Quebec Government Merit Scholarship (PBEEE) 2026 in Canada

The Quebec Government Merit Scholarship (PBEEE) 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded research scholarship awarded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) on behalf of the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec (MES). Designed to attract outstanding international students and researchers, this scholarship supports advanced academic studies and research at Quebec’s top universities and research centers across a wide range of disciplines.

This scholarship is ideal for students pursuing Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral, or Short-Term Research programs. In addition to generous funding, recipients benefit from tuition fee exemptions and coverage of the Quebec provincial health insurance (RAMQ), making it one of the most valuable international scholarships in Canada.

Why PBEEE Matters

The PBEEE program aims to:

• Foster international research collaboration within Quebec’s academic community
• Attract leading global talent across diverse research fields
• Enhance the international reputation of Quebec’s universities and research institutions
• Build lasting cultural and scientific partnerships across borders

Whether pursuing a thesis-based Master’s, doctoral research, or advanced professional development, this scholarship provides substantial support to help researchers advance their careers in Canada.

Scholarship Components & Funding

The PBEEE scholarship offers different funding streams depending on the level of study:

1. Master’s Research Scholarships (VM)

• Value: CA$20,000 per year
• Duration: Up to 6 semesters (maximum CA$40,000)
• Purpose: Supports students conducting thesis-based Master’s research

2. Doctoral Research Scholarships (V1 and Bilateral Components)

• Value: CA$25,000 per year for the first 9 sessions
• Additional: CA$12,000 per year for up to 3 extra sessions
• Maximum: CA$87,000
• Purpose: Supports full-time doctoral research at Quebec universities

3. Postdoctoral Scholarships (V2)

• Value: CA$35,000 for one year (non-renewable)
• Purpose: Supports researchers who recently completed their PhD

4. Short-Term Research or Professional Development Scholarships (V3)

• Value: CA$3,000 per month
• Duration: Up to 4 months (maximum CA$12,000)
• Purpose: Supports research visits or professional training abroad

Additional Benefits: Tuition fee exemptions for international students and coverage under Quebec’s health insurance plan (RAMQ) provide further financial relief and peace of mind.

Who Can Apply?

The PBEEE program is open to international students and researchers who:

• Are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• Have not applied for permanent residency in Canada
• Are preselected by a Quebec university, CCTT, or the China Scholarship Council (for China-specific awards)
• Are beginning or continuing a full-time research or professional development program in Quebec

Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the specific scholarship component (Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral, or Short-Term Research).

Application Timeline

• Preselection by Universities/CCTT: By October 23, 2025
• Submission of Applications: By December 2, 2025 (4:00 p.m.)
• Program Start Window: From May 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027

Preselection by a Quebec academic institution or the China Scholarship Council is mandatory before the full application can be submitted through the FRQNet portal.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Valid identification (passport)
• Academic transcripts for all completed studies
• Supporting research documents
• Acceptance letters or proof of enrollment at a Quebec university or research institution
• Component-specific documents (e.g., thesis proposal, supervisor acceptance)

All materials must be uploaded via the FRQNet portal before the deadline.

Evaluation & Selection

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence
• Research quality and potential impact
• Alignment with PBEEE objectives

Selection committees are composed of experienced researchers from multiple disciplines, and awards are granted based on the merit of the application and available funding.

Why PBEEE 2026 Is Exceptional

The Quebec Government Merit Scholarship (PBEEE) 2026 is one of the most competitive and rewarding opportunities for international researchers in Canada. With substantial funding, tuition exemptions, health coverage, and access to world-class research facilities, it enables scholars to excel academically while fostering international collaboration.

Receiving a PBEEE award can enhance your academic profile, accelerate research progress, and open doors to future opportunities in academia, industry, or global research networks.