SPIHC Training Institute 2026
Build the chapter. Build the movement.
Join student leaders from across Canada for the 2026 Students for Partners In Health Canada Training Institute — a two-day gathering to help chapters plan, organize, and launch a stronger year of action for global health equity.
September 12–13, 2026
Toronto, Ontario
Registration fee: $30 (If cost is a barrier, please let us know in the application form. Fee waivers are available.)
Applications due June 30
Applications take about 10-15 minutes
On this page
Overview
The SPIHC Training Institute is where chapters prepare for the academic year ahead.
Over two days, you’ll connect with other student leaders, build practical organizing skills, and work through the plans your chapter needs for the 2026–27 year — from recruitment and team structure to education, advocacy, and fundraising.
This two-day conference is a working space to help your chapter start the year with more clarity, confidence, and momentum.
Not part of our student chapter network? Join us by applying here.
Who should apply
Attendance at Training Institute is a requirement for SPIHC chapter ratification.
Even though chapters must have leadership representation at the Training Institute, we strongly recommend that more than one person from your chapter attends. The more people from your team who participate, the more your chapter will benefit. When multiple exec members attend, your team can share the learning, build stronger plans together, and enter the year with more alignment.
This event is open to:
- Chapter presidents and co-leads
- Incoming and returning exec members
- New chapter founders
- SPIHC mentors
- General members who want to take on a more active role this year
General members are welcome to apply, especially if they are interested in supporting chapter leadership or becoming more involved in the network.
What to expect
What you’ll leave with
By the end of the Training Institute, you should leave with:
- A clearer understanding of SPIHC and PIH Canada’s work
- A stronger plan for your chapter’s 2026–27 year
- Practical tools for recruitment, retention, and team leadership
- Ideas for education, advocacy, and fundraising campaigns
- Stronger relationships with other SPIHC leaders across Canada
- More confidence in how your chapter can contribute to the right-to-health movement
FAQ
Do I need to be part of an existing SPIHC chapter to apply?
Yes. This is an exclusive event for the SPIHC network.
If you are not currently part of a chapter, you are still welcome to submit an application, but priority will be given to current student chapter leaders, exec members, mentors, and students involved in active or emerging SPIHC chapters.
Can more than one person from my chapter attend?
Yes — and we strongly encourage it.
At least one representative is required for chapter ratification, but the more people from your team who attend, the better prepared your chapter will be for the academic year.
I’m a general member, not an exec. Can I apply?
Yes. General members are welcome to apply, especially if you are interested in becoming more involved, supporting your chapter’s work, or stepping into leadership in the future.
What if no one from our chapter can attend?
Please reach out to us as soon as possible.
Attendance is a requirement for chapter ratification, so if your chapter is unable to send a representative, we need to know early so we can discuss next steps.
Why is there a $30 cost?
The $30 fee helps offset the cost of bursaries and allows us to provide support for more students who may not otherwise be able to afford to attend.
Is travel or accommodation support available?
Limited support may be available based on need. You’ll be able to indicate whether you need support in your application.
Do you have a hotel accommodation block that I can book into?
Yes—we do, please indicate in the application that you are interested and we will keep you informed of more details.
What if I’m new to SPIHC or PIH Canada?
That’s okay. You do not need to be an expert. The Training Institute is designed to help you learn, connect, and prepare for the year ahead.
Apply now
Your chapter does not have to figure out the year alone.
Join student leaders from across the country and leave with the tools, relationships, and plans to build a stronger SPIHC chapter in 2026–27.
Applications close June 30.