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
Cost: $30

Applications due June 30

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Applications take about 10-15 minutes

On this page

  1. Overview
  2. Who should apply
  3. What to expect
  4. What you’ll leave with
  5. Cost and travel support
  6. Key details
  7. FAQ
  8. Apply now

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.

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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:

  1. Chapter presidents and co-leads
  2. Incoming and returning exec members
  3. New chapter founders
  4. SPIHC mentors
  5. 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.

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What to expect

SPIHC What to expect graphic

Sessions on organizing, leadership, recruitment, advocacy, fundraising, education, and chapter strategy. Dedicated time to map out your chapter’s goals, roles, events, and priorities for the year. Meet student leaders from other campuses and learn what has worked across the SPIHC network.Go deeper on global health equity, structural violence, health systems, solidarity, and the right to health. Choose sessions based on what your chapter needs most. Build community because building a movement is easier when you actually know the people building it with you. 

  • Practical workshops

    Students wearing orange t-shirts sitting at a table talking

    Sessions on organizing, leadership, recruitment, advocacy, fundraising, education, and chapter strategy.

  • Chapter planning time

    Dedicated time to map out your chapter’s goals, roles, events, and priorities for the year.

  • Peer learning

    Meet student leaders from other campuses and learn what has worked across the SPIHC network.

  • PIH education

    Go deeper on global health equity, structural violence, health systems, solidarity, and the right to health.

  • Breakout sessions

    Choose sessions based on what your chapter needs most.

  • Community-building

    Because building a movement is easier when you actually know the people building it with you. 

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What you’ll leave with

By the end of the Training Institute, you should leave with:

  1. A clearer understanding of SPIHC and PIH Canada’s work
  2. A stronger plan for your chapter’s 2026–27 year
  3. Practical tools for recruitment, retention, and team leadership
  4. Ideas for education, advocacy, and fundraising campaigns
  5. Stronger relationships with other SPIHC leaders across Canada
  6. More confidence in how your chapter can contribute to the right-to-health movement

[CTA button] Apply by June 30.

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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.

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.

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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.

[Final CTA button] Apply to attend the 2026 SPIHC Training Institute

Applications close June 30.

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