Are you a talented international student dreaming of pursuing graduate studies in Canada?
The Government of Quebec offers the prestigious Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students to support top global talent in studying at Quebec universities.
This fully funded scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance and more. Read on for all the details and how to apply for this incredible opportunity.
Top Talent Wanted: Apply for Government of Quebec Excellence Scholarships for Graduate Studies in Canada
Opportunity Summary
The Government of Quebec Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Students 2025-2026 at a glance:
- Scholarship Sponsor: Government of Quebec
- Host Institutions: Universities across Quebec, Canada
- Scholarship Type: Fully funded
- Study Level: Master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral
- Eligible Fields: All disciplines
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities
- Application Deadline: November 5, 2024
About the Scholarship
The Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students is a government initiative to attract the brightest minds from around the world to study and conduct research in Quebec, Canada.
It aims to promote the internationalization of Quebec universities, foster global research collaborations, and position Quebec as a hub for academic excellence.
The scholarship has existed for many years and supported thousands of international students.
It covers multiple components including master’s and doctoral research programs, postdoctoral fellowships, and short-term research or professional development opportunities.
Courses Available
The Quebec government scholarships are open to candidates across all disciplines and research fields. You can apply for graduate programs or research stays in areas like:
- Natural sciences and engineering
- Health and life sciences
- Arts and humanities
- Social sciences and law
Specific eligible programs depend on the university. Check the international admissions pages of Quebec institutions for programs that match your academic background and interests.
Who Should Apply
The Excellence Scholarships are highly competitive and geared towards top international talent at the graduate level. Ideal candidates are students or researchers with:
- An excellent academic record
- Demonstrated research potential
- Strong letters of recommendation
- Proof of admission to a Quebec university graduate program or approval for a research stay
Candidates from all countries are eligible, with additional specific scholarships available for students from Brazil, China, India, Israel and Wallonia through agreements between Quebec and foreign governments.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Excellence Scholarships, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a foreign student admitted to a master’s or doctoral program, a postdoctoral fellowship, or a short-term research stay at a Quebec university
- Not hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residence, or have applied for permanent residence
- Demonstrate academic excellence and research capabilities
- Not have previously received a Quebec government merit scholarship for foreign students
- Meet any additional criteria for specific scholarship components (e.g. country of origin)
Scholarship Benefits
The Quebec Excellence Scholarships provide generous funding for international students, including:
- Full tuition waiver for the duration of your studies (up to 3 years for PhD, 1 year for postdoc)
- Living allowance of $25,000 CAD per year for doctoral students, $35,000 for postdocs, or $3,000 per month for short-term research stays
- Health and hospitalization insurance through Quebec’s public health system
- Exemption from international tuition differential fees charged to foreign students
- Support for French language learning if needed
The scholarship allows you to focus on your studies and research without financial burden.
Studying in Quebec also provides the opportunity to live in a vibrant multicultural setting and explore Canada’s unique blend of European and North American influences.
How to Apply
The application process involves several steps:
- Apply for admission to a Quebec university graduate program or research stay. Contact the international student office for guidance.
- Indicate your wish to be considered for the Excellence Scholarship when applying for admission.
- Submit supporting documents like transcripts, CV, research proposal, and references through the university’s application portal.
- The university will preselect candidates to nominate for the scholarship competition based on eligibility and academic merit.
- Nominated candidates’ applications are sent to the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT) for final selection.
- FRQNT informs candidates of the competition results in the spring before the academic year starts.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the 2025-2026 Government of Quebec Excellence Scholarships is November 5, 2024 at 4:00 pm EST.
This is the date by which you must have submitted your complete application, including admission to a Quebec university, to be considered for nomination for the scholarship.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to study in Canada with full funding from the Quebec government.
Start preparing your application today!
With world-class universities, diverse research opportunities, and an exceptional quality of life, Quebec is an ideal destination for your graduate studies.
The Excellence Scholarships open doors for you to join a thriving community of global talent and take your education and career to new heights.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is based on the most recent available data. However, scholarship details, eligibility criteria, and application procedures may change.
It’s essential to verify all information on the official Government of Quebec website or with the respective educational institutions before applying.
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