Canada Invests CAD$1.7bn to Attract 1,000 Global Research Leaders
Canada has announced a CAD$1.7 billion long-term investment to attract over 1,000 top international researchers over the next 12 years, positioning itself as a global leader in research, innovation, and scientific excellence.
🔍What is the Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative?
This is one of the largest research recruitment programmes in the world, aimed at:
- Hiring world-leading international academics
- Bringing back Canadian researchers currently working abroad
- Supporting early-career global researchers
- Upgrading research infrastructure at Canadian universities
💰How the funding will be used
The investment is divided into four major funding streams:
- Canada Impact+ Research Chairs
💵 CAD$1 billion
– To attract globally recognised senior researchers - Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders Program
💵 CAD$120 million
– For early-career international researchers with innovative ideas - Research Infrastructure Fund
💵 CAD$400 million
– To modernise labs, facilities, and research environments - Training & Relocation Support Fund
💵 CAD$130 million
– To support PhD students and researchers relocating to Canada
🎯 Priority research areas
Recruitment will focus on strategic fields such as:
- Artificial Intelligence & Quantum Science
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Clean Technology & Environmental Resilience
- Cybersecurity&Defence
- Advanced Manufacturing & Democratic Resilience
These areas are directly linked to economic growth, healthcare improvement, and national security.
🇨🇦 Why Canada is doing this now
- To strengthen global competitiveness
- To offset talent shortages in critical sectors
- To support healthcare, innovation, and long-term economic stability
- To attract Francophone and diverse global researchers
This move comes despite Canada reducing international study permits in 2026, showing a clear shift toward targeted, high-impact talent immigration, especially in science and research.
🌍What this means for international students & researchers
- Canada is becoming more selective but more strategic
- Strong opportunities remain for:
- PhD holders
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Academics in high-demand fields
- Research-based pathways may offer stronger long-term immigration prospects
Contact Us (CTA)
Option 1 – Professional & Advisory
📩Canada is focusing on high-impact research talent.
Contact WAC Consultants for expert guidance on study, research, and talent pathways.
📞 DHA Phase 3 Branch: +92 310 7203666
📞 Garden Town Branch: +92 310 7205666
📞Gujrat Branch: +92 326 9616034
📩 Email: info@wacconsultants.com