Call for applications for the Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program in Canada. Offered by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF), the young leaders program is designed in a hybrid format. IPYL fully funded leadership program will run from January- December, 2026, including both virtual and in-person learning sessions in Canada. The international leaders program invites exceptional young professionals who are based in Asia. By attending the leaders program for undergraduate and graduate students, participants will develop networks with Canadian government officials, industry leaders, professionals, and experts. Participation in one-week learning tour in Canada in May-June 2026 is free, with no registration fees.
Funded by the Government of Canada, the fully funded leadership program will cover airfare, and will provide accommodation to the delegates. In addition, participants will receive per diem to cover living expenses during the trip. On top of this, selected participants will be connecting to APF’s network of leaders and experts. The young leaders program 2026 provides opportunities of leadership and policy-skills development. Through the fully funded leaders program, participants will also get to know Canadian institutions, innovation and policy systems. Moreover, the young leaders will get a chance to contribute to various events or forums of APF Canada.
During the leaders program for Asian students, participants will attend monthly virtual briefings on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, ensuring continuous learning and engagement. If you are interested in Indo-Pacific affairs and have experience in the field of politics, economics, international relations, history, diplomacy, society, security, or environmental issues, then the Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program in Canada is an exciting opportunity for you. Apply now to refine your understanding and gain valuable international exposure.
Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program in Canada:
Host Country:
- Canada
Host Organisation:
- Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF)
Program Location:
- Virtual and in-person (Canada)
Program Duration:
- January 2026- December 2026
Benefits of Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program in Canada:
- The in-person program in Canada has no registration fees.
- The program will cover airfare, and provide hotel accommodation to the delegates.
- Participants will receive per diem to cover other living expenses during the one-week program.
- The incidental expenses will be covered.
- Participants can get a letter to support their visa application.
- Delegates will have opportunities in the future to contribute to events and forums of APF Canada.
- Participants will get a chance to have international exposure and develop leadership and policy skills.
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Eligibility Criteria for Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program in Canada:
- Applicants must be aged 39 or younger.
- Applicants should have interest and experience in Indo-Pacific affairs in areas of politics, economics, society, diplomacy, international relations, security, history, and environmental issues.
- Applicants who are early-to mid-career professionals will be given preference.
- Applicants must hold citizenship or permanent residency in an Indo-Pacific country/territory.
- Applicants should have at least an undergraduate degree in a field such as Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Law, Economics, Sociology, History, Geography, Asian Studies, etc.
- Current graduate students can also apply.
- Candidates should have minimum 5 years of relevant experience in government, international or regional organizations, think-tanks, media outlets, business, or academia.
- Applicants must be able to provide travel documents to participate in a one-week learning trip in Canada.
- Applicants must attend monthly virtual sessions and should be available to participate in a one-week Learning Tour in Canada in May or June 2026.
- Delegates should engage with fellow participants and guest speakers.
- Participants should be connected to the alumni network after completing the program.
How to apply for Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program in Canada:
- Apply through online application form.
- Provide your personal information and contact details.
- Upload the merged PDF file of documents.
- Enter your educational details.
- Mention the details of references.
- Select your country of residence.
- Choose your primary areas of expertise.
- Mention your experience (in years).
- Select your relevant sector.
- Choose your age range.
- Click ‘submit application’ to submit your form.
Documents required for Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program in Canada:
- Merge all the documents in 1 PDF file and then upload it onto the online application form.
- Resume (including your academic background, skills, and professional experiences).
- Cover Letter (why you are interested in joining the program).
- Short questionnaire (maximum 2 pages for all four questions):
- 1. In your opinion, what is a major challenge Canada is currently facing in its relationship with the Indo-Pacific?
- 2. What aspect of Canada-Indo-Pacific relations are you most eager to learn about?
- 3. How might having a better understanding of Canada help you in your current or future career?
- 4. On what international issue would you most like to show leadership in the future? Please explain.
Program Deadline:
- The last date to apply is 9 December, 2025.
