The Quebec Merit Scholarship 2026 in Canada is one of the most prestigious funding opportunities available for international students who want to study or conduct research in Quebec. The scholarship program is designed to attract highly talented students, researchers, and postdoctoral fellows from around the world to Quebec’s leading universities and research institutions. With generous financial support, tuition benefits, and health coverage, the program has become a top choice for students seeking quality education in Canada.
The scholarship is funded by the Government of Quebec and managed through the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ). Its primary goal is to strengthen international academic collaboration while supporting advanced research and innovation across multiple disciplines. The program is open to students from all countries and covers various levels of study including doctoral research, postdoctoral fellowships, and short-term research programs.
International students who are selected for the Quebec Merit Scholarship will receive substantial financial support that can significantly reduce the burden of studying abroad. In addition to the scholarship amount, recipients may also benefit from tuition fee exemptions and medical insurance coverage offered through Quebec’s public healthcare system.
Overview
The Quebec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students, often referred to as PBEEE, supports outstanding international candidates who wish to pursue higher education or research activities in Quebec. The scholarship encourages academic excellence and international cooperation between Quebec institutions and students from different parts of the world.
The scholarship is available for several academic categories including:
- Doctoral research programs
- Postdoctoral fellowships
- Short-term research or professional development programs
- Technical college-level studies
- Vocational training programs
Students interested in research-focused academic programs in Canada can greatly benefit from this fully funded opportunity.
Benefits
The Quebec Merit Scholarship 2026 offers attractive financial benefits for international students. These benefits vary depending on the level and duration of study.
Doctoral Research Scholarships
Students pursuing doctoral research programs can receive up to CAD 25,000 per year for a maximum of three years. In some cases, an extension of up to 12 months may also be granted with additional monthly financial support.
Postdoctoral Fellowships
Postdoctoral fellows can receive a scholarship worth CAD 35,000 for one year. This award is non-renewable but provides excellent support for advanced research projects.
Short-Term Research Programs
Students participating in short-term research or professional development programs may receive up to CAD 3,000 per month for a period of four months.
Additional Benefits
Apart from direct financial support, recipients may also receive:
- Exemption from higher international tuition fees
- Health insurance coverage through RAMQ
- Access to top research facilities and institutions
- Opportunities for international networking and collaboration
These benefits make the scholarship highly competitive among international applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Quebec Merit Scholarship 2026, applicants must satisfy several eligibility conditions. While requirements may differ depending on the scholarship category, the following general conditions apply:
- Applicants must be international students
- Candidates must be nominated or preselected by a Quebec university or institution
- Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance
- Students must plan to study or conduct research in Quebec
- Candidates must not already hold Canadian permanent residency or citizenship
- Applicants should meet the admission requirements of their chosen institution
Research excellence and academic achievements are major factors considered during the selection process.
Fields of Study
The Quebec Merit Scholarship supports students from a wide range of academic disciplines. Eligible research fields include:
- Natural sciences
- Engineering and technology
- Social sciences
- Health sciences
- Arts and humanities
No specific discipline is given absolute priority, allowing students from diverse academic backgrounds to apply.
Participating Universities in Quebec
Several leading universities in Quebec participate in the scholarship program. International students may apply through institutions such as:
- Concordia University
- McGill University
- Université de Montréal
- HEC Montréal
- ÉTS Montréal
Each institution may have its own internal preselection process and deadlines.
Application Process
The application process for the Quebec Merit Scholarship 2026 usually begins with university nomination or preselection. Interested candidates should first apply for admission to an eligible program at a participating Quebec institution.
The general application process includes:
- Select an eligible university or research institution in Quebec
- Apply for admission into an approved academic or research program
- Contact the institution regarding scholarship nomination procedures
- Prepare required documents including academic transcripts, research proposals, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency
- Submit scholarship documents before the institutional deadline
Most universities handle the first stage of candidate selection before forwarding applications to the FRQ for final review.
Required Documents
Applicants are generally required to provide the following documents:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Research proposal or study plan
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Recommendation letters
- Passport copy
- Proof of language proficiency
- Admission or nomination letter from a Quebec institution
Students should carefully review the specific requirements of their chosen institution before applying.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 31 July 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparations early and contact their preferred institutions well in advance.
Apply here
Link: https://www.concordia.ca/gradstudies/funding/external/pbeee.html
Also read: Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship 2027
