Canada Quebec Government Merit Scholarship 2026 for International Students (PBEEE)
The Quebec Government Scholarship 2026 under the Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students (PBEEE) is one of the most prestigious opportunities for international students to study in Québec, Canada. This initiative, administered by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) and funded by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec (MES), aims to support outstanding scholars across disciplines while promoting Québec’s global research collaborations.
This program is also widely recognized among Canada scholarships for international students 2026, offering generous financial support and academic benefits.
Degree Levels
The PBEEE Scholarship Canada covers:
Master’s (Thesis-based)
Doctoral (PhD)
Postdoctoral Research
Short-term Research or Professional Development
Fields of Study
Scholarships are open to all subjects, including:
Health Sciences
Humanities & Social Sciences
Arts & Letters
Natural Sciences
Engineering
This makes PBEEE one of the most diverse Canada postgraduate scholarships 2026, suitable for students and researchers across academic backgrounds.
Scholarship Benefits
Master’s Research Scholarships (VM)
Value: $20,000 per year
Duration: 2 years (6 semesters)
Maximum: $40,000
Doctoral Research Scholarships
Value: $25,000/year for the first 9 sessions
Value: $12,000/year for the last 3 sessions (if extended)
Maximum: $87,000 over 4 years
Postdoctoral Scholarships
Value: $35,000 (1 year, non-renewable)
Short-term Research / Professional Development
Value: $3,000/month
Maximum: $12,000 for 4 months
Additional Benefits:
Tuition fee exemptions for international students in Québec
Medical coverage through Québec’s public health system (RAMQ)
With these provisions, the PBEEE is among the most competitive fully funded scholarships in Canada 2026.
Eligible Nationalities
The program is open to all international students (excluding Canadian citizens and permanent residents).
Special agreements exist with:
Brazil
China
India
Israel
Wallonia (Belgium)
Eligibility Criteria
Must be an international student or researcher.
Must be preselected by a Québec university, CCTT, or CSC (China).
Master’s applicants: enrolled in a thesis-based Master’s for no more than 3 semesters before May 1, 2026.
Doctoral applicants: within the first 9 semesters of PhD studies.
Postdoctoral applicants: PhD completed within 2 years or thesis submitted by Jan 15, 2026.
Short-term research: must be enrolled in a program or hold a PhD earned within the last 5 years.
Cannot have previously received a Quebec Merit Scholarship for foreign students.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Preselection
Nominations must come from a Québec university, CCTT, or CSC.
University/CCTT nomination deadline: October 23, 2025.
CSC deadline: March 31, 2026.
Step 2: Final Submission
Submit applications via FRQnet portal by December 2, 2025 (4 p.m. EST).
Required documents: passport, transcripts, publications, proof of enrollment, supervisor’s letter, exceptions (if any).
Step 3: Selection
Reviewed by multidisciplinary committees.
Criteria: academic excellence, research potential, impact on Québec’s academic environment.
Results announced: April 2026.
Rules & Conditions
Scholars must live in Québec during the funded period.
Cannot combine PBEEE with other Canadian federal or Québec government scholarships.
May combine with private or home-country scholarships.
Studies must begin between May 1, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
Funded theses/publications must be open access.
Conclusion
The Quebec Government Merit Scholarship (PBEEE) 2026 is one of the most prestigious Canada scholarships for international students 2026. Offering tuition exemptions, living stipends, and health insurance, it provides everything needed for a successful academic journey in Québec. With its strong focus on research and international collaboration, PBEEE is an excellent choice for those seeking Canada postgraduate scholarships 2026.
Application Deadline: December 2, 2025 – Prepare your documents and secure your nomination early!
Application Deadline: December 2, 2025
Start preparing your documents and secure your nomination early!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who funds the PBEEE scholarship?
The scholarship is funded by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec (MES) and administered by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ).
2. What levels of study are covered under PBEEE?
The scholarship supports Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral research, and short-term research/professional development.
3. Do I need to be nominated before applying?
Yes. Candidates must be preselected by a Québec university, CCTT, or CSC (for Chinese applicants).
4. Can I apply if I already studied in Canada?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and have not previously received a PBEEE scholarship.
5. How much financial support can I receive as a doctoral student?
Doctoral scholarships can provide up to $87,000 over four years.
6. Do recipients get tuition fee exemptions?
Yes. Scholarship holders are exempted from higher international tuition fees in Québec.
7. Is health insurance included in the scholarship?
Yes. Students are covered by Québec’s public health insurance system (RAMQ).
8. Can the PBEEE be combined with other funding?
It cannot be combined with Canadian federal or Québec government scholarships, but may be combined with private or home-country funding.
9. What is the deadline for applications?
The final application deadline is December 2, 2025 (4 p.m. EST).
10. When will results be announced?
Final results are expected in April 2026.





