Led by the Rideau Hall Foundation in collaboration with Universities Canada, and with founding support from Community Foundations of Canada, the QES scholarship has been granted to more than 2,200 scholars from Canada and worldwide since being established a decade ago.

The scholarship for outbound mobility was launched in 2012 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne.

“The Queen’s legacy of service and steadfast leadership will live on in the countless lives that she touched and as an inspiration to us all. Her example inspired many young Canadians to dedicate their lives to service, give back to their communities, and become the leaders of today and tomorrow,” said Justin Trudeau, prime minister of Canada.

“I join Canadians in thanking Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for over 70 years of selfless service and honouring her extraordinary life marked by grace, dignity, and an unwavering sense of duty.”

“This gift will ensure that generations of youth have the opportunity to develop a global outlook, empathy, and understanding”

Until now, 106 projects have been funded at 46 universities in 72 countries globally.

The QES program seeks to promote international student exchange and civic engagement and aims to help young Canadians develop into global citizens through intercultural exchanges encompassing international education, discovery and inquiry, and professional experiences.

“On behalf of the RHF, the QES program, its scholars, our partners and our many supporters, we are deeply grateful to receive this gift in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Teresa Marques, president and CEO of the RHF, said.

“This gift will ensure that generations of youth have the opportunity to develop a global outlook, empathy, and understanding – all of which are essential for navigating the complexities of today’s world.”

“The QES program has transformed the lives of thousands of young people since its launch in 2012,” Universities Canada president, Paul Davidson added.

“What a wonderful tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by providing opportunity and support for students so they can pursue global learning experiences.”