Cadieux-Léger Fellowship Overview

The Cadieux-Léger Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity offered by Global Affairs Canada to provide doctoral students with practical experience in policy research related to Canadian foreign policy. The fellowship is designed to integrate a PhD student as an analyst within the Open Insights Hub at Global Affairs Canada, allowing them to participate in real-world policy development, research, and networking activities. Established in 1991 and named after Marcel Cadieux and Jules Léger, the fellowship emphasizes both academic excellence and professional development in international relations and diplomacy.

The fellowship offers an immersive experience where the recipient contributes to research, prepares briefs, and engages with experts both within the Canadian government and internationally. It provides a bridge between academic research and policy practice, offering insights into the workings of Canadian foreign affairs and opportunities to shape the discourse on global issues relevant to Canada.

Fellowship Details

The Cadieux-Léger Fellowship is structured to provide comprehensive exposure to policy work while maintaining the flexibility required by a doctoral student. Key aspects include:

• Placement: Integration as a policy analyst within the Open Insights Hub at Global Affairs Canada.
• Workload: Maximum of 25 hours per week.
• Duration: Up to 12 months.
• Compensation: Total bursary not exceeding $54,000, prorated based on the number of months in the position.
• Focus Areas: Conducting research, preparing policy briefs and short papers, participating in policy working groups, networking with internal and external stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Emphasis on identifying new contacts and expanding networks within Global Affairs Canada, other government departments, and external experts.

This fellowship provides a unique opportunity for doctoral students to gain direct experience in Canadian foreign policy, while contributing meaningfully to research and policy development.

Academic Levels

The fellowship targets doctoral-level students who are already well advanced in their studies. Eligibility requires:

• Enrollment as a full-time PhD student at the time of application and for the duration of the fellowship.
• Completion of all coursework and examinations.
• An approved dissertation proposal.
• Research that aligns with Canada’s foreign policy priorities.

Preferred disciplines include:

• Political Science
• International Relations
• Economics
• Law
• Related fields with relevance to Canadian foreign policy

While the fellowship is open to all qualified candidates, preference is given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Benefits of the Fellowship

The Cadieux-Léger Fellowship provides a range of academic, professional, and financial advantages:

• Practical Experience: Direct exposure to Canadian foreign policy formulation and research.
• Professional Network: Opportunity to build connections within the Canadian government and with international experts.
• Mentorship: Guidance from senior policy analysts and specialists within Global Affairs Canada.
• Financial Support: A bursary of up to $54,000, depending on the duration of the fellowship.
• Career Development: Enhanced credentials and experience for careers in academia, diplomacy, government, or international organizations.
• Policy Impact: Ability to contribute to meaningful policy initiatives with real-world implications.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following conditions to apply for the fellowship:

• Be enrolled full-time in a doctoral program at the time of application.
• Have completed all coursework and examinations for the PhD program.
• Have an approved dissertation proposal.
• Be conducting research relevant to Canada’s foreign policy.
• Demonstrate expertise in political science, international relations, economics, law, or related disciplines.
• Preference for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

The fellowship specifically seeks candidates who can integrate academic research with practical policy applications, bridging the gap between theory and practice in international affairs.

Required Documents

To apply for the Cadieux-Léger Fellowship, candidates must submit a comprehensive application through the Government of Canada jobs portal. Required documents typically include:

• Research Proposal: Detailing a significant foreign policy issue and its relevance to Global Affairs Canada’s mandate.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting academic achievements, professional experience, and relevant skills.
• Academic Transcripts: Evidence of completed coursework and examinations.
• Dissertation Proposal Approval: Documentation showing the dissertation proposal has been accepted by the academic program.
• Letters of Recommendation: Typically two or three references from academic or professional supervisors.
• Statement of Interest: Explaining motivation for applying and alignment with the fellowship objectives.

