If you have been thinking about studying in Canada and wondering how to make it financially possible, the University of Montreal scholarship program is one of the most attractive opportunities you will come across. The Universite de Montreal, widely known as UdeM, is one of Canada’s most respected research universities, and it has built a scholarship system that genuinely supports international students from the very moment they are admitted.
In this guide, we are going to walk you through everything you need to know about the University of Montreal scholarship in 2026. We cover what the scholarship offers, who qualifies, how much you can receive, what documents you need, and how to actually apply. Whether you are aiming for a bachelor’s degree, a master’s program, or a PhD, this article will help you figure out whether UdeM’s financial support is the right fit for you.
About the University of Montreal (UdeM)
Before diving into the scholarship details, it helps to understand what kind of institution you are applying to. The Universite de Montreal is a public research university founded in 1878, located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is one of the largest and most internationally recognized French-language universities in the world, and it sits at the heart of one of North America’s most vibrant, affordable, and culturally rich cities.
According to the Times Higher Education ranking, Montreal University has more than 10,000 foreign students, making it Canada’s third most international university. More than 7,000 Canadian permanent residents also attend UdeM every year. UdeM ranks 36th in the world for the reputation of its graduates among employers, according to the Global University Employability Ranking. It is also ranked among the top universities globally according to QS World University Rankings.
With research revenue exceeding half a billion dollars, UdeM is ranked third among all Canadian universities in terms of research activity and has been number one in Quebec since 2005. The university offers more than 600 study programs across fields including medicine, psychology, law, environmental science, engineering, social sciences, arts and humanities, computer science, and much more.
For international students, studying at UdeM means gaining access to a world-class education in a bilingual city where French is the primary language of instruction, but the student community itself is highly diverse and globally connected.
What Is the University of Montreal Exemption Scholarship?
The flagship scholarship program for international students at UdeM is officially called the UdeM Exemption Scholarship. This program was launched in Fall 2020, and it has since become one of the key reasons why thousands of international students choose to study in Montreal each year.
The UdeM exemption scholarship program is designed to support international candidates in their university studies. Since its launch in Fall 2020, it has been possible to benefit from an exemption from the additional tuition fees normally charged to international students. The goal of this program is to help the best talent from around the world attend one of the finest francophone research universities in the world. In turn, these international students help fulfill UdeM’s educational mission by enriching the cultural diversity of the Universite de Montreal community.
In simple terms, the UdeM Exemption Scholarship reduces or completely eliminates the extra tuition fees that international students normally pay on top of regular Quebec resident tuition rates. Depending on your academic level and program type, this can mean thousands of Canadian dollars saved every single year of your studies.
The exemption scholarship grant has been extended and renewed for the Winter 2026, Summer 2026, Autumn 2026, and Winter 2027 terms, confirming that this program continues to be a reliable and ongoing commitment from the university to its international student community.
Types of University of Montreal Scholarships
The University of Montreal offers a broad range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs at different academic levels. Here is a detailed breakdown of the main categories:
1. UdeM Exemption Scholarship for Undergraduate Students
For undergraduate international students, the UdeM Exemption Scholarship works by reducing the additional tuition fees that would otherwise apply. The excellence of your academic record is the only evaluation criterion to determine the value of the scholarship. This assessment is made based on the transcripts provided during the admission application.
The scholarship is classified into three levels based on your academic performance:
- Level A: The highest tier, awarded to students with the strongest academic records. This level provides the largest tuition fee reduction.
- Level B: A mid-tier award for students with strong but slightly lower academic performance.
- Level C: Awarded automatically to students enrolled in certificate programs, majors, minors, short programs, and preparatory year programs for university studies.
You do not need to submit a separate application for this scholarship. Candidates will be evaluated automatically to determine their eligibility and the amount of their exemption scholarship. Shortly after accepting your offer of admission, you will receive an email indicating whether you are eligible for the exemption scholarship and, if so, the amount you will be awarded.
2. UdeM Exemption Scholarship for Master’s Students (Partial Exemption)
For international students enrolled in master’s programs, UdeM offers a partial exemption from the additional tuition fees. For research-based master’s programs, the exemption is CAD 15,150 per year, which breaks down to CAD 5,050 per session or CAD 336.66 per credit. For non-research-based master’s programs, the exemption is CAD 10,788.75 per year, or CAD 3,596.25 per session, or CAD 239.75 per credit. These amounts are applied directly to your tuition fees, reducing what you owe significantly.
