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Applications open September 1 to October 18, 2026
The NEXT Steps Awards for International Students supports a healthy transition to studying in Canada by:
Providing funds
Connecting international students to faith communities in their city
There are 14 awards available, totalling $4,500. These awards are available to international students at a post-secondary institution in Canada.
Bridges International and International Student Ministries Canada (ISMC) are Canadian organizations committed to helping international students practically, socially and spiritually when arriving in a new environment. They help international students take their next steps towards Jesus, in part by fostering environments that help people explore the connection between their studies and their spirituality.
Applications are open from September 1 to October 18, 2026.
$500
$300
$200
Awards are sent out in November by cheque or electronic transfer, or given in person where possible. Alternate solutions may be available for people who have not yet been able to open a Canadian bank account.
Most student awards in Canada close in the spring. For many international students, that is months before a study permit arrives, and long before you know which city you will be living in. By the time you land, the opportunity has passed.
We wanted these awards to reach you at the right time.
Applications open on September 1, once you have arrived and settled into your term, and close on October 18. Funds are sent out in November, when the first semester begins to feel expensive.
Every student who applies is offered a connection to a community in the city where they are studying, whether that is a Bridges International community, an ISMC community, a campus ministry, or a local church. This is not only for the students who receive an award, it is for everyone who applies.
Our staff and volunteers are also glad to help with the ordinary things that are quietly difficult in a new country. Finding a grocery store that carries the food you grew up with. Setting up a bank account or a phone plan. Learning your way around campus. A place to share a meal on a weekend when the city feels very large.
Applying for this award can connect you with a local community in your city.
These awards are available to you if you are an international student, and if any of the following apply:
You are in a Canadian college or university, whether undergraduate, exchange student, research student, master’s, or doctoral
You are a student growing in the Christian faith
You are not yet connected with a Bridges International or ISMC community
You are a refugee currently enrolled at a Canadian post-secondary institution
You are new student to Canada in the past few years and have not heard of Bridges International or ISMC
1. Complete the online application. Six short answer questions about your journey so far, the things that have been difficult, and where you hope to grow this year.
Most students take 38 minutes. You can save your work and return to it as many times as you need. There is no fee.
2. Ask two people to be your references. One should be a friend or peer who knows you well. The other should be a pastor, mentor, leader, or teacher. They can live anywhere in the world.
We will email them directly once you give us their contact information.
Please ask them early, because your application is not complete until both references have been received.
3. Submit your application by Sunday, October 18. References are due by Friday, October 23.
If you are worried that your English is not strong enough, please apply anyway. Our reviewers read for what you have to say, not for perfect grammar.
September 1 — Applications open
October 18 — Last day for students to apply
October 23 — Last day for references to be submitted
October 29 — Recipients are notified
November — Funds are sent out
This part will take you 38 minutes.
Bridges International is a caring community of Christ followers who serve international students, build friendships across cultures, and make space for honest conversations about faith.
Bridges wants to see international students grow into leaders who will serve wherever life takes them next.
International Student Ministries Canada (ISMC) has been welcoming international students for 42 years, and is now present in 24 cities and on 52 campuses across the country.
ISMC connects students with Canadian friends, host families, and local communities of faith, and helps students find their home in Canada.
Power to Change – Students serves college and university bound students from coast to coast in Canada. The NEXT Steps Awards are part of that work.
These awards exist because people gave so that students they will never meet could be helped in their first year here. Our hope is that you will one day do the same for someone else.
