Eligible International Learning Opportunities:  

• an SFU Formal Exchange Program or Field School (virtual or in-person), outside of Canada, administered through International Services for Students; 
• an International Co-operative Education term or an approved Work Integrated Learning Opportunity (virtual or in-person) administered by SFU Work Integrated Learning; 
• an academic credit-bearing study abroad program approved by the Senate Committee on International Activities, such as the International Teacher Education Program (ITEM); or 
• an SFU Virtual Global Learning activity in a credit bearing course at SFU.   

* Full-time enrollment means that students are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 9 units of standard graded courses at SFU in the term of award.

Students with disabilities are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 6 or more units of standard graded courses in the term of award and be registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) for a reduced course load. Verification from CAL will be required. Students enrolled in an international Co-op work term are considered to meet the full-time enrollment criteria

** In the term that you are accepted/enrolled at SFU for your international learning opportunity 

All policies and regulations regarding SFU financial and and awards apply.

Award Value

Multiple awards will be given to undergraduate students in the following amounts, in $CAD. 

• Virtual program (1+ weeks): $1000
• In-person short term program (1-4 weeks): $1000 to $3000
• In-person medium/long term programs (5 weeks and over): $3000 to $5000

Students who meet the above eligibility and self-identify as one of the following populations: low-income, student with disabilities, or Indigenous student will be considered eligible for the following funding amounts:

• Virtual programs (1+ weeks): $1,000
• Short term programs (1-4 weeks): $1,000- $3,000
• Medium term programs (5-16 weeks): $3,000 - $7,000
• Long term programs (17+ weeks)*: $5,000 - $10,000

*If you are a recipient of long-term program funding which spans 2+ SFU terms, you will receive $7000 in your first term and up to $3000 in your second term. If you do not participate in your second term, your second term funding will not be disbursed, and is non-transferrable to a future term. 

Application & Selection

How to Apply

1. Create your profile for the GLA with your SFU email address here. 
Please note this link will lead you to the SFU Study Abroad application system page, however is intended for all GLA applicants. 
2. Click on the "Search Funding Options" tab
3. Search for the Global Learning Award (GLA) and click apply.
4. Review eligibility and selection criteria and begin application.
5. Complete your application and "Submit" before the deadline. (Saved applications will not be considered by the GLA review committee after the deadline.)

Selection Process

Award selection is based on meeting eligibility, needs and character-based criteria, and the demonstration of a high desire to learn, rather than your academic standing. See the application site for full details. After the deadline, submitted applications will be reviewed anonymously by the GLA Review Committee. If successful, conditional award nominations will be sent four to six weeks after the award application deadline.  You must still meet eligibility and selection requirements for your specific international learning opportunity. 

The number of awards funded for each deadline period will depend on the applicant pool.

After you Apply

Students will be notified of the status of their application 4-6 weeks following the application deadline. All recipient requirements are detailed in the GLA application. Those who are conditionally nominated to receive award funding will receive all details and next steps, directly in an email.