If you have been searching for a fully funded scholarship opportunity in Canada, the University of Quebec Scholarships 2026 deserve your full attention. Canada is consistently ranked as one of the best countries in the world for international students, and Quebec in particular stands out as a hub for world-class education, research, and innovation. The University of Quebec network offers some of the most generous and accessible scholarship programs available to both domestic and international students in 2026, and this article will walk you through everything you need to know before applying.
Whether you are a fresh graduate looking for a master’s degree opportunity, a researcher aiming to pursue a PhD, or a postdoctoral fellow seeking a fully funded research position in Canada, the University of Quebec has a scholarship pathway for you. Read through this guide carefully, because having a clear picture of the scholarship types, financial benefits, eligibility conditions, and application steps will give you a real advantage over other applicants.
About the University of Quebec
The Universite du Quebec, known widely as UQ, is not a single university but rather a network of ten publicly funded institutions spread across the province of Quebec, Canada. The network was established in 1968 by the National Assembly of Quebec in response to widespread demand for greater access to French-language university education. It was created with a clear mission: to promote access to university education, contribute to Quebec’s scientific development, and participate in the broader development of its regions.
Today, the University of Quebec network is one of the largest and most diverse university systems in Canada. It coordinates more than 1,400 programs and serves over 100,000 students across 54 cities and communities in the province. The network’s headquarters are located in Quebec City, and each member institution operates with a degree of independence while benefiting from shared resources and inter-institutional mobility programs.
The ten institutions that make up the University of Quebec network are:
- Universite du Quebec a Montreal (UQAM), located in Montreal
- Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres (UQTR), located in Trois-Rivieres
- Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi (UQAC), located in Saguenay
- Universite du Quebec a Rimouski (UQAR), located in Rimouski
- Universite du Quebec en Outaouais (UQO), located in Gatineau
- Universite du Quebec en Abitibi-Temiscamingue (UQAT), with campuses in Rouyn-Noranda and Val-d’Or
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), based in Quebec City
- Ecole nationale d’administration publique (ENAP), based in Quebec City
- Ecole de technologie superieure (ETS), based in Montreal
- Universite TELUQ, a fully online distance education institution based in Quebec City
Each campus has its own strengths, research focus areas, and cultural atmosphere. UQAM in Montreal is the largest and most internationally known, welcoming over 40,000 students including nearly 4,000 international students from 95 different countries. UQAC and UQAR are popular for students interested in environmental and social sciences, while ETS is famous for engineering and applied research, consistently ranking among the top engineering schools in Canada for the total number of engineering diplomas awarded annually.
Why Study at the University of Quebec in 2026
There are very good reasons why thousands of international students from around the world choose the University of Quebec every year. Let us go through some of the most compelling ones.
First, the cost of education in Quebec is significantly lower than in most other Canadian provinces. Tuition fees for international students at University of Quebec institutions range from approximately CAD 10,000 to CAD 14,000 per year for undergraduate programs and CAD 9,000 to CAD 13,000 per year for graduate programs. When combined with scholarship funding, many students end up paying little to nothing out of pocket.
Second, the cost of living in Quebec cities like Montreal, Rimouski, Chicoutimi, and Gatineau is considerably lower than in cities like Toronto or Vancouver. This makes your scholarship funding go much further and allows you to live comfortably without financial stress.
Third, the quality of education and research at University of Quebec institutions is internationally recognized. UQAM, for example, is listed in the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The broader network’s emphasis on applied learning, interdisciplinary research, and community impact makes it a highly respected environment for graduate study.
Fourth, Montreal itself is one of the most vibrant and multicultural cities in North America. With a rich cultural scene, excellent public transport, affordable student housing, and a large international student population, it is consistently ranked among the best cities in the world for students. Even if you are placed at one of the smaller campuses, you will find a welcoming community and easy access to nature, local culture, and professional networks.
Fifth, the University of Quebec network offers a mobility program that allows students to take courses at any institution within the network. This gives you access to resources and professors across multiple campuses without having to transfer your full enrollment.
