How to Apply - American Killam Students

Applicants may apply to either the direct exchange program or to the open competition as they see fit. Please note that there is a single application form for all American applicants.

Direct Exchange Program

Applicants to the direct exchange program must be registered and in good standing at one of the participating American universities and be planning to take up their award at one of the participating Canadian universities

Applications for the Direct Exchange Program must first be completed and submitted by the applicants at Apply Now page by the deadline posted by their home institution, listed at the end of the Application Instructions. Participating universities may nominate up to three full-year candidates (or six one-semester candidates).

All applications will be thoroughly reviewed and the applicants ranked by an independent adjudication committee comprised of faculty members from participating universities and senior officials from the Foundation. The committee will rank all candidates based on their proposed program of study, their personal statement, their record of academic achievement, and their letters of reference. The committee will produce a list of recommended candidates, which will include alternates. This list will form the basis for all award decisions.

All awards are subject to the availability of funds, acceptance by the host university, and the ability to secure appropriate visa arrangements. Please note that immigration rules and procedures are subject to change and that all applicants must meet the current legal requirements of the host country.

Open Competition

Applicants to the open competition may be students currently enrolled at any degree-granting institution in the United States (including the participating universities) and apply to any degree-granting institution (including the participating colleges and universities) in Canada.

Applications for the Open Competition Program must first be completed and submitted by the applicants at Apply Now page by January 31st. 

All applications will be thoroughly reviewed and the applicants ranked by an independent adjudication committee comprised of faculty members from participating universities and senior officials from the Foundation. The committee will rank all candidates based on their proposed program of study, personal statement, academic achievement record, and letters of reference. The committee will produce a list of recommended candidates, which will include alternates. This list will form the basis for all award decisions.

All awards are subject to the availability of funds, acceptance by the host university, and the ability to secure appropriate visa arrangements. Please note that immigration rules and procedures are subject to change and that all applicants must meet the current legal requirements of the host country.

Apply now

Please prepare the following documents and then proceed to our online application.

  • Proof of Citizenship (pdf, 1 page, passport preferred)
  • Curriculum Vitae (pdf, up to 3 pages, 12 point font, 1" margins)
  • Unofficial Transcript(s) from all post-secondary education institutions (pdf)
  • Personal Statement (pdf, 1 page, single spaced, 12 point font, 1" margins)
  • Supplementary Document Package Cover Form (pdf, 1 page, to be filled out by your student advisor)
  • Course Selection Forms  (pdf, 1 page)
    Please fill out 1 form for each institution that applies to your application and have it signed by an official at your home institution. Those applying to the direct exchange will only need to fill out course selection forms for their top 3 picks.
  • Letter(s) of Acceptance (pdf)
    If applying to the open competition and you have already received a letter of acceptance.
  • Fill out a request for request for 2 references
For further clarification and guidance, please reference our application instructions.
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