The Quebec Merit Scholarship 2026 in Canada is a provincial funding program for international students pursuing research-based graduate studies at Quebec universities. Also known as the PBEEE Scholarship, it supports master’s, PhD, postdoctoral, and short-term research applicants with substantial financial awards.
Administered through Quebec universities, this scholarship aims to strengthen Quebec’s global research profile by attracting high-performing international researchers. The program covers virtually all academic fields and emphasizes research capability, supervisor compatibility, and long-term research potential.
Quebec Merit Scholarship Benefits
- Master’s students: up to $20,000 annually for a maximum of two years
- Doctoral researchers: $25,000 per year for up to three years
- Postdoctoral fellows: $35,000 for one year
- Short-term research applicants: $3,000 monthly for research stays up to four months
Quebec Merit Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Must not be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must not have applied for Canadian permanent residence or citizenship at the time of application
- Master’s candidates must be in the early stages of their degree
- PhD applicants must be within the first three years of doctoral studies during the evaluation cycle
- Postdoctoral researchers must have completed their PhD within the previous two years
- Postdoctoral researchers must conduct research at a different institution from the one that awarded their doctorate
- Open to applicants from all academic fields including engineering, sciences, medicine, humanities, governance, law, education, and social sciences
How to Apply for Quebec Merit Scholarship
- Contact a graduate program director at a participating Quebec university
- Complete internal pre-selection forms
- Submit academic transcripts
- Arrange recommendation letters
- Prepare research-related documents
- Only shortlisted candidates nominated by their university move to the provincial-level competition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Quebec Merit Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Quebec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students?
The Quebec Merit Scholarship, also known as the PBEEE Scholarship, is a provincial funding program that supports international students pursuing research-based graduate studies at Quebec universities. It covers master’s, PhD, postdoctoral, and short-term research categories.
Who can apply for the Quebec Merit Scholarship 2026?
International students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents can apply. Applicants must not have applied for Canadian permanent residence or citizenship. The program is open to thesis-based master’s students, doctoral researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and short-term research applicants.
What are the benefits of the Quebec Merit Scholarship?
Master’s students receive up to $20,000 annually for two years, doctoral researchers get $25,000 per year for three years, postdoctoral fellows receive $35,000 for one year, and short-term research applicants get $3,000 monthly for up to four months.
What is the deadline for the Quebec Merit Scholarship 2026?
The internal competition deadline at participating universities is July 31, 2026. Shortlisted candidates must then complete the provincial FRQNet submission process before November 1, 2026.
How do I apply for the Quebec Merit Scholarship?
You must contact a graduate program director at a participating Quebec university, complete internal pre-selection forms, submit academic transcripts, arrange recommendation letters, and prepare research-related documents. Only nominated candidates proceed to the provincial competition.
What academic fields are covered by the Quebec Merit Scholarship?
The scholarship supports applicants from virtually all academic areas, including engineering, sciences, medicine, humanities, governance, law, education, and social sciences. It is not limited to STEM fields.
Is the Quebec Merit Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the scholarship provides substantial funding that covers tuition and living expenses. Master’s students get up to $20,000 per year, PhD students up to $25,000 per year, and postdoctoral fellows up to $35,000 for one year.
Can I apply directly to the Quebec Merit Scholarship program?
No, you cannot apply directly. The selection process operates through university nominations. You must first be nominated by a participating Quebec university after passing their internal screening.
What are the eligibility requirements for postdoctoral applicants?
Postdoctoral applicants must have completed their PhD within the previous two years and must conduct their research at a different institution from the one that awarded their doctorate. They are eligible for $35,000 for one year.
How competitive is the Quebec Merit Scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive. It places heavy emphasis on research capability, supervisor compatibility, academic publications, and long-term research potential. Applicants with strong research proposals, conference participation, and publications are more competitive.
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