University of Quebec Scholarships 2026: Available Types
There are several distinct scholarship programs available through or associated with the University of Quebec in 2026. Each has its own funding source, target group, and financial value. Here is a full overview of the main scholarship opportunities.
1. The Quebec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students (PBEEE)
This is arguably the most prestigious fully funded scholarship program available to international students at University of Quebec institutions. Formally known as the Programme de bourses d’excellence pour etudiants etrangers (PBEEE), the program is funded by Quebec’s Ministere de l’Enseignement superieur (MES) and administered by the Fonds de recherche du Quebec Nature et Technologies (FRQNT). Although applications for the 2026-2027 cycle have been reviewed, ongoing cycles continue to open regularly, and the next competition cycle is expected in 2027.
The program offers four categories of awards:
- Master’s Research Scholarships (VM): CAD 20,000 per year for up to 2 years
- Doctoral Research Scholarships (V1): CAD 25,000 per year for up to 4 years
- Postdoctoral Fellowships (V2): CAD 35,000 per year, nonrenewable
- Short-term Research or Professional Development (V3): CAD 3,000 per month for a maximum of 4 months
This scholarship is available across all fields of research, not just natural sciences, even though it is administered by FRQNT. Applicants must first be preselected by a Quebec university before being invited to submit to the final FRQNT competition. This means your first step is to secure a research supervisor at the University of Quebec institution of your choice, and then apply through that institution’s internal preselection process.
2. UQAM Graduate Research Scholarships
The Universite du Quebec a Montreal regularly recruits graduate students for fully funded research positions through its research centres and faculties. One notable example is through the ESCER centre (Etude et Simulation du Climat a l’Echelle Regionale) at UQAM, which is a research unit funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada. These scholarships provide a combined value of CAD 33,000 per year, made up of a CAD 20,000 research scholarship in addition to the CAD 13,000 base amount provided by UQAM to all full-time graduate students.
Similar research scholarships are offered by other UQAM research centers in fields including environmental science, public health, social sciences, education, arts, law, and management. These positions are advertised on a rolling basis throughout the year, so checking the UQAM research portal regularly is important if you want to catch new openings as they are posted.
3. University of Montreal Quebec Scholarship 2026 (UQAM Hydrogeology)
This specific scholarship opportunity was advertised for 2026 and involves fully funded MSc and PhD positions focused on Groundwater Geochemistry across the Greater Montreal Metropolitan Area. The scholarship provides complete financial support including tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, and laboratory training under the supervision of experts in hydrogeology, groundwater dating, and environmental geochemistry. It also includes the chance to work within the Research Chair in Water and Land Conservation.
This type of scholarship is ideal for students with a background in geology, environmental science, hydrogeology, geochemistry, or a related field. It combines hands-on fieldwork in one of Canada’s most scientifically rich urban environments with world-class mentorship and research publication opportunities.
4. Fonds de recherche du Quebec (FRQ) Scholarships
The three Fonds de recherche du Quebec provide scholarships to students studying at Quebec universities, including institutions within the University of Quebec network. These are:
- FRQNT (Fonds de recherche du Quebec Nature et Technologies) for students in natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics
- FRQSC (Fonds de recherche du Quebec Societe et Culture) for students in social sciences, humanities, arts, and literature
- FRQS (Fonds de recherche du Quebec Sante) for students in health sciences and biomedical research
Each fund offers scholarships at the master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral levels. The FRQSC, for instance, offers undergraduate introduction to research scholarships worth CAD 5,000 each to students at regional University of Quebec campuses including UQAC, UQAR, UQAT, UQO, and UQTR. These scholarships support undergraduate students who want to get involved in research during the summer semester.
