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 Canadian 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.
These projects involve critical collaborations with partners in Chile, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and beyond.
16 Trent University students to eligible international institutions
Minimum 60 Days**
8 awards of 60-89 days
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.
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
Minimum 60 Days**
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.
Awards for Trent University students
*Possible although not ideal in the context of the Trent-IIES initiative
Awards for International students
All QES funded activities must be for academic credit/recognition.
The program will require all scholars to participate in leadership development, networking, and community engagement activities.
| 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 |
To apply for one of the following projects, click on the “Apply Today” buttons at the bottom of the page and select the specific project in the application form.
Dr Quang Khai Ha
Host Institution: Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology
Available Positions: 1
Duration: 2 to 3 months
Professor Andrew Tanentzap
Host Institution: Trent University
Campus: Peterborough
Available Positions: 2
Duration: 2 to 6 months
Professor Hwong-Wen Ma
Host Institution: National Taiwan University
Available Positions: 1
Duration: 2 to 6 months
The geochemistry of rare earth elements in river systems of northern Vietnam
Professor Huy dang
Host Institution: Trent University
Campus: Peterborough
Available Positions: 2
Duration: Any duration; 2-6 months
Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Water Management in African Urban Catchments
Professor Huy dang
Host Institution: Trent University
Campus: Peterborough
Available Positions: 1
Duration: Any duration; 2-6 months
Professor Huong Ngo
Host Institution: Phenikaa University
Campus: Hanoi
Available Positions: 1
Duration: 3 – 4 months
Professor Ross Cuthbert
Host Institution: Queen’s University Belfast
Campus: Belfast
Available Positions: 1
Duration: 2 – 3 months
This section highlights a selection of projects that have already been completed through our initiative. These examples can give both project hosts and prospective student applicants a clear sense of the types of projects we support and may help spark ideas as you explore current opportunities.
Almat Kabyl spent his summer in Taiwan working on a research project at the National Taiwan University (NTU) thanks to funding he received from our Queen Elizabeth Scholars (QES) program. Now back at Trent University, Almat shares his journey.
Scott Stebbing recounts his research abroad experience through the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program. Scott, an MSc student from Trent University, was given the opportunity to travel to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to work with Dr. Quang Khai Ha at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.
I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and the QES program has been the perfect platform for this. I was awarded the opportunity to come to Trent University in Peterborough (Canada) through the QES scholarship during the final year of my PhD at the University of Edinburgh (Scotland).
Develop global citizens through enriched academic, professional, and cross-cultural experiences.
Foster a new generation of enterprising leaders in Canada and around the world through facilitating lasting local and global community engagement.
Enhance collaborative capacity and deepen peer relationships.
Download a sharable or printable PDF of the full Queen Elizabeth Scholars Program Presentation.