**THE IIES IS HOSTING TWO INFORMATION SESSIONS ON OUR QES PROGRAM**
Virtual Session: If you want to learn more about the IIES Program and how to apply, please join us for our online information session on December 8, 2025 at 8:30 am EST. Registration is now open to all on our Event Page.
In-person session for Trent University students and faculty: An in-person information session will be held on December 4, 2025 at 10:00 am in room TBD. All drop-ins welcome.
The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholars (QES) program
We are thrilled to announce that the prestigious 2025 Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES) grant has been awarded to Trent University in collaboration with the IIES! The QES grant program disbursed $6.2 million in funding in the 2025 competition, which was distributed to climate response initiatives in 22 Canadian institutions, including Trent University.
Over the next four years (2025-2028), the IIES will award 24 scholarships to students who wish to travel abroad to work on environmental research projects as part of our United Global Plan of Action for One Health and One Climate initiative. Of these 24 scholarships, 16 will be granted to Trent University students to work abroad for a minimum of 2 months. The remaining 8 scholarships will be awarded to international students from an eligible institution to work on a project in Canada.
All students are encouraged to apply for this scholarship for the opportunity to work on one of the proposed projects below, which are hosted by Trent University or by one of its international partner institutions. Before applying, please ensure you meet the eligibility criteria listed below.
Faculty members from institutions in an eligible country (see list of eligible countries below) who wish to host a student can also submit their proposed research projects below. Please ensure that your university and research project meet the eligibility criteria as well as the scope of the United Global Plan of Action for One Health and One Climate initiative.
Scope of research projects
These projects involve critical collaborations with partners in Chile, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and beyond.
United Global Plan of Action for One Health and One Climate
- Sustainable development of critical minerals vital to the green transition Greenhouse gas
- Greenhouse gas emissions from natural ecosystems and human activities
- Carbon capture using sustainable agriculture practices and enhanced rock weathering
- The impacts of climate change on water quality and resources
Exchange opportunities & Funding
Outbound Students
16 Trent University students to eligible international institutions
Funding
Minimum 60 Days**
$8,000
8 awards of 60-89 days
$10,000*
8 awards of 90-120 days
*Funding might be up to $12,000 for 121-180 day award or $13,000 for awards of 180 days or more.
**The 60 days period does not include travel or in-country orientation. At least 35 hours of activities per week.
Inbound Students
8 International students from eligible international institutions to a Canadian Institution
Priority is given to students from an existing IIES member institution, however all are welcome to apply
Funding
Minimum 60 Days**
Up to $13,000
8 awards of 90 days
Scholarship will be used to cover accommodation, visa expenses, health insurance, airfare, transport, winter clothing, installation and monthly allowance, books. Tuition fees waived, where applicable
**The 60 days period does not include travel or in-country orientation. At least 35 hours of activities per week.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Outbound students
Awards for Trent University students
- Not previously received QES funding
- Less than 35 years old (exceptions exist)
- Graduate programs or 3rd or 4th year undergraduate programs*
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Registered Trent University student
- Able to communicate in at least one of the languages used by the partner institution
*Possible although not ideal in the context of the Trent-IIES initiative
Eligibility
Inbound students
Awards for International students
- Not previously received QES funding
- Graduate Students
- Able to communicate in English or French
- Citizen of an eligible country – students currently in Canada with a valid study permit are eligible
- Less than 35 years old (exceptions exist)
General program Requirements
All QES funded activities must be for academic credit/recognition.
- All students must receive academic credit/recognition for the successful completion of their QES funded activities. How the credit/recognition is attributed is to be determined by the Canadian postsecondary institution.
- Possibilities include specific course credit, directed reading, co-curricular, and work-integrated learning credit. In the case of incoming scholars undertaking short-term study or research, QES funded activities must be directly linked to the graduate program in which they are registered in their home country.
The program will require all scholars to participate in leadership development, networking, and community engagement activities.