5. Quebec Government Merit Scholarships for International Students
Beyond what is administered by FRQ, the Government of Quebec directly offers merit-based scholarships for international students through its provincial financial assistance programs. These scholarships are available at the university level and cover students in technical training, vocational training, and higher education. Students from France, the French Community of Belgium, and countries that have signed student mobility agreements with Quebec may also be exempt from differential tuition fees, which represents a significant financial saving on its own.
The Government of Quebec has also introduced scholarship programs targeting students in high-priority employment sectors. Students enrolled in designated priority programs in French-language institutions may be exempted from additional tuition fees, making their study even more affordable.
6. NSERC and SSHRC Funded Research Positions
Many of the graduate scholarships at University of Quebec institutions are funded through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). These are federal Canadian research funding bodies that provide grants to university professors, who in turn fund graduate students working on their research projects. These positions are effectively fully funded, covering tuition, a monthly stipend, and research costs. They are generally open to international students and are advertised through individual department websites and professor profiles.
Financial Benefits of University of Quebec Scholarships
Understanding exactly what the scholarship covers will help you plan your application and your finances. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the typical financial benefits associated with University of Quebec fully funded scholarships in 2026.
Tuition Fee Coverage
Fully funded scholarships at the University of Quebec typically cover all tuition fees for the duration of the program. This is particularly significant for international students, whose tuition fees are higher than those for domestic students. Some programs also include exemptions from differential tuition fees, which makes the financial benefit even more substantial.
Monthly Living Stipend
Most graduate research scholarships include a monthly stipend to cover your cost of living in Quebec. For doctoral students funded through the PBEEE or FRQ programs, this can amount to CAD 25,000 per year or more, which is generous enough to cover rent, food, transportation, and other personal expenses in most Quebec cities.
Research and Training Support
Many scholarships include funding for conference travel, laboratory access, fieldwork, and research materials. This ensures that you can participate fully in the academic life of the university without having to self-fund professional development activities.
Health Insurance
International students at Quebec universities are generally covered under the university’s group health insurance plan, which is included in the student fees. Some fully funded scholarships cover these fees as part of the package, giving you access to medical care throughout your study period.
Academic Supervision
Beyond financial support, fully funded research scholarships at the University of Quebec come with direct academic supervision from experienced professors and researchers. This mentorship is one of the most valuable aspects of the scholarship, as it helps you produce high-quality research, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and build the academic reputation that opens career doors worldwide.
Certificate and Experience
Upon completing your program, you receive a recognized Canadian degree that carries weight in the global academic and professional job market. The research experience, publications, and professional network you build during your time at a University of Quebec institution are assets you will carry throughout your entire career.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for University of Quebec scholarships in 2026 vary depending on the specific scholarship type. However, the following are the most common requirements across different programs.
For the PBEEE Merit Scholarship, you must be an international student (non-Canadian citizen and not a permanent resident of Canada). You must not have applied for permanent residency in Canada as of the scholarship’s closing date. For the master’s competition, you must have completed a maximum of three semesters in a master’s program at any university in any country by May 1, 2026. For the doctoral competition, you must have accepted an offer of admission at a participating Quebec university or already be registered in a doctoral program there. A minimum GPA of 4.0 out of 4.33 (or equivalent) in your most recent graduate program is required for the doctoral competition.
For NSERC-funded and professor-funded graduate research positions, eligibility depends on the specific project requirements. Most will ask for a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree in the project’s field of study, strong academic performance, and demonstrable research skills such as experience with scientific writing, laboratory work, data analysis, or fieldwork.
Language requirements are important to understand. Most programs at the University of Quebec are offered in French, and most positions will require a B2 level of French proficiency. However, several graduate programs in science, engineering, and business are offered in English, particularly at UQAM, UQTR, and ETS. Some research positions may accept English-speaking students if the research team works primarily in English. If your French proficiency is limited, look specifically for English-language programs or check whether language training support is available at the institution before applying.
Age is generally not a limiting factor. University of Quebec scholarships are open to students of all ages, provided they meet the academic and enrollment requirements of the specific program.
