Quebec Government Merit Scholarship 2026 for Foreign Students (PBEEE) is now open to turn your dream of studying or researching in Canada into reality. Administered by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) on behalf of Québec’s Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES), this program is fully funded by the Québec government and designed to attract exceptional international students and researchers.
Overview of the PBEEE Scholarship
The PBEEE is a government-funded initiative that provides international students with financial support to pursue graduate studies, postdoctoral fellowships, or short-term research stays at Québec’s top institutions. More than just a monetary award, it is a tool for building academic excellence and international collaboration. Through this program, Québec not only supports talented individuals but also strengthens its global research and education network.
Study and Research Levels
The Quebec Government Merit Scholarship (PBEEE) provides funding across multiple academic and research stages. Eligible categories include:
- Master’s Research (Thesis-based)
- Doctoral (PhD) Research
- Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Short-Term Research or Professional Development Stays
Benefits of the PBEEE Scholarship
The Quebec Government Merit Scholarship (PBEEE) provides generous financial support to international students and researchers. Funding is divided into four main categories:
- Master’s Research – VM (Thesis-based)
- Value: $20,000 per year
- Maximum: 6 semesters (2 years)
- Total possible funding: $40,000
- Value: $20,000 per year
- Doctoral (PhD) Research – V1, 1B, 1C, 1I, 1IS, 1W
- Value: $25,000 per year
- Maximum: 3 years (9 semesters)
- Possible extension: 12 months at $1,000/month
- Value: $25,000 per year
- Postdoctoral Research – V2, 2B, 2C, 2I
- Value: $35,000 for one year
- Non-renewable
- Value: $35,000 for one year
- Short-Term Research or Professional Development Stays – V3, 3B, 3C, 3I, 3IS, 3W
- Value: $3,000 per month
- Maximum: 4 months ( $12,000 total)
- Value: $3,000 per month
Additional Benefits Include:
- Exemption from paying higher international tuition fees in Québec.
- Access to Québec’s public health insurance plan (RAMQ).
- Opportunities to work with top universities and research centers in Québec.
See Also ➡️ Concordia University Graduate Fellowships 2025-26
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a foreign national (not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident).
- Must be preselected by a recognized Québec university, research center, or authorized scholarship partner (e.g., CCTT network, China Scholarship Council for Chinese applicants).
- Applicants who have previously received a PBEEE scholarship are not eligible.
- For Master’s applicants: must be enrolled in a thesis-based program, completed no more than three full-time semesters before May 1, 2026; eligible for funding for up to six semesters.
- For Doctoral (PhD) applicants: must be within the first nine semesters of study; second PhD applications allowed if in a different discipline and not previously funded under PBEEE.
- For Postdoctoral applicants: must have earned a PhD within the last two years or submitted the dissertation by the competition deadline; research must take place at a different institution than the one granting the PhD.
- For Short-Term Research or Professional Development applicants: must have completed a PhD within the last five years or be currently enrolled in a technical/university program; research or professional stays must occur at a different institution than current or previous enrollment.
Participating Countries
The PBEEE program is open to all international students and researchers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Québec also has special scholarship components for certain countries, such as:
- Brazil
- China
- India
- Israel
- Wallonia (Belgium)
These country-specific components are a result of formal agreements between Québec and the respective foreign governments, designed to promote cooperation and strengthen research partnerships.
Application Process
1. Preselection by a Québec Institution
- Action: Secure nomination from a recognized Québec university, CCTT network (Synchronex), or the China Scholarship Council (CSC) for China-specific applicants.
- Note: Only candidates preselected by these bodies on or before October 23, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST can proceed to the next phase.
2. FRQnet Application Submission
- Action: Complete and submit the electronic application via the FRQnet portal. Ensure to do this before December 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST
- Required Documents:
- Valid passport or equivalent identification
- Full academic transcripts (with grading system explanation for non-North American institutions)
- Acknowledgements of receipt/acceptance for any publications
- Component-Specific Documents:
- Valid passport or equivalent identification
3. Document Submission Guidelines
- Format: Attach all documents in PDF format; ensure they are not password-protected.
- Language: Documents not in English or French must include certified translations.
- Responsibility: Ensure all required documents are submitted by the deadline; late or incomplete applications will be rejected.
4. Notification of Eligibility Screening Status
- Timeline: By December 2025
- Action: FRQ will inform applicants of their eligibility screening status.
- Follow-Up: If no notification is received, contact the program manager by December 15.
5. Evaluation and Results
- Process: Eligible applications are reviewed by multidisciplinary evaluation committees based on academic excellence and research potential.
- Announcement: Results are announced in April 2026.
- Acceptance: Awardees must confirm acceptance within 30 days.
6. Permit Submission
- Requirement: Submit a study permit (for doctoral applicants) or work permit (for postdoctoral applicants) before scholarship payments commence.
To get started, visit the official PBEEE Scholarship website
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin preselection and application preparations well in advance.
- Secure a Supervisor: Essential for postdoctoral and short-term research applicants.
- Meet Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you qualify for your program category.
- Prepare Strong Documents: Academic transcripts, research proposal, and reference letters must be complete and professional.
- Follow Submission Guidelines: Submit all documents correctly and on time; include certified translations if needed.
- Highlight Research Impact: Show how your work contributes to international collaboration and Québec’s academic goals.
Also Check ➡️ Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI) – Fully Funded Study in Canada Application Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible for the PBEEE scholarship?
- International students or researchers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents and meet program-specific criteria.
2. What degree levels are supported?
- Thesis-based Master’s, Doctoral (PhD), Postdoctoral, and Short-Term Research or Professional Development.
3. How do I apply for the PBEEE scholarship?
- Secure nomination from a Québec university, CCTT, or CSC (for China), then apply electronically via the FRQnet portal.
4. Can I apply if I already received a PBEEE scholarship?
- No, previous recipients are not eligible for a second award under the same program component.
5. When are the results announced?
- Applications are evaluated by committees, and results are typically announced in April, with awardees required to confirm acceptance within 30 days.
Final Thoughts
The Québec Government Merit Scholarship (PBEEE) offers a unique opportunity for international students and researchers to advance their academic and professional goals in Canada. While highly competitive, careful preparation, strong documentation, and early engagement with a Québec institution can significantly enhance your chances. This scholarship not only supports tuition and research funding but also fosters valuable international academic collaborations. Approach the application strategically, stay organized, and focus on showcasing your research potential and impact.