Killam Fellowships: Funded Exchange to the USA
The Killam Fellowships Program provides an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students from universities in Canada to spend either one semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in the United States.
Selected students receive a cash award of $5,000 US for one semester, a three day orientation in Ottawa and a three day spring seminar in Washington, D.C. Students may participate in the program as a Direct Exchange student at one of Killam's 13 partner universities in the United States. They may also apply for the Killam funding through the Open Competition and exchange to the United States through the National Student Exchange program or the Arizona State University exchange program.
Key information
Application information
Student experience
Canadian Killam fellows speak about their experiences in the USA. (link to Vimeo)
Useful links
Program details
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Direct Exchange Program
Students applying through the Direct Exchange Program can apply to study at one of the following Killam partner universities:
- American University
- Arizona State University
- Bridgewater State University
- Clemson University
- Florida Polytechnic University
- Ithaca College
- Miami Dade College
- Smith College
- State University of New York College at Plattsburgh
- University of California at Irvine
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- University of Maine
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Virginia
- University of Washington
- Vanderbilt University
- Wellesley College
Students are able to choose from the full range of courses offered by the host university but are encouraged to consult the Exchange website of each host university to check for any restrictions that may apply. Click on the university for more information.
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Open Competion
Students may also apply for the Killam Fellowship for exchanges to the USA through NSE (100+ options). Please see program webpage for more information on academic offerings available.
The academic year is divided into 2 semesters. Semester 1 (Fall) runs from late August/early September to December. Semester 2 (Spring) runs from January to May.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations etc in your budget planning.
Many partner universities have cost of living information on their websites so please check your chosen schools' websites.
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Funding
If selected for an award, the Killam Fellowships Foundation will provide:
- $5,000 US for one semester
- $500 US health insurance allowance
- Fall Orientation in Ottawa
- Spring Seminar in Washington, DC
- $800 US Mobility Grant
In addition, award recipients can apply for a $5000 Killam Community Action Initiative Grant (either during or after your exchange) as well as for the $5000 or $15,000 Fulbright Canada Alumni Internship Program (after your exchange).
Since you remain a degree seeking student at the U of C while on exchange you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (the amount varies year-to-year). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
Accommodation options vary from institution to institution but most universities have on campus housing available. Please see the specific partner websites for more detail.
All applicants for the Killam Fellowships Program must be Canadian citizens; be full-time undergraduate students in good standing; and have a superior and competitive academic record. You must be a degree seeking student for the full academic year in which you are hoping to participate in the program.
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Direct Exchange Applications
STEP 1: Submit an online application through University of Calgary International's application system
- The apply button above will take you to the online system which you access with your UCalgary IT username and password. Follow the following flow chart to successfully submit your exchange application.
- Create your profile on RAISA→ Click Study Programs tab → Search for "Killam" and click "apply" → Fill out application & save or apply.
STEP 2: Complete the Killam Application Package documents. Read the application instructions carefully before beginning the application. Please collect all the application documents (transcript, references, CV/resume, passport scan, etc.). Please use the Killam Application Instructions for more details.
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Open Competition Applications
1. Complete and submit an application for:
- National Student Exchange (NSE), following the instructions on the How to apply section of the NSE program page . Don't forget to submit the NSE Supplemental Application Form.
2. Complete and submit a copy of the Killam Application Package directly to the Killam Fellowships Foundation. Read the application instructions carefully before beginning the application. Applications must be postmarked on or before January 31, 2024.
Please use the Killam Application Instructions for more details.
Please note: If you plan to apply for both the direct and open competitions, you will need two separate applications. Supporting documents cannot be shared between applications - you will need a full application for each competition.
The advisor for the direct competition is: Jared Secord
Have questions?
Please contact the Global Learning Office for questions regarding the Open competition.
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.