Required Documents for Application
Before you begin your application, gather the following documents. Having these ready in advance will make the process smoother and prevent delays.
You will need your most recent academic transcripts from all universities or colleges attended. These should be official copies, either certified by the institution or accompanied by a notarized translation if they are not in French or English.
A well-crafted research proposal or statement of interest is required for most graduate scholarship applications. This document should clearly describe the research project you wish to pursue, your motivation for pursuing it, and how it aligns with the expertise of your proposed supervisor. For the PBEEE competition, this proposal should be no longer than one page, with an optional short bibliography of three to five publications.
A Canadian Common CV (Curriculum Vitae) is required for FRQ scholarship applications. This is a standardized format used by Canadian research funding agencies. You can create this CV using the Canadian Common CV platform online.
You will also need a letter of support or agreement from your research supervisor at the University of Quebec institution. This is mandatory for most competitive scholarships, including PBEEE. Securing a supervisor first is therefore the most important step you can take before applying.
Academic reference letters from two or more professors or research supervisors who know your work well are typically required. These letters should speak to your research potential, academic performance, and personal qualities as a researcher.
A valid passport and proof of your current immigration status if you are already in Canada. If you are applying from outside Canada, your passport details are required for the application form.
Proof of language proficiency may be requested depending on the program. For French-language programs, you may be asked to provide a DELF or TEF certificate. For English-language programs, IELTS or TOEFL scores may be required unless your previous education was conducted in English.
How to Apply for University of Quebec Scholarships 2026
Applying for a University of Quebec scholarship is a multi-step process that requires planning. Here is a clear and detailed step-by-step guide to help you navigate it successfully.
Step 1: Identify the Right Campus and Program
Start by researching the ten institutions within the University of Quebec network. Identify which campus is the best fit for your field of study, research interests, and career goals. Look at the faculty profiles, active research projects, and available programs at each institution. UQAM is best for students in arts, social sciences, education, management, and science. ETS is ideal for engineering. UQAC and UQAR are strong in environmental and regional sciences. INRS is excellent for advanced scientific research across several disciplines.
Step 2: Find and Contact a Research Supervisor
This is the single most important step for most competitive scholarships, including the PBEEE. Browse the department websites and faculty pages of the campus you are targeting. Look for professors whose research interests closely match your own. Send a concise, professional, and personalized email expressing your interest in working with them, attaching your CV and a brief description of your research interests. Most supervisors receive many such emails, so make yours stand out by being specific about which of their published works or research projects you are most interested in contributing to.
Step 3: Apply for Admission to the University
Once you have a supervisor who has agreed to support your application, apply for formal admission to the graduate program. For UQAM, applications are submitted through the UQAM admission portal (etudier.uqam.ca). Each institution has its own portal, and you should check the specific university’s website for admission deadlines, which vary by program and intake period. Application fees are typically around CAD 131 for UQAM.
Step 4: Apply for the Internal Scholarship Preselection
For the PBEEE and FRQ scholarships, the university holds an internal preselection process before forwarding candidates to the provincial funding bodies. Ask your supervisor and the graduate studies office of your institution about the deadline for internal preselection. For example, Universite Laval’s internal preselection deadline for the 2026-2027 competition was June 17, 2026. University of Quebec campuses have similar internal deadlines. Submit all required documents by this date to be considered.
Step 5: Prepare and Submit Your Scholarship Application
Prepare your Canadian Common CV, research proposal, academic transcripts, reference letters, and all other required documents. Submit your scholarship application through the relevant funding body’s online portal (FRQNT, FRQSC, or FRQS) or through your institution’s internal system, depending on the scholarship type. Ensure that your research supervisor submits their letter of support by the deadline as well.
Step 6: Wait for Results and Prepare for Arrival
Results for competitive scholarships like PBEEE are typically announced in late September or October following the competition. If you are selected, payments generally begin in May of the following year at the earliest and January of the following year at the latest. Use the waiting period to prepare your study permit application for Canada, improve your French language skills if needed, and learn about student life in Quebec.
