Intorduction
The David Johnston – Lebovic International Experience Awards were established to support full-time undergraduate and graduate students pursuing international experiences in Israel. These awards are granted based on academic merit, duration, and type of experience.
They were founded through the generosity of the Lebovic Foundation in honor of David Johnston, a former university president whose passion for global exposure for students was well known.

Award Overview & Benefits
The table below summarizes the core features and benefits of this scholarship:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Award Name | David Johnston – Lebovic International Experience Awards |
| Host University | University of Waterloo |
| Purpose | Support of study, volunteer, co-op, or exchange in Israel |
| Award Range | CAD 2,500 to CAD 10,000 |
| Levels Eligible | Undergraduate & Graduate |
| Nationality | Domestic (Canadian/permanent) & International (with study permit) |
| Deadline Cycles | March 15, July 15, November 15 each year |
| Selection Basis | Academic achievement + type/duration of experience |
| Required Experience | Study term, volunteer placement, international co-op, or academic exchange |
The amount awarded depends on the duration and nature of the planned experience. For instance:
- A one-term study experience is eligible for up to CAD 2,500
- A one-term work/volunteer placement may receive CAD 2,500 to CAD 5,000
- A two-term work/volunteer experience may be awarded up to CAD 10,000
The awards are distributed every term (winter, spring, fall), thus applicants are evaluated on a rolling basis depending on term deadlines.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
The following conditions must be satisfied for an applicant to be considered:
- The applicant must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program at the university.
- The proposed international experience must take place in Israel, and may take the form of:
- Academic exchange or study term
- Volunteer placement
- International co-op or minimally paid work placement
- A minimum academic standing is required:
- Undergraduate: ~70 % average
- Graduate: ~75 % average
- Supporting documentation (transcripts, language proof, proposal) must be submitted.
- The appropriate application form must be completed by the deadline (March 15, July 15, or November 15).
- Citizenship is not a barrier—both Canadians/permanent residents and international students with valid study permits are eligible.
Applicants are selected on the basis of academic performance plus the duration and type of their proposed international experience. Many deserving applicants are rejected simply because their documentation is late or incomplete, so care must be taken.
Application Process & Deadlines
Below is a step-by-step guide on how applications are generally managed (as typically practiced):
- Confirm your full-time status in your current undergraduate or graduate program.
- Define the international experience you plan to undertake (study, volunteer, co-op) and ensure it is in Israel.
- Complete the designated application form (one form covers most categories).
- Gather and attach required documents, including:
- Transcripts
- Proof of language proficiency (if required)
- A personal statement or project proposal explaining why the experience is relevant
- Submit the application by one of the deadlines:
- March 15
- July 15
- November 15
- Await selection outcome. Once selected, fulfill any further conditions specified by the awards office (e.g. verification of experience).
It should be noted that applications are processed per term, and incomplete or late submissions are generally disqualified.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve chances of success, the following strategies are recommended:
- A well-structured personal statement should be drafted, explaining why the experience aligns with academic and career goals.
- The timeline and impact of the experience should be clearly explained (longer or more challenging experiences often attract higher awards).
- Emphasis should be placed on academic performance and consistency of grades.
- Make use of transition words (e.g., therefore, moreover, consequently, however) to improve readability.
- Provide full and correct supporting documents—missing transcripts or language proof often disqualify applications.
- Apply as early as possible, once your travel or program details are firm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are international students eligible?
Yes. Students holding valid study permits and enrolled full-time are eligible to apply.
Q2: Does the award cover all costs—tuition, living, travel?
No. It is intended to partially support the international component (study, volunteer, or work term) and may not cover full expenses.
Q3: Can the experience be located anywhere globally?
No. The award is restricted to experiences in Israel only.
Q4: How is the award disbursed?
Typically, funds are released after the experience has been confirmed and required documentation submitted (check with awards office).
Q5: What if the original plan changes (e.g. duration, country)?
The awards office should be notified immediately. Changes may affect eligibility or award amount.
Related Scholarships
- Trent University Scholarship in Canada 2025.
- University of Manitoba Scholarship Overview 2025
- Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) 2024 – Global Research Opportunity
You may visit Detunity.com to view more detailed application procedures and deadlines for these opportunities.
Summary & Final Thoughts
The David Johnston – Lebovic International Experience Awards offer valuable assistance for students wishing to gain international exposure in Israel. Because the competition is strong and selection is rigorous, meeting all eligibility criteria and submitting a well-prepared application early are crucial. Use the FAQs above to guide you, and consider supplementing your portfolio with related scholarships from Detunity.com.
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