3. UdeM Exemption Scholarship for PhD Students (Full Exemption)
For doctoral students, UdeM offers an even more generous benefit: a complete waiver of the additional tuition fees normally charged to international students. This exemption bursary allows PhD students to benefit from the same tuition fees as Quebec graduate studies students. This is a major financial advantage, especially considering how long doctoral programs typically last.
For the writing and correction sessions of a PhD program, the same tuition fees as those charged to Quebec students are applied, which further reduces the financial burden on international doctoral candidates.
4. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
UdeM is also a host institution for the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, funded jointly by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Banting wants to provide Canada with world-class research capacity by attracting first-level postdoctoral researchers. This is one of the most prestigious postdoctoral funding opportunities available in Canada.
5. Jackie Robinson Scholarship and Academic Study Fund for Blacks
UdeM also administers financial support specifically for students who are citizens of Canada or permanent residents identifying as part of the Black community. This scholarship supports access to higher education for students who face systemic barriers in pursuing university education.
6. Scholarships for Underrepresented and Equity-Deserving Groups
UdeM offers scholarships to support persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, French-speaking persons, and persons who define themselves as members of a visible minority or a racialized group. These equity scholarships reflect UdeM’s commitment to building a diverse and inclusive academic environment.
7. Scholarships for Military Families
UdeM offers targeted financial support for dependants of active members or veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces. This is a meaningful recognition of the sacrifices made by military families and helps their children access quality higher education.
8. Fondation Gerard-D.-Levesque Scholarships
These scholarships are available for students with a permanent address in one of the MRCs in Gaspe and Magdalen Islands. Award amounts vary by level of study, with up to EUR 5,000 available for doctoral and master’s degree students, EUR 1,500 for baccalaureate students, EUR 1,000 for DEC students, and EUR 750 for DEP students.
9. Perspective Quebec Scholarship Programme
Funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, the Perspective Quebec Scholarship Programme provides incentive scholarships for Quebec students enrolled full-time in selected educational, health, and social services programs. This program targets domestic students who are pursuing careers in fields that Quebec needs most.
10. Exemption from Additional Tuition Fees for Canadian Students Non-Resident in Quebec
This scholarship, offered through the Higher and Postdoctoral Studies (ESP) program, covers the additional tuition fees for Canadian students who are not residents of Quebec. It is a targeted support specifically for Canadians studying outside their home province.
University of Montreal Scholarship Amounts for 2026
One of the most common questions students have is exactly how much the UdeM scholarship is worth. The answer depends on your program level and type. Here is a summary of scholarship values across the main academic levels:
For undergraduate students, the scholarship is awarded in three tiers based on academic records and is applied against the international additional tuition fee, which is approximately CAD 23,662 per year for 30 credits.
For master’s students in research programs, the exemption is CAD 15,150 per year. For master’s students in non-research programs, the exemption is CAD 10,788.75 per year.
For PhD students, the exemption covers the full additional international tuition fee, bringing their costs down to the same level paid by Quebec resident students. When you consider all levels, Universite de Montreal scholarships can provide up to CAD 27,300 per year in financial support depending on the program.
Who Is Eligible for the University of Montreal Scholarship?
Eligibility for the UdeM Exemption Scholarship depends on your nationality, enrollment status, program type, and academic background. Here is a clear summary of the core requirements:
- You must be a non-Canadian international student. Students from France and French-speaking Belgium are generally excluded because they already benefit from a separate tuition fee exemption under bilateral agreements.
- You must be admitted to a degree-granting program at UdeM, namely a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or doctoral program. Students enrolled in independent study programs or short undergraduate programs such as certificates, majors, minors, short programs, or preparatory year programs are evaluated at Level C automatically.
- You must have valid study authorizations, specifically a CAQ (Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec) and a Canadian study permit, for all sessions of your study program.
- You must be continuously enrolled full-time for your entire study program. Exceptions may be granted for approved absences.
- You must not currently be benefiting from another form of tuition fee exemption at the same time.
- For undergraduate programs, completed secondary high school equivalent to 12 years of education is required. For master’s programs, a bachelor’s degree transcript is required. For PhD programs, both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree transcript are required.
If any of the above conditions are not met after the scholarship has been awarded, the UdeM exemption scholarship may be withdrawn. It is important to maintain your eligibility throughout your studies.