These materials collectively demonstrate the candidate’s preparedness for the fellowship and ability to contribute effectively to policy research.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process is structured to ensure a rigorous and fair selection of candidates. Steps include:

1. Review Eligibility: Ensure all academic, research, and residency requirements are met.
2. Prepare Application Materials: Compile research proposal, CV, transcripts, dissertation approval, letters of recommendation, and statement of interest.
3. Submit Application: Apply through the Government of Canada jobs portal during the annual call for applications (typically in December).
4. Initial Screening: Applications are reviewed for eligibility and alignment with fellowship objectives.
5. Shortlisting: Selected candidates are invited for further evaluation, which may include interviews or additional documentation.
6. Interview/Assessment: Candidates may participate in interviews with Global Affairs Canada officials.
7. Selection: Final decision is made based on academic merit, research relevance, and potential contributions to policy research.
8. Notification: Selected candidates are formally notified and provided with fellowship details and start dates.
9. Onboarding: The fellow integrates into the Open Insights Hub, receiving guidance and training as needed.
10. Fellowship Period: Candidate works up to 25 hours per week, engaging in research, policy analysis, and networking.
11. Completion: Submission of final outputs, including research briefs or papers, and participation in knowledge-sharing activities within Global Affairs Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
A: Full-time doctoral students with completed coursework and examinations, an approved dissertation proposal, and research relevant to Canada’s foreign policy. Preference is given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Q: What disciplines are considered relevant?
A: Political science, international relations, economics, law, and related fields that align with Canadian foreign policy priorities.

Q: How long does the fellowship last?
A: Up to 12 months.

Q: What is the weekly workload?
A: Fellows are expected to work a maximum of 25 hours per week.

Q: What is the financial support provided?
A: A bursary of up to $54,000, prorated depending on the number of months in the fellowship.

Q: When can candidates apply?
A: The call for applications is generally advertised in December on the Government of Canada jobs portal, with the application deadline usually around the end of January.

Q: What is the selection process?
A: Applications undergo initial screening, shortlisting, possible interviews, and final selection based on academic merit, research relevance, and potential contributions to policy work.

Q: What are the fellowship responsibilities?
A: Conduct research, prepare policy briefs, participate in policy working groups, engage with stakeholders, and build networks within Global Affairs Canada and internationally.

Q: Can international students apply?
A: While the fellowship prioritizes Canadian citizens and permanent residents, other candidates may be considered if they meet all academic and research requirements.

Q: What kind of research is expected?
A: Research should focus on a significant foreign policy issue relevant to Global Affairs Canada, demonstrating both academic rigor and practical applicability.

Notable Alumni

The Cadieux-Léger Fellowship has supported a wide range of scholars who have gone on to significant careers in academia, government, and international organizations. Some recent fellows include:

• 2025–2026: Nina Acharya – Oxford University, research on global aid architecture.
• 2024–2025: Burgess Langshaw-Power
• 2023–2024: Michael Pass
• 2022–2023: Dur-e-Aden
• 2021–2022: Cheng Xu

These fellows exemplify the high caliber of research and professional development fostered by the program.

Historical Context

The fellowship honors Marcel Cadieux and Jules Léger, two prominent figures in Canadian diplomacy.

• Marcel Cadieux (1915–1981): Law professor, legal advisor, ambassador to the United States, and first Canadian on the UN International Law Commission.
• Jules Léger (1913–1980): Canadian diplomat, ambassador to multiple countries, and Canada’s 21st governor general.

The fellowship is part of a broader legacy, including the Jules Léger Library and Cadieux Auditorium at Global Affairs Canada, highlighting their contributions to diplomacy, culture, and scholarship.

Conclusion

The Cadieux-Léger Fellowship represents a unique convergence of academic research and practical policy engagement. It offers doctoral students a rare opportunity to contribute to Canadian foreign policy while developing professional skills and expanding networks. With its competitive bursary, mentorship, and emphasis on real-world impact, the fellowship is ideal for candidates seeking to bridge the gap between academic expertise and policy application in international affairs.

This comprehensive program not only honors the legacy of two of Canada’s diplomatic leaders but also nurtures the next generation of experts capable of influencing global policy debates with insight, rigor, and innovation.

For more information and to register, visit the official Cadieux Léger Fellowship website.

Official Website

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