CEGEP. The application window opens in February each year and closes the same month. You must have a minimum 80% average from your most recent academic term and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Export Development Canada (EDC) is Canada’s export credit agency, dedicated to helping Canadian companies succeed in international markets. Through its Youth Education Program, EDC awards annual scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary studies in international business — supporting the next generation of Canadian trade and business leaders.
This is a direct application scholarship — no institutional nomination is required. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you apply directly through EDC’s scholarship portal during the February application window.
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award amount | $5,000 per scholarship |
| Number of awards | Up to 25 per year |
| Application window | Opens and closes in February each year |
| Who can apply | Canadian citizens and permanent residents |
| Study level | Undergraduate or Master’s at a Canadian college, university, or CEGEP |
| Minimum academic average | 80% from most recent academic term |
| Repayable? | No — non-repayable scholarship |
| Administered by | Export Development Canada (EDC) |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the EDC International Business Scholarship, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax purposes.
- Be pursuing post-secondary studies in International Business — or a closely related field such as commerce, economics, accounting, finance, or business with an environmental/sustainability focus — at a Canadian college, university, or CEGEP.
- Be enrolled for the current academic year (proof of enrolment is required).
- Have a minimum 80% average from your most recent academic term (official transcripts required).
- Demonstrate a passion for international business in at least one of the following areas: trade, entrepreneurship, finance, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), community involvement, or bilingualism in English and French.
EDC employees and their dependants are not eligible.
Pro Tip:
The application window opens and closes in February — it is short. Prepare your transcripts, resume, and reference letter well in advance. International work or study experience, bilingualism, and community involvement are all strong assets that can set your application apart.
What You Need to Apply
Your application must include the following three documents:
- Letter of intent (maximum 1,000 words, or a 3–5 minute video or audio clip) — introduce yourself, explain your passion for international business, and describe how this scholarship will support your goals.
- Resume — highlight any experience abroad (work, study, or internship), memberships, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any involvement in ESG-related initiatives or community support.
- Reference letter (maximum 500 words) — a signed letter from a professor, employer, community member, or mentor (not a family member). The referee must state their relationship to you and include their contact information.
- Official transcripts from your most recent academic term, including the grading system used by your school.
Selection Criteria
EDC evaluates applicants on a combination of factors. The following are considered assets and can strengthen your application:
- Study or work experience outside Canada (internships, exchanges, volunteer work abroad)
- Demonstrated passion for international trade, finance, or ESG issues
- Bilingualism in English and French
- Community involvement and leadership
- Academic excellence above the 80% minimum threshold
How to Apply
Applications are submitted directly through EDC’s scholarship portal — you do not need a nomination from your institution. The application cycle opens each February and closes within the same month. Scholarships are awarded in spring and disbursed in autumn at the start of the following academic year.
To apply, visit the EDC scholarships page at edc.ca and select the International Business Scholarship during the open application window.
Other Federal Financial Aid Options
If you don’t qualify for this scholarship — or want to explore additional funding alongside it — the following options are available to eligible students:
- Canada Student Grants — non-repayable, need-based funding assessed through your provincial application
- Canada Student Loans — permanently interest-free federal loans for eligible students
- Canada Student Bursaries — non-repayable funding for Indigenous post-secondary students
Ready to find a program? Explore eligible schools today.