Required Documents for the University of Montreal Scholarship Application
Since the UdeM Exemption Scholarship is automatically evaluated based on your admission application, you do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. However, your admission application must be complete and include all the required supporting documents. Here is what you will typically need:
- Academic transcripts from your previous studies. For bachelor’s programs, your secondary school certificates. For master’s programs, your bachelor’s degree transcript. For PhD programs, both your bachelor’s and master’s degree transcripts.
- A valid international passport for international students.
- A short resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
- A motivational letter or statement of purpose, particularly for graduate programs.
- A research proposal or study plan for master’s and PhD applicants.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- An English or French language proficiency certificate. IELTS or equivalent is required if your prior degree was not completed in English or French.
- Proof of valid study authorizations (CAQ and study permit) once you have been admitted.
Additional documents may be required depending on your specific program. Always check the individual admission requirements for the program you are applying to before submitting your application.
University of Montreal Scholarship Application Deadlines
Getting your application in before the deadline is critical, because the UdeM Exemption Scholarship evaluation is based entirely on your admission file. If your admission application is late or incomplete, your scholarship evaluation will be affected.
The key deadlines for international applicants to the University of Montreal for the 2026/2027 academic year are as follows:
- Fall Session (August to December): The deadline for international applicants for graduate programs (master’s, DESS, microprogram) and postgraduate programs (PhD, doctorate) is February 1, 2026.
- Spring Session (January to April): The deadline is September 1, 2026.
Please note that although the deadline for submitting an admission application may be extended for certain programs, the Universite de Montreal will not be able to process international applications received after these dates in most cases. Submit well before these deadlines to give your application the best possible chance of being reviewed and processed on time.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the University of Montreal Scholarship
The application process for the University of Montreal scholarship is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail. Because the scholarship evaluation is tied directly to your admission application, getting your admission file right is the most important step. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Start by browsing the full range of programs available at UdeM. The university offers more than 600 study programs covering virtually every academic field. Identify which degree level and field of study you want to pursue. Make sure the program you are interested in is available for international students and that you meet the academic prerequisites.
Step 2: Submit Your Admission Application Online
Before completing the application form, make sure you respect the application deadlines and check the admissions requirements for the study programs of your interest. The entire application process is online. You can begin your application through the official UdeM admissions portal. Visit the University of Montreal official scholarship and admissions page to start. No separate scholarship application is required. Your admission file is automatically reviewed for scholarship eligibility.
Step 3: Set Up Your Centre Etudiant Account
A few days after submitting your admissions application, you will receive your access codes for the Centre etudiant, which is UdeM’s student portal. This is the platform where you can monitor your application, check your status, and receive your acceptance letter. Keep your login information in a safe place and check the portal regularly.
Step 4: Accept Your Offer of Admission
Once you receive your offer of admission from UdeM, accept it promptly. This acceptance is what triggers the scholarship evaluation process. You do not have to apply for a UdeM Exemption Scholarship separately. New candidates’ files will be evaluated automatically to determine their eligibility and the amount of their exemption scholarship.
Step 5: Receive Your Scholarship Notification
Shortly after accepting your offer of admission, you will receive an email indicating whether you are eligible for the exemption scholarship and, if so, the amount you will be awarded. Print and keep this document in a safe place. It will be useful for future reference. Do not ignore this email or treat it as spam. It contains important financial information for planning your studies.
Step 6: Arrange Your Study Authorizations
Once admitted and notified of your scholarship, you need to arrange your CAQ (Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec) and your Canadian study permit. Having valid study authorizations in place for all sessions of your program is a requirement to maintain your scholarship eligibility. Plan this step early, as immigration processing times can vary.
Step 7: Enroll Full-Time and Maintain Your Eligibility
Once you arrive in Montreal and begin your studies, make sure you remain continuously enrolled full-time. If your enrollment drops below full-time without an approved reason, your scholarship may be affected. Keep your academic performance strong, maintain your enrollment status, and make sure your College of Record reflects Universite de Montreal for the duration of your program.
Why Study at the University of Montreal?
Beyond the scholarship itself, there are many compelling reasons to choose UdeM as your destination for higher education in Canada.
Academic Excellence
UdeM is one of the top research universities in Canada and among the leading French-language research universities in the world. It has a strong reputation across medicine, law, social sciences, computer science, environmental science, and many other fields. With 2,640 internationally renowned professors and researchers, UdeM provides an intellectually stimulating environment that prepares graduates for successful careers worldwide.
Research Opportunities
With research revenue exceeding half a billion dollars, UdeM offers graduate and doctoral students access to some of the most advanced research laboratories and collaborative research environments in Canada. For PhD students in particular, the opportunity to work alongside world-class researchers in a well-funded institution is a major draw.
