Canada Intercultural Exchange

This is an exclusive scholarship opportunity for students at an
AFS New Zealand Heartland Partner School: This is for a year programme to Canada at a generously subsidised fee.

You will be hosted by a family in Eastern Ontario in a safe rural community or small town, surrounded by Canada’s beautiful lakes and rivers. At school, you will have the opportunity to experience the history and culture of the region’s indigenous population alongside the general curriculum and school activities.

This programme is run by AFS Canada in partnership with the Homestay Network and Upper Canada School District.

Application Dates

Deadline – Saturday 28th February 2026

Zoom Interviews – 5th to 8th March (you will need to be available)
Decision by – Tuesday 10th March 2026

Programme Dates: September 2026 – June 2027

Scholarship Value & What's Included?

For this programme, AFS Canada and New Zealand
are providing a scholarship to the value of $26,466.
The remaining cost of the programme is $5,000, which is to be covered by the participant.

Pre departure Orientation in Auckland
Return flights to Canada from Auckland (and internal domestic travel to your host family)
Medical and Personal Liability Insurance
CAN$200 Monthly Stipend
Host family placement during the year programme
24/7 support from AFS Canada and AFS New Zealand

If you meet the criteria, please follow the steps to apply below.

Eligibility

You will need to be between 15 years and 18.11 years
Open only to female Māori students enrolled in NZ school
Must provide endorsement from their NZ school
Strong academic profile and excellent mental and physical health
Must provide proof of financial need
Immunizations may be required please check here
Capable of adjusting to new experiences and environments, and open to adjusting to cultural difference.

Apply

Complete your information through the application link below, select the “Year in Canada (Scholarship)” programme and submit for the eligibility check!

APPLICATION LINK

2. We will then make sure you meet the criteria and move you forward to complete the below information, which will be listed in the portal as to-do items. (You are encouraged to get these ready to submit.)

Please remember, the remainder cost of this scholarship programme is $5,000 for the year to be covered by the participant with their whānau and community.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

Zoom Session with Q&A

Attend an information zoom session run by AFS NZ covering:

How AFS works to go on an exchange
What is covered by the scholarship
Q&A from you and your parent/guardian

Learn About Canada

Country Information

This is an exclusive scholarship opportunity for students at an AFS New Zealand Heartland Partner School: This is for a year programme to Canada at a generously subsidised fee.