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About the Québec Government Master’s/PhD/Postdoctoral Scholarship Program
The Québec Government Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students (PBEEE) is an initiative aimed at supporting the internationalisation of research within Québec’s higher education institutions. This prestigious program is designed to attract the best foreign researchers and students, enhance cultural connections, and promote scientific collaboration. Managed by the Ministry of Higher Education (MEES), the program allows scholars from around the world to participate in advanced research at Québec universities and College Centres for the Transfer of Technologies (CCTT).
This scholarship program is an excellent opportunity for students, researchers, and administrators in technical fields to engage in world-class research and potentially set up collaborative projects between their home countries and Québec. With several categories of scholarships available, international students can choose the one that best suits their academic and research goals.
Program Categories
The Québec Government Merit Scholarship Program is divided into four main components:
1. Master’s Research Scholarships (VM): For students pursuing a master’s degree that involves research.
2. Doctoral Research Scholarships (V1, 1B, 1C, 1I, 1IS, 1W): For students undertaking doctoral studies.
3. Postdoctoral Fellowships (V2, 2B, 2C, 2I): For postdoctoral researchers who wish to advance their research.
4. Short-Term Research or Training Grants (V3, 3B, 3C, 3I, 3IS, 3W): For students and researchers looking for short-term research opportunities in Québec.
Country-Specific Programs
In addition to general scholarships, there are specific programs tailored 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: 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 or researchers from all disciplines, including health, social sciences, arts and letters, natural sciences, and engineering. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. General Requirements:
- Applicants must be pre-selected by a Québec university, 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 who wish to pursue or continue a research-based master’s program.
- Professional master’s programs are not eligible. The program must involve the writing of 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 are intended for doctoral students within their first nine semesters of postgraduate study.
- Applicants transitioning directly from a bachelor’s to a doctorate without submitting a thesis may apply.
- Candidates should be in their 3rd to 5th year of doctoral studies when applying.
4. Postdoctoral Fellowship (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 recently completed a doctorate (within five years).
- The research or training must be carried out in an institution other than the one where the applicant is currently enrolled.
Selection Process and Criteria
Scholarship recipients are selected through a highly competitive process based on academic excellence and the merit of their research proposals. A multidisciplinary evaluation committee composed of professor-researchers assesses the applications.
Benefits of the Scholarship Program
The Québec Government offers generous financial support to its 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 monetary award, recipients are also 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. Before applying, it is essential to review all application requirements. The scholarship competition is open for applications between May 1, 2025, and January 15, 2026.
See also:
Valencia College Global Achievers Scholarship 2025/2026 for International Students: Apply Now!
Coca-Cola Scholarship 2024–25: Apply Now!
The University of Turin Scholarships 2024/25 in Italy: Apply Now!