Requirements
for Queen Elizabeth Scholars
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Research activities
- Leadership development and community engagement activities
- Support and advice as active QES and alumni (pre-, during and after the scholarships)
- REPORTING
- QES: Pre-departure form on the QES portal
- Pre-departure orientation with the host institutions and IIES representative
- Final scholar narrative report
- Program evaluation process (surveys, interviews)
- Create a community of young global leaders (QES’ mandate)
Requirements
for Host Institutions
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Provide each scholar with leadership development activities
- Help each scholar identify community engagement activities
- Enable on-going peer mentoring and alumni interaction
- REPORTING
- Partner report
- Create a community of young global leaders (QES’ mandate)
Leadership & community engagement examples
Professional Workshops
Volunteering within the Local Community
Community Events: Roundtable, Panel Discussions, etc.
Peer Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing
Public Speaking, Problem-solving & Leadership Activities
Applying Global Experiences or Knowledge to Enhance the Local Community
Available Projects
To apply for one of the following projects, click on any of the “Apply Today” buttons and select the specific project in the application form.
EcoLink-VN – Integrated Assessment of Human-Induced Pressures on Coastal and Agricultural Water Systems in Southern Vietnam
Dr Quang Khai Ha
Host Institution: Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology
Available Positions: 2
Duration: 2 to 3 months
Leadership & Engagement Opportunities
- Professional Workshops
- Applying Global Experiences or Knowledge to Enhance the Local Community
- Other Opportunities
Maximizing carbon capture for One Climate in a warming world
Professor Andrew Tanentzap
Host Institution: Trent University
Campus: Peterborough
Available Positions: 2
Duration: 2 to 6 months
Leadership & Engagement Opportunities
- Professional Workshops
- Volunteering within the Local Community
- Applying Global Experiences or Knowledge to Enhance the Local Community
Assessing environmental impacts of ash as an agricultural amendment
Professor Hwong-Wen Ma
Host Institution: National Taiwan University
Available Positions: 1
Duration: 2 to 6 months
Leadership & Engagement Opportunities
- Professional Workshops
Unraveling Metal Speciation in Sediment Using Advanced Surface Characterization Techniques
Professor Andrew Vreugdenhil
Host Institution: Trent University
Campus: Peterborough
Available Positions: 1
Duration: 4 to 5 months
Leadership & Engagement Opportunities
- Professional Workshops
- Other Opportunities
Recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from E-Waste
Professor Tu Le Manh
Host Institution: Phenikaa University
Campus: Hanoi
Available Positions: 2
Duration: 5 months+
Leadership & Engagement Opportunities
- Professional Workshops
- Volunteering within the local community
- Applying Global Experiences or Knowledge to Enhance the Local Community
Investigation of Trace Metal Accumulation on MiPs and Their Impact on Aquatic Organisms in Red River Delta
Professor Huong Ngo
Host Institution: Phenikaa University
Campus: Hanoi
Available Positions: 2
Duration: 3 – 4 months
Leadership & Engagement Opportunities
- Professional Workshops
- Other
Annual Deadlines
| Project Phase | Spring Session | Summer Session | Fall Session |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Proposed Projects by Faculty |
March 1 |
July 1 |
November 1 |
|
Student Applications to Projects |
April 1 |
August 1 |
December 1 |
Financial Support & Conditions
- Through Trent University Financial system
- Immigration fees (IRCC) covered by host faculty for inbound scholars
- A hold back of $500 will be released upon the submission of the scholar narrative report
QES Process
- Project lead from an eligible country submits a project through our website
- A student applies for the scholarship on our website and is matched with the project
- Pre-departure training & meetings with the IIES coordinator and host faculty members
- Student registers on the QES Portal and submits pre-departure form
- Student begins their exchange at the host institution
- Near the end of their exchange, student submits narrative report
- Student completes a program evaluation process (surveys, interviews)
QES PROGRAM Objectives
Develop Global Citizens
Develop global citizens through enriched academic, professional, and cross-cultural experiences.
New generation of leaders
Foster a new generation of enterprising leaders in Canada and around the world through facilitating lasting local and global community engagement.
Enhance collaborative capacity
Enhance collaborative capacity and deepen peer relationships.
Evaluation Committee
Huy Dang
Trent University
Margaret Graham
University of Edinburgh
Douglas Evans
Trent University
Craig Sheridan
University of the Witwatersrand
Khai Quang
Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology
Download a sharable or printable PDF of the full Queen Elizabeth Scholars Program Presentation.