Canada Government Quebec Merit Scholarship 2026 (PBEEE) for International Students

 

Canada Government Quebec Merit Scholarship 2026 for International Students (PBEEE)

The Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students (PBEEE) 2026-2027, administered by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) under the Nature et technologies sector, is an excellent opportunity for international students and researchers to pursue graduate studies or research in Québec. This scholarship program is funded by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec (MES) and aims to attract top international talent while strengthening Québec’s global research collaborations.

Degree Level

• Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral, and Short-term research/professional development

Available Subjects

• All research sectors – Health, Humanities & Social Sciences, Arts & Letters, Natural Sciences, and Engineering.

Benefits

• The PBEEE offers different components depending on study level and country of origin:

Master’s Research Scholarships (VM)

• Value: $20,000 per year
• Maximum: 2 years (6 semesters) = $40,000

Doctoral Research Scholarships (V1, 1B, 1C, 1I, 1IS, 1W)

• Value: $25,000/year for the first 9 sessions
• $12,000/year for the last 3 sessions (if extended)
• Maximum: $87,000 over 4 years

Postdoctoral Scholarships (V2, 2B, 2C, 2I)

• Value: $35,000
• Duration: 1 year (non-renewable)

Short-term Research or Professional Development (V3, 3B, 3C, 3I, 3IS, 3W)

• Value: $3,000/month
• Maximum: $12,000 for 4 months

In addition to financial support, scholarship holders receive:

• Exemption from higher international tuition fees in Québec.
• Medical insurance coverage from Québec’s public health system (RAMQ).

Eligible Nationalities

The program is open to all international students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. In addition, Québec has special agreements with:

• Brazil
• China
• India
• Israel
• Wallonia (Belgium)

These specific components (1B, 2C, 3I, etc.) ensure representation and academic collaboration with these regions.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an international student/researcher (non-Canadian, non-permanent resident).
• Must be preselected by a Québec university, CCTT network, or CSC (China Scholarship Council).
• Master’s applicants: Enrolled in a thesis-based Master’s program for no more than 3 semesters before May 1, 2026.
• Doctoral applicants: Within the first 9 semesters of PhD studies.
• Postdoctoral applicants: Must have earned a PhD within the last 2 years (or thesis submitted by Jan 15, 2026).
• Short-term research applicants: Must be enrolled in a technical/university program or have completed a PhD within 5 years.
• Cannot have previously received a PBEEE scholarship.

Objectives

The PBEEE program seeks to:

• Support the internationalization of research in Québec higher education institutions.
• Attract outstanding foreign students and researchers to enhance the reputation of Québec universities.
• Promote scientific collaboration between Québec and other countries.
• Foster long-term cultural and academic ties leading to joint research projects.

Application Procedure

Preselection Phase

• Applicants must be nominated by a Québec university, CCTT, or CSC (for Chinese students).
• Deadline for universities/CCTT to submit nominations: October 23, 2025.
• CSC nominations deadline: March 31, 2026.

Final Submission to FRQ

• Preselected candidates must submit their application via FRQnet portal by December 2, 2025 (4 p.m. EST).
• Required documents include: passport copy, academic transcripts, publications (if any), proof of enrollment, supervisor’s acceptance letter (for postdoc/short-term), and any exception requests (if applicable).

Evaluation & Selection

• Applications are reviewed by multidisciplinary committees based on academic excellence, research potential, and impact.
• Final results announced in April 2026.

Rules & Conditions

Scholarship holders must reside in Québec during their funded studies.

• Awards cannot be combined with Canadian federal or Québec government scholarships but can be combined with private or home-country funding.
• Recipients must start their program between May 1, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
• Funded theses and publications must be made open access.

The Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students (PBEEE) 2026-2027 is a prestigious opportunity for outstanding international students and researchers to pursue graduate studies, postdoctoral training, or short-term research in Québec. With generous financial support, tuition exemptions, and access to world-class institutions, PBEEE is one of the most competitive scholarships in Canada, designed to strengthen Québec’s global research networks.

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