Ready to start your journey? Visit the official University of Quebec network website to explore all campuses, research opportunities, and scholarship programs available to you in 2026. You can also visit the Fonds de recherche du Quebec website to browse all active scholarship competitions and eligibility rules.
Tips to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application
Competition for fully funded scholarships at the University of Quebec is real, but it is manageable with the right preparation. Here are some practical tips that can meaningfully improve your chances.
Contact professors early. The internal preselection process means that your timeline is longer than most regular university applications. Ideally, you should be reaching out to potential supervisors at least six to nine months before the scholarship deadline. The earlier you secure a supervisor, the more time you both have to prepare a strong application together.
Write a focused and specific research proposal. Vague proposals that simply restate broad themes in a field are rarely successful. A strong proposal identifies a specific gap in the existing literature, explains why that gap matters, and outlines a realistic methodology for addressing it. Even at the master’s level, specificity signals academic maturity.
Get strong reference letters. Reach out to your referees well in advance and provide them with detailed information about the scholarship you are applying for, the research project you plan to pursue, and specific examples of your academic or research achievements that they can highlight in their letters.
Learn French if you do not already speak it. Most University of Quebec programs are in French, and having at least a working level of French will significantly expand the range of programs and scholarships available to you. Many Quebec universities also offer French as a Second Language (FSL) courses and support for new international students.
Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously. There is no rule against applying for both an NSERC-funded research position and the PBEEE at the same time. Cast a wide net, but make sure each application is genuinely tailored to the specific program and institution.
Use the university’s international student office. Most University of Quebec campuses have dedicated offices that help international students navigate the application process, understand scholarship options, and prepare their documents. Do not hesitate to reach out to these offices. They exist to help you succeed.
Life as an International Student at the University of Quebec
Understanding what your day-to-day life will look like as an international student in Quebec can help you make a more confident application decision.
Montreal, where UQAM and ETS are located, is a truly international city. It is bilingual in French and English, with a thriving arts scene, world-class restaurants, a diverse population, and a very active student culture. The Berri-UQAM metro station is right at the heart of UQAM’s campus, making it easy to get around the city by public transport. The cost of living index in Montreal is significantly lower than in cities like New York or London, which means your scholarship stipend will cover your needs comfortably.
Smaller campuses like UQAR in Rimouski and UQAC in Chicoutimi offer a more intimate academic community and close proximity to Quebec’s stunning natural landscapes, including forests, rivers, and the Saint Lawrence River. These settings are especially appealing for students in environmental sciences who will be doing field-based research.
University of Quebec campuses generally offer on-campus residence halls with affordable rates, high-speed internet, laundry facilities, and community lounges. International students are warmly welcomed, and most campuses organize cultural events, orientation activities, and peer support networks specifically designed to help new arrivals settle in quickly.
Healthcare access is provided through the Quebec Health Insurance Plan (RAMQ), which many international students become eligible for after a certain period of residence in Quebec. Until then, university health insurance plans cover most basic medical needs.
Final Thoughts
The University of Quebec Scholarships 2026 in Canada represent a genuinely life-changing opportunity for international students who are serious about pursuing graduate-level education and research in one of the world’s most welcoming and academically rich countries. With multiple scholarship programs available across ten universities in a province known for its affordability, cultural richness, and research excellence, there is truly no better time to put your application together.
Quebec as a province has made it a priority to attract international academic talent, and the scholarship programs available in 2026 reflect that commitment. Whether you choose Montreal for its cosmopolitan energy, Rimouski for its environmental research environment, or any of the other remarkable campuses across the network, you will find a program that matches your interests and a community that supports your growth.
Do not wait too long to get started. The first and most important step is to find a research supervisor at your chosen University of Quebec campus. Once that relationship is in place, everything else in the application process becomes much more manageable. Take that first step today.
Apply now through the official University of Quebec website and begin your journey toward a fully funded education in Canada in 2026.
