When Emily Smith left Vancouver Island University for her Queen Elizabeth Scholars (QES) placement in Cambodia, she thought she was going to help communities. She didn’t expect the communities to transform her in return.
“I gained an immeasurable amount of understanding and appreciation for the struggles and realities of the communities I served. I have far better awareness regarding these communities that have only grown from the original lessons in the classroom.” – Emily Smith, Queen Elizabeth Scholar
Emily’s journey is one of more than 2,600 scholars who have taken part in QES since its launch. With 134 projects funded and 55 Canadian post-secondary institutions involved, the program has become a cornerstone of the RHF’s work to give young Canadians the tools to lead globally.
In 2024–25, the RHF invested $6.2 million in its most recent round of funding which included Canadian colleges for the first time, ensuring even more students can gain international experience. This funding supports projects that respond to the most pressing global challenge of our time: climate change. Whether conducting research abroad or welcoming international scholars to Canada, QES participants are building a network of leaders equipped to tackle shared challenges across borders.
Partnerships are at the heart of this success. With 650+ organizations engaged worldwide, from NGOs to research institutes, QES has become a bridge between Canada and more than 80 countries.
And it’s not only students who benefit. Communities are enriched by the new ideas, skills, and cultural understanding that scholars bring back. As Saskatchewan’s Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff noted this year, when the province contributed $100,000 to QES: “This program provides valuable research-based global education and leadership experiences that will benefit Saskatchewan students, post-secondary institutions and communities.”
By opening doors to the world, QES equips young Canadians with experiences that inspire them to contribute more fully to Canada’s future.
QES Alumni? QES Connect is the official online community for QES alumni – a place to network, share opportunities, and support one another.
Join today: QES Connect
