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 USD 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.
Key information
Application information
Student experience
Canadian Killam fellows speak about their experiences in the USA. (Click image to open a video in Vimeo)
Useful links
Program details
The information below was last updated on: October 21, 2025
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Direct Killam 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
Note: 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 university to check for any restrictions that may apply.
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Open Competition
Students may also apply for the Killam Fellowship for exchanges to the USA through the National Student Exchange Program (NSE), which offers over one hundred potential host universities across all American states and territories.
Please see the program webpage for more information on the available universities and academic offerings.
The academic year in the USA 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. (For example, here is some info about visas and insurance for Canadian citizens studying in the USA, provided by NSE.)
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Funding
If selected for an award, the Killam Fellowships Foundation will provide:
- $5,000 USD for one semester
- $500 USD health insurance allowance
- Fall Orientation in Ottawa
- Spring Seminar in Washington, DC
- $800 United States Mobility Grant
In addition, award recipients can apply for a $5,000 Killam Community Action Initiative Grant (either during or after your exchange) as well as for the $5,000 or $15,000 Fulbright Canada Alumni Internship Program (after your exchange).
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree-seeking student at UCalgary while studying abroad, you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are otherwise eligible to receive from the university, as well as student loans.
Accommodation options vary, but most universities have on-campus housing available or provide resources if needed to search for off-campus housing. Please refer to the websites of your chosen schools 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.
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.
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Direct Exchange Applications
STEP 1: Submit a Killam online application through the University of Calgary's application system RAISA.
- Log in to the RAISA system using your UCalgary IT username and password.
- Create your profile on RAISA, then click the Study Programs tab.
- Search for "Killam" and click "apply".
- Fill out the application and submit it.
STEP 2: Complete the Killam Application Package documents. Read the Killam application instructions carefully before beginning the application. Please collect all the application documents (transcript, references, CV/resume, passport scan, etc.).
- This package must be submitted to UCalgary coordinator Sasha Massey (sasha.massey@ucalgary.ca) by a deadline of December 15, 2025.
STEP 3: UCalgary will review all applicants, notify selected candidates, and forward your complete application on to the Killam Fellowships Foundation.
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Open Competition Applications
STEP 1: Submit an NSE online application through the University of Calgary's application system RAISA.
- First, review the NSE page and prepare your supplemental application form in advance.
- Log in to the RAISA system using your UCalgary IT username and password.
- Create your profile on RAISA, then click the Study Programs tab.
- Search for "NSE" and click "apply".
- Fill out the application, upload your NSE supplemental application form, and submit it.
- This must be completed by January 12, 2026.
STEP 2: Complete the Killam Application Package documents. Read the Killam application instructions carefully before beginning the application. Please collect all the application documents (transcript, references, CV/resume, passport scan, etc.).
- This package must be submitted directly to the Killam Fellowships Foundation.
- Applications must be postmarked to Killam on or before January 31, 2026.
The UCalgary coordinator for Killam is: Sasha Massey
Have questions?
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.