About the Québec Government Master’s/PhD/Postdoctoral Scholarship Program
The Québec Government Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students (PBEEE) is an initiative designed to support the internationalization of research at Québec’s higher education institutions.
This prestigious program aims to attract top international researchers and students, strengthen cultural ties, and promote scientific collaboration.
Managed by the Ministry of Higher Education (MEES), the program provides opportunities for scholars from around the world to engage in advanced research at Québec universities and College Centres for the Transfer of Technologies (CCTT).
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This scholarship program is an excellent opportunity for students, researchers, and administrators in technical fields to participate in world-class research and potentially establish collaborative projects between their home countries and Québec.
With several categories of scholarships available, international students can select the one that best aligns with their academic and research objectives.
Program Categories
The Québec Government Merit Scholarship Program is divided into four main components:
- Master’s Research Scholarships (VM): For students pursuing a master’s degree that includes research.
- Doctoral Research Scholarships (V1, 1B, 1C, 1I, 1IS, 1W): For students engaged in doctoral studies.
- Postdoctoral Fellowships (V2, 2B, 2C, 2I): For postdoctoral researchers seeking to advance their research.
- Short-Term Research or Training Grants (V3, 3B, 3C, 3I, 3IS, 3W): For students and researchers interested in short-term research opportunities in Québec.
Country-Specific Programs
In addition to general scholarships, there are specific programs designed for students from the following countries:
— Québec-Brazil: Scholarships for doctoral and postdoctoral research or short-term stays.
— Québec-China: Similar opportunities for Chinese students and researchers.
— Québec-India: Scholarships for doctoral and postdoctoral scholars, as well as short-term research or training.
— Québec-Israel: Scholarships aimed at PhD students and short-term research.
— Québec-Wallonia: Opportunities for doctoral and short-term research for Belgian students.
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship program is open to foreign students and researchers from all disciplines, including health, social sciences, arts and humanities, natural sciences, and engineering.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- General Requirements:
— Applicants must be pre-selected by a Québec university, the CCTT Network, or the China Scholarship Council.
— There are no restrictions on the field of research; all sectors are eligible.
2. Master’s Research Scholarships (VM):
— These scholarships are for students pursuing or continuing a research-based master’s program.
— Professional master’s programs are not eligible; the program must include writing a research thesis.
— Applicants must have completed no more than three full-time semesters in their master’s program by May 1, 2025.
3. Doctoral Research Scholarships (V1, 1B, 1C, 1I, 1IS, 1W):
— These scholarships are intended for doctoral students within their first nine semesters of postgraduate study.
— Applicants transitioning directly from a bachelor’s degree to a doctorate without submitting a thesis may apply.
— Candidates should be in their third to fifth year of doctoral studies when applying.
4. Postdoctoral Fellowships (V2, 2B, 2C, 2I):
— Applicants must have earned their doctorate within two years before the application deadline or must submit their thesis by January 15, 2026.
— Postdoctoral research must be conducted at an institution different from the one where the doctorate was awarded.
5. Short-Term Research or Training Grants (V3, 3B, 3C, 3I, 3IS, 3W):
— Available to both students and researchers, with specific options for those who have completed their doctorate within the last five years.
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— The research or training must be carried out at an institution other than the one where the applicant is currently enrolled.
Selection Process and Criteria
Scholarship recipients are chosen through a highly competitive process that evaluates academic excellence and the quality of their research proposals.
A multidisciplinary evaluation committee, composed of faculty researchers, reviews the applications.
Benefits of the Scholarship Program
The Québec Government provides generous financial support to scholarship recipients.
Below is an overview of the funding available for each scholarship type:
— Master’s Research Scholarship (VM):
— Annual value: $20,000
— Maximum duration: Two years (up to $40,000)
— Doctoral Research Scholarships (V1, 1B, 1C, 1I, 1IS, 1W):
— Annual value: $25,000
— Maximum duration: Three years (up to $75,000)
— Possible extension: 12 months with an additional annual value of $12,000
— Postdoctoral Fellowship (V2, 2B, 2C, 2I):
— Annual value: $35,000
— Maximum duration: One year ($35,000)
— Short-Term Research or Training Grant (V3, 3B, 3C, 3I, 3IS, 3W):
— Value per month: $3,000
— Maximum duration: Four months (up to $12,000)
In addition to the financial support, recipients are exempt from the increased tuition fees for international students and receive health insurance coverage through the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
Duration of Awards
The scholarship program covers the following periods:
— Master’s Research Scholarships: Maximum of two years.
— Doctoral Research Scholarships: Maximum of three years, with a possible 12-month extension.
— Postdoctoral Fellowships: One year, non-renewable.
— Short-Term Research or Training Grants: Four months, non-renewable.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must apply through the official program portal. It is essential to review all application requirements before applying.
The scholarship competition will accept applications from May 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026.
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