Overview

The Quebec Government Merit Scholarship (PBEEE) 2026 is a prestigious and 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). Designed to attract talented international students and researchers to Quebec’s world-class universities and research centers, the PBEEE supports advanced studies and research across a wide range of academic disciplines.

This scholarship offers excellent funding opportunities for Master’s, Doctoral, Postdoctoral, and Short-Term Research programs. It also includes a noteworthy benefit of tuition fee exemptions and coverage of provincial health insurance (RAMQ), making it one of the most valuable international scholarships in Canada.

PBEEE Matters

The PBEEE program aims to:

• Promote international research collaboration within Quebec’s academic community
• Attract top global talent in diverse research areas
• Increase the international reputation of Quebec universities and research institutions
• Build cultural and scientific partnerships across borders

Whether you are pursuing a master’s thesis, doctoral research, or advanced professional development, this scholarship provides robust support to push your academic career forward in Canada.

Scholarship Components & Funding

The Quebec Government Merit Scholarship (PBEEE) is divided into several funding streams based 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)
• Designed for students actively engaged in thesis-based master’s research.

2. Doctoral Research Scholarships (V1 and specific bilateral components)

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

3. Postdoctoral Scholarships (V2)

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

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

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

In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients enjoy exemptions from international tuition fees and coverage under the Quebec health insurance plan (RAMQ), offering further savings and peace of mind while living and studying in Quebec.

Eligible?

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

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

Students must pursue research that aligns with the scholarship objectives, and eligibility depends on the specific component applied for (Master’s, PhD, postdoctoral, or short-term).

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 through a Quebec academic institution or the China Scholarship Council is mandatory before the application proceeds to the FRQNet portal for full submission.

Application Requirements

Eligible applicants must prepare and submit:

• Identification document (passport)
• Academic transcripts for all completed studies
• Supporting research documentation
• Acceptance letters or proof of enrollment in a Quebec university or research institution
• Other component-specific documents (e.g., thesis or supervisor acceptance)

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

Evaluation & Awarding

Applications are assessed on academic merit, research quality, and the relevance of the project to the objectives of the PBEEE program. Evaluators include multidisciplinary committees composed of experienced researchers. Final decisions are based on the excellence of the application and the funding available.

PBEEE 2026?

The Quebec Government Merit Scholarship (PBEEE) continues to be one of the most competitive and rewarding opportunities for international researchers and students wishing to study in Canada. With generous funding, tuition exemptions, and world-class research environments, this scholarship supports academic excellence and international collaboration in a multicultural and research-driven province.

Securing a PBEEE award can profoundly enhance your academic profile, accelerate your research goals, and open doors to future opportunities in academia and beyond.