Life in Montreal
Montreal is consistently ranked as one of the best student cities in the world. It is affordable compared to other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver, offers a rich cultural life with music, food, arts, and festivals year-round, and has a thriving job market for graduates. After they have lived in Montreal for a few years, many international students like it so much they want to stay permanently.
Once students have successfully completed a study program in Quebec, they can apply for a Certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ) to stay and work in their field of study for several years. After completing that first step, UdeM graduates can apply to the Government of Canada for permanent residency. This makes studying at UdeM not just an academic decision but potentially a life-changing immigration pathway as well.
Cultural Diversity
The university celebrates diversity and creates an environment where everyone feels welcome. With students from all over the world, UdeM is a genuinely international campus where different cultures, languages, and perspectives come together in a productive and inclusive setting.
Scholarship Fraud Warning
As with any high-profile scholarship, there are unfortunately fraudsters who attempt to exploit students by offering fake scholarships in the name of the Universite de Montreal. Fraudsters can crack down and offer you fake scholarships. Do not hesitate to contact the UdeM Office of Admissions and Recruitment if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a scholarship offer. The official scholarship information is only available through UdeM’s official website and official student communication channels.
Always verify that any scholarship communication you receive comes from an official UdeM email address and directs you to the university’s own website. Never pay a fee to apply for the UdeM scholarship, and never share your personal financial information with unofficial parties.
Tips for a Strong University of Montreal Scholarship Application
Since the UdeM Exemption Scholarship is based entirely on your academic record, the most powerful thing you can do to maximize your award amount is to present the strongest possible academic file when you apply for admission. Here are some tips to help you do that:
Apply Early
Submitting your application well before the deadline gives the admissions office time to review your file properly, request any missing documents, and process your scholarship evaluation without time pressure. Late applications risk being deprioritized or rejected outright.
Ensure All Transcripts Are Official and Translated
The scholarship evaluation is based on the transcripts provided during the admission application. Make sure all your academic transcripts are official documents issued by your previous institution and, if they are not in French or English, have them officially translated. Unofficial or incomplete transcripts may delay or negatively affect your evaluation.
Write a Strong Statement of Purpose
For graduate programs, your motivational letter or statement of purpose is a critical part of your application. Write clearly about your academic background, your research interests, and why you want to pursue your studies at UdeM specifically. A well-written, specific statement shows that you have done your research and are genuinely motivated to succeed at this institution.
Get Strong Letters of Recommendation
Choose recommenders who know your work well and can speak specifically to your academic abilities, research potential, and motivation. Professors who have supervised your research or graded your best academic work are your strongest choices.
Check Language Requirements Early
If your previous degree was not completed in English or French, you will need to submit proof of language proficiency. IELTS is required in many cases. Arrange your language test early so that your results are available when you are ready to submit your application.
How to Apply for the University of Montreal Scholarship
If you are ready to take the next step, begin by visiting the official scholarship and admissions page of the Universite de Montreal. All the information you need, including program listings, admissions requirements, application deadlines, and scholarship details, is available directly from UdeM.
To start your application and access full scholarship details, visit the official University of Montreal international scholarship page. You can also explore the full range of available programs and admissions requirements on the University of Montreal official website.
Remember, there is no separate scholarship application to fill out. Your path to the University of Montreal scholarship starts with a strong, complete, and timely admission application. Do the groundwork now, get your documents organized, and give yourself the best possible chance at receiving financial support for your studies in one of Canada’s greatest cities.
Final Thoughts
The University of Montreal scholarship is a genuinely generous and accessible program that can make studying in Canada a realistic goal for thousands of international students who might otherwise be deterred by the cost of higher education abroad. Unlike many scholarship programs that require a separate, competitive application process, the UdeM Exemption Scholarship is automatically evaluated based on your academic record, which means your qualifications are what matter most.
Whether you are looking for a partial tuition reduction as an undergraduate, a significant exemption as a master’s student, or a full waiver of international tuition fees as a PhD student, the Universite de Montreal has designed its scholarship system to reward academic excellence across all levels of study.
Add to that the world-class research environment, the diverse and welcoming campus community, the vibrancy of Montreal as a city, and the real possibility of building a life in Canada after graduation, and UdeM becomes one of the most compelling choices for any international student thinking seriously about their future.
Start preparing your documents today, confirm your program deadlines, and visit the official application portal to begin your journey toward a University of Montreal scholarship.
