Quebec Government Merit Scholarship (PBEEE) 2026 in Canada
The Quebec Government Merit Scholarship (PBEEE) 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded research scholarship offered by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) on behalf of the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec (MES). This scholarship aims to attract outstanding international students and researchers to pursue advanced studies and research at Quebec’s renowned universities and research centers.
PBEEE supports a variety of academic levels including Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral, and Short-Term Research programs, providing excellent funding and benefits such as tuition fee exemptions and provincial health insurance (RAMQ), making it one of Canada’s most valuable international scholarships.
Objectives of PBEEE
The scholarship program is designed to:
- Foster international research partnerships within Quebec’s academic community
- Attract top global talent across diverse research fields
- Enhance the international standing of Quebec’s universities and research institutions
- Build lasting cultural and scientific collaborations worldwide
Whether you are conducting thesis-based research, doctoral studies, or professional development, PBEEE offers strong support to advance your academic career in Canada.
Scholarship Funding Details
PBEEE funding is categorized by study level as follows:
- Master’s Research Scholarships (VM)
- CA$20,000 per year
- Up to 6 semesters (max CA$40,000)
- For students enrolled in thesis-based master’s programs
- Doctoral Research Scholarships (V1)
- CA$25,000 per year for the first 9 sessions
- Additional CA$12,000 per year for up to 3 extra sessions
- Total up to CA$87,000
- For full-time doctoral candidates at Quebec universities
- Postdoctoral Scholarships (V2)
- CA$35,000 for one year (non-renewable)
- For researchers who recently earned their PhD
- Short-Term Research or Professional Development Scholarships (V3)
- CA$3,000 per month
- Up to 4 months (max CA$12,000)
- For research visits or training abroad
Besides financial support, recipients enjoy international tuition exemptions and coverage under Quebec’s provincial health insurance (RAMQ), ensuring peace of mind during their studies.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be international students or researchers not holding Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
- Not have applied for permanent residency in Canada
- Be preselected by a Quebec university, the College Centres for the Transfer of Technologies (CCTT), or the China Scholarship Council (for China-specific awards)
- Begin or continue full-time research or professional development programs in Quebec
- Pursue research aligned with PBEEE’s objectives at the relevant academic level (Master’s, PhD, Postdoc, or short-term)
Application Process and Deadlines
- Preselection by Universities/CCTT: By October 23, 2025
- Full Application Submission: By December 2, 2025 (4:00 p.m.)
- Program Start Period: May 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027
Candidates must be preselected by a Quebec academic institution or the China Scholarship Council before submitting their full application via the FRQNet portal.
Required Documents
Applicants need to submit:
- Identification (passport)
- Academic transcripts from previous studies
- Research proposal or supporting documentation
- Admission or enrollment confirmation from a Quebec university or research center
- Additional documents depending on the scholarship component (e.g., thesis proposal, supervisor approval)
All documents must be uploaded electronically through FRQNet by the deadline.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated on:
- Academic excellence and research quality
- Alignment with PBEEE program goals
- Potential for impactful international research collaboration
A committee of experienced multidisciplinary researchers conducts the review and final award decisions depend on application merit and available funding.
Why Choose PBEEE 2026?
The PBEEE Scholarship remains one of the most competitive and rewarding opportunities for international students and researchers aspiring to study in Canada. It offers substantial funding, tuition relief, and access to Quebec’s dynamic research environment, supporting academic achievement and fostering global collaboration.
Winning the PBEEE award not only enhances your academic profile but also accelerates your research career and opens doors to further academic and professional opportunities worldwide.