Why it fits you
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Who can apply
Three different things not to mix up: the country where you study, your nationality and the country where you live when you apply.
- Country of study
- Canada
- Accepted nationalities
- Canada
- Target level
- Master’s and Doctorate
- Fields of study
- All fields
- Other conditions
- The field research must take place in one or more developing countries.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: This award covers field research expenses for advanced master’s or doctoral students who intend to conduct their field research in one or more developing countries.
- The countries recognized as developing countries are those on the OECD DAC List of ODA Recipients.Organisation’s wording: IDRC recognizes the OECD DAC List of ODA Recipients, which lists the countries and territories eligible for Official Development Assistance.
- When you apply, you must have already completed some courses in your programme.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: When you apply, you must have already completed some courses in your program. Evaluators will need to see the transcripts of the courses completed to date.
- You must plan at least ten consecutive weeks in the field if your research covers a single region, or at least five consecutive weeks in the field in each region if it covers more than one region.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: You must plan to spend a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks in the field when your research involves one or more countries in one region. When your research involves more than one region, you must plan to spend a minimum of five consecutive weeks in the field in each region.
- You may only apply to the Bene call twice, and in two consecutive years.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: Yes, but you may only apply twice to the Bene call and this must be in consecutive years.
- Before applying, you cannot contact IDRC programme specialists to discuss your research proposal.RequiredOrganisation’s wording: No. This would represent an unfair advantage and could place IDRC in a position of conflict of interest.
The real funding
What the opportunity pays, what is left for you to pay and the money to plan before leaving.
- Paid
- Housing
- Partly paid
- Plane ticket
- At your expense
- Tuition
- Length of the funding
- 12 months
- What is left for you to pay
- University tuition fees, which the award does not cover.
- Airfare for other trips (the award covers only one return flight from Canada to a research country or region).
Dates
- Applications close
- 30 November 2026
- Results announced
- In December (announced on the Bene call page on the IDRC funding page)
Application steps
In the order set by the programme. Open a step to see the details.
Step 1: Gather the transcripts of the courses you have already completed and have your research proposal approved by your supervisor.
- With whom
- You, with your research supervisor
- Documents to provide
- Transcripts of the courses completed to date
- Approval letter from your research supervisor, on official university letterhead and signed
Step 2: Submit your complete application (transcripts, approval letter and research proposal) through IDRC's online application system.
- With whom
- You
- Documents to provide
- Complete application including the research proposal and all requested documents
- Official link
- Open the official page (opens in a new tab)
Where to apply
IDRC (opens in a new tab) · John G. Bene Fellowship
Official title (in English): Frequently Asked Questions: John G Bene Fellowship 2026, Strengthening inclusive community-led Nature-Based Solutions for forest restoration and food system transformation
Official website of IDRC: idrc-crdi.ca
See the official page of the opportunity(opens in a new tab)Prepare your departure
Visa, insurance, housing, budget and first steps on arrival: everything is explained in the country guide.