WiDS Scholarship &
WiDS + CGAI Fellowship
Application

Established in 2006, the WiDS Scholarship fund awards up to $10,000 annually to
outstanding women who are pursuing careers related to Canada’s defence and security.

WiDS also partners with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI) to offer the annual
WiDS & CGAI Fellowship. Recipients receive mentorship, work and research/analysis
opportunities with CGAI, as well as access to CGAI publications and resources.Application Now Open

Are you Eligible?

Must be enrolled at an accredited Canadian university or college, either full-time or part-time in the school
year 2025-2026 (in the case of university students both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible,
however undergraduates must have completed at least 1 year of study)
Demonstrate interest in pursuing a career related to Canada’s defence or security
Have a minimum grade point average of 70%
Provide evidence of community, education or professional leadership
Self-identify as a woman
Be a citizen of Canada

Scholarship Requirements at a Glance:

Letters of recommendation (at least one (1) from a faculty member at current institution)
Employment history
Volunteer history
Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required if awarded)
Demonstration of leadership capability (max. 250 words)
Demonstration of interest in a career in defence and security (max. 250 words)

Keep in Mind

Awards will be based on academic achievement, participation and interest in defence and security activities, field of study, work experience, statements of objectives, and recommendations. Please note that only successful applicants will be notified. Scholarship and Fellowship recipients will be invited to attend the 2025 WiDS Annual Scholarship & Awards Breakfast.

Questions?

Contact: [email protected]

Can I apply to both the Scholarship and Fellowship?

Yes. When you start your application you can choose to apply to either the scholarship or fellowship or both!

Can I apply if I’m studying abroad?

WiDS scholarships are tenable only at recognized institutions in Canada. For applicants who have completed a previous degree abroad, proof of acceptance or registration at a Canadian institution is required.

What studies apply to careers in Canada’s defence and security?

Whether you’re interested in the public sector or private sector we want to know why you want to contribute to the advancement of defence and security in Canada. While this does include defence and security in the traditional sense of military studies, it also includes a broader definition of security that incorporates human security, health security, emergency and disaster management. You might be into political studies or policy making, engineering, cyber security, international relations, Armed Forces roles, first responder roles, industry positions or more.