The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) maintains an international bursary program to support psychology organizations and departments in low- and middle-income countries.
Up to $5,000 CAD is available annually. Individual requests cannot exceed $5,000 CAD, and the CPA may award less than the amount requested.
The application portal is now OPEN and will close January 31, 2027.
ELIGIBILITY
The bursary is available to:
- Organizations that are members of the Global Psychology Alliance (GPA); and
- Organizations and departments of psychology in countries that are not GPA members but are in the process of developing and formalizing the field of psychology within their country.
Organizations and departments of psychology that have previously received a CPA International Bursary are not eligible to apply. Individual psychologists are also not eligible to apply.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applications must be submitted electronically via this link: https://cpa.ca/machform/view.php?id=166793
Within the electronic application, applicants will be asked to provide:
- Contact information
- Intended use of the funds (400 words maximum)
- Expected impact: Describe how the funds would contribute to a sustainable gain in psychological science and practice in your country, either in the short or long term (400 words maximum)
- Amount requested (up to $5,000 CAD)
- Financial institution information
ELIGIBLE USES OF FUNDS
Bursary funds may be used for activities or purchases that directly support the development of psychology, including:
- Developing or updating test libraries
- Acquiring equipment to support clinical service delivery and/or training (e.g., one-way mirrors or recording equipment)
- Developing training programs, modules, or materials for psychologists or psychology students
- Developing, delivering, or hosting knowledge dissemination and knowledge-sharing activities (e.g., webinars, conferences, workshops, or other events that share psychological research, knowledge, or practices)
- Acquiring or developing materials, equipment, or processes to support psychology research
- Developing service innovations for underserved individuals or communities
Funds may also be used to pay individuals to carry out these activities.
NON-ELIGIBLE USES OF FUNDS
Bursary funds may not be used for:
- Conference registration fees, travel, and accommodation for attending conferences or other events
- Basic services supplied to all laboratories in a research facility, such as heat, light, water, compressed air, distilled water, vacuum services, and janitorial services
- Insurance costs for buildings or equipment
- Membership dues or fees for professional associations
- Regular salary or wages, or other compensation unrelated to the specific activities funded by the bursary
ADMINISTRATION AND USE OF FUNDS
Bursaries are awarded to eligible organizations or departments and are administered through the applicant’s institutional administration system.
Bursary funds must be used for the direct costs identified in the application and approved by the CPA. The benefits of the expenditures should be directly attributable to the bursary-funded activity. Indirect or overhead costs associated with administering the funded activity are the responsibility of the applicant’s institution.
Expenditures must comply with both CPA requirements and the applicant’s institutional policies. Each institution is responsible for establishing appropriate procedures, systems, and controls to ensure that the CPA’s requirements are followed. When questions arise about the eligibility of an expense, the institution may seek guidance from the CPA.
Successful applicants may be required to sign an indemnification agreement before receiving the funds.
PROGRESS REPORT
Successful applicants must complete a progress report describing how the bursary funds were used. The report must be submitted to CPA Head Office no later than 18 months after the bursary is awarded.
Questions about the bursary, as well as completed progress reports, can be directed to science@cpa.ca.