YOUTH CHALLENGE INTERNATIONAL (YCI) WITH SAINT MARY'S UNIVERSITY
HerStart International Fellowship
full · bachelors, masters
- 3 monthsPlacement duration
- 4 fellow rolesChoose your stream
- 3 host countriesGhana, Tanzania, Uganda
- Round-trip airfareTravel fully covered
- ~CAD 1,000 / month (est.)Living stipend
- Canadians & PRsWho can apply
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
Jun 2, 2027
Deadline
Canada
Country
Youth Challenge International (YCI) with Saint Mary's University
Provider
The HerStart International Fellowship is a fully funded 3-month volunteer placement run by Youth Challenge International (YCI) and hosted through Saint Mary's University in Canada. It sits within the HerStart: Innovate the Future programme, a multi-year initiative working to reach 10,000 women and local organisations across Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda through training, mentorship and networking that supports women-led social entrepreneurship. Fellows apply for one of 4 role streams - Program & Partnerships, Communications & Marketing, Research & Learning, or Social Entrepreneurship - and work alongside local partners on the ground. The fellowship covers round-trip airfare, visa and health insurance, a monthly living stipend, plus pre-departure training and post-placement support, so participants can take part at no personal cost. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis across 2 main cohorts each year, with the September 2026 cohort deadline expected around 2 June 2026 and the May cohort deadline earlier in February 2026. Because cohort dates, stipend amounts and placement countries are reviewed each cycle, confirm the current-cycle figures, role list and deadlines on the official YCI HerStart page before you apply.
What's covered
- Round-trip airfare — International economy airfare to and from the placement country (Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda) is paid in full by the programme.
- Living stipend — A monthly living stipend of roughly ~CAD 1,000 (est.) is provided to cover day-to-day accommodation and living costs during the 3-month placement.
- Visa and insurance — Visa processing costs and comprehensive health and travel insurance for the duration of the fellowship are arranged and paid for by YCI.
- Pre-departure training — Structured pre-departure training prepares fellows for international development work, cross-cultural communication and their specific role stream.
- Post-placement support — Re-entry and post-placement support, including career and networking guidance worth several hundred dollars (~CAD 500 est.) in equivalent services, continues after fellows return to Canada.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the official Youth Challenge International portal on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged because places in each cohort are limited.
- Choose a cohort and role — Decide whether you are applying for the May or September 2026 cohort and select the fellow role stream (Program & Partnerships, Communications & Marketing, Research & Learning, or Social Entrepreneurship) that fits your skills.
- Complete the online application — Fill out the HerStart fellowship application on the YCI volunteer-abroad portal, including your background, motivation and relevant experience.
- Submit supporting information — Provide a CV/resume and respond to the motivation questions describing your interest in gender equality and social entrepreneurship.
- Interview and placement — Shortlisted applicants take part in an interview with YCI; successful candidates are matched to a placement country and begin pre-departure training.
Eligibility
Nationality / residencyMust be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time of application.
CommitmentA demonstrated passion for gender equality, sustainability and social impact.
Relevant skillsSkills in one or more of entrepreneurship, research, marketing/communications, or partnership development that match a fellow role stream.
AvailabilityAvailable for a full 3-month placement in Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda within the chosen cohort dates.
Placements are international (Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda) but the fellowship is reserved for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Eligibility for some funding components may depend on Government of Canada programme rules, so confirm details with YCI.
Eligible countries
Canada
Deadlines
May 2026 cohort~2 February 2026 (est.)
September 2026 cohort~2 June 2026 (est.)
Selection
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by Youth Challenge International. Candidates are assessed on the fit between their skills and the chosen role stream, their commitment to gender equality and sustainable development, and their readiness for a 3-month international placement. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed before being matched to a host country and cohort.
Verified sources
- Youth Challenge International - HerStartyci.orgofficial
- YCI Volunteer Abroad portalyci.orgofficial
About the provider
Youth Challenge International (YCI) is a Canadian non-profit that has worked for more than 30 years to advance youth economic opportunity and gender equality through international volunteer placements and local partnerships. Through HerStart it partners with Saint Mary's University to support women-led social enterprises across Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who runs the HerStart International Fellowship?
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It is run by Youth Challenge International (YCI) and hosted through Saint Mary's University in Canada, as part of the HerStart: Innovate the Future programme.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
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Yes. It covers round-trip airfare, a monthly living stipend, visa costs, health and travel insurance, plus pre-departure and post-placement support, so fellows take part at no personal cost.
Who is eligible to apply?
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Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have relevant skills and a commitment to gender equality, sustainability and social impact, and who can commit to a 3-month placement.
Where do fellows go?
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Placements are in Ghana, Tanzania or Uganda. The specific country is matched to your role and the programme's needs.
How long is the placement?
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Each fellowship is a 3-month international placement.
What roles can I apply for?
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There are 4 streams: Program & Partnerships, Communications & Marketing, Research & Learning, and Social Entrepreneurship. You choose the one that matches your skills.
When is the application deadline?
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Deadlines are set per cohort. The September 2026 cohort deadline is expected around 2 June 2026 and the May cohort around February 2026 - confirm exact dates on the official YCI page.
How much is the living stipend?
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A monthly living stipend of roughly CAD 1,000 (est.) is provided. Confirm the current-cycle amount with YCI, as it may change.
Do I need previous international development experience?
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No formal experience is required, but relevant skills in entrepreneurship, research, marketing or partnerships and a genuine commitment to the cause strengthen your application.
Is the fellowship open to non-Canadians?
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No. It is reserved for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, even though the placements are overseas.
How do I apply?
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Apply through the official Youth Challenge International volunteer-abroad portal, choosing your cohort and role, and submit a CV and motivation responses.
Are applications reviewed on a rolling basis?
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Yes. YCI reviews applications as they arrive, so applying early improves your chances of securing a place in your preferred cohort.