The Killam Fellowships Undergraduate Exchange Program Canada-US is a prestigious undergraduate exchange program that allows outstanding students to study for a semester or a full academic year at a partner university across the Canada-U.S. border. The program, administered by Fulbright Canada, offers students a rewarding academic and cultural experience by connecting universities in Canada and the United States.
With financial assistance, the fellowship gives undergraduate students the chance to attend a prestigious university in the neighboring country. Participants can benefit from academic credit-transfer arrangements and a strong support network during their exchange in Canada or the United States.
The competition opens annually on August 15 for the following academic year. Interested students should submit their applications according to the requirements and deadlines of their home university for the direct exchange route. The current 2027-28 competition opened on August 15, 2027.
Killam Fellowships Undergraduate Exchange Program Canada-US– Quick Details
Administered by: Fulbright Canada
Countries involved: Canada and the United States (reciprocal exchange)
Funding: Fully Funded
Partner network: 20 U.S. universities and 21 Canadian universities
Degree level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) students
Duration: One semester or one full academic year
Competition opens: August 15 each year
Degree Level
Full-time undergraduate (bachelor’s) students enrolled at participating partner universities in the US or Canada are eligible to apply for the Killam Fellowships Program. Typically, students apply during their undergraduate studies and can study at a partner institution in the other nation for one semester or an entire academic year.
Available Subjects
Subject to the courses and programs offered at the chosen host university, the Killam Fellowships enable students to continue their studies in their current academic field or specialty. Undergraduate students in all fields of study are encouraged to apply, although course availability and credit-transfer arrangements should be confirmed with the home and host universities.
Eligible Nationalities
The Killam Fellowships Program is open to Canadian and U.S. citizens enrolled at eligible universities.
- United States
- Canada
Applicants should confirm the specific eligibility requirements for their country and home university before applying.
Eligibility Criteria – Killam Fellowships Undergraduate Exchange Program
Applicants generally must:
- Attend a participating or eligible degree-granting university as a full-time undergraduate student.
- Be a citizen of Canada or the United States, depending on the country of application.
- Be in good academic standing and have a strong academic record.
- Meet the eligibility requirements of their home university.
- Meet the program’s language and academic requirements.
- For direct exchange applicants, receive nomination from their home university.
Because eligibility and nomination procedures can vary by country and institution, students should check their home university and the official Fulbright Canada requirements before applying.
Benefits – Killam Fellowships Undergraduate Exchange Program
Killam Fellows receive financial support to help cover the costs of their exchange:
- US$6,000 for one semester
- US$12,000 for a full academic year
- Health benefit plan
- Access to host university resources and student services
- Orientation in Ottawa and a spring seminar in Washington, D.C.
- Eligibility to apply for a mobility grant of up to US$800
- Academic credit-transfer opportunities where applicable
For direct exchange students, participants register at their home university and continue paying their home-university tuition and fees while attending the host university as exchange students.
Required Documents for Killam Fellowships
Applicants should prepare the following documents. Exact requirements can vary according to the applicant’s country and application route:
- Proof of citizenship – PDF, with passport preferred
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – generally up to 3 pages
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Personal statement – generally one page
- Supplementary document package
- Course selection forms, where required
- Letter(s) of acceptance, if applying through the Open Competition and already accepted
- Two references, requested through the application
- Home-university advisor/official approval and nomination for applicable direct-exchange applicants
Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Review the official Killam Fellowships eligibility requirements and confirm that you meet the requirements for your country and exchange route.
Step 2: Contact Your University
Speak with your study abroad, international exchange, or academic advisor to confirm whether your university participates and determine the internal deadline.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your citizenship proof, CV, transcripts, personal statement, course selection information, references, and other required documents.
Step 4: Select the Exchange Route
Students may apply through the Direct Exchange Program where applicable. The program also offers an Open Competition route for eligible applicants.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Complete the online Killam application and submit all required documents before the applicable deadline.
Step 6: University Nomination and Review
For direct exchange applicants, the home university reviews and nominates candidates. Applications are then evaluated through the Killam selection process.
Killam Fellowships Deadline
For the Open Competition, the current deadline for American applicants is January 31, 2027. Direct-exchange applicants must follow the internal deadline set by their home university, which may be earlier.
Deadline: January 31, 2027 for the Open Competition; university-specific deadline for Direct Exchange.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Killam Fellowships Undergraduate Exchange Program?
The Killam Fellowships Program is an undergraduate exchange opportunity allowing eligible Canadian and U.S. students to study in the other country for one semester or a full academic year.
Is the Killam Fellowship fully funded?
The program provides significant financial support, including US$6,000 for one semester or US$12,000 for a full academic year, along with a health benefit plan and other opportunities.
Who can apply for the Killam Fellowships?
Eligible Canadian and U.S. undergraduate students who meet the program and home-university requirements can apply.
What degree level is eligible?
The program is designed for full-time undergraduate students, including students pursuing bachelor’s-level degrees.
How long is the Killam exchange?
Students can participate for one semester or a full academic year.
What documents are required?
Common documents include proof of citizenship, CV, academic transcripts, personal statement, course selection forms, references, and other supplementary documents depending on the application route.
When does the Killam Fellowship competition open?
The competition opens annually in August. The current 2027-28 competition opened on August 15, 2026.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official Fulbright Canada Killam Fellowships application system, with direct-exchange applicants also required to follow their home university’s internal process.
Do I need university approval?
Yes. Direct-exchange applicants generally need their home university’s nomination or approval and must meet its exchange requirements.
Can students from all academic fields apply?
Yes. Undergraduate students in all fields of study are encouraged to apply, subject to the courses and programs available at the selected host university.
