Canada continues to stand out as one of the world’s leading destinations for international education and advanced research. Among the most prestigious opportunities available to global scholars is the Québec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students 2027–2028, funded by Québec’s Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur (MES) and administered by the Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies (FQRNT).
This highly competitive scholarship program is designed to attract outstanding international students and researchers to Québec universities by supporting cutting-edge research, academic collaboration, and professional development. The program provides substantial financial support for master’s studies, doctoral studies, postdoctoral fellowships, and short-term research projects.
For ambitious international students looking to study in Canada with financial support, this scholarship presents a remarkable opportunity to advance academic and research careers at globally recognized institutions such as Université Laval and other Québec universities.
What Is the Québec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students?
The Québec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students is an initiative established by Québec’s Ministry of Higher Education to strengthen international research partnerships and encourage academic excellence in Québec universities.
The scholarship program supports foreign students and researchers who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and strong research potential. The initiative aims to:
- Foster international collaboration in research and innovation
- Attract highly qualified foreign talent to Québec
- Support advanced academic training and scientific development
- Promote research excellence in Québec institutions
- Encourage global academic exchange and professional growth
The scholarship is administered by the Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies (FQRNT), one of Québec’s leading research funding organizations.
Scholarship Categories and Funding Amounts
The program offers four major scholarship categories, each tailored to different academic and professional levels.
1. VM – Master’s Research Scholarships
The VM scholarship supports international students pursuing research-based master’s degrees in Québec universities.
Funding Details
- Award Amount: CAD $20,000 per year
- Duration: Up to 2 years
This category is ideal for students seeking financial support while conducting advanced research during their master’s studies.
2. V1 – Doctoral Research Scholarships
The V1 scholarship is designed for international PhD candidates pursuing doctoral research in Québec.
Funding Details
- Award Amount: CAD $25,000 per year
- Duration: Up to 4 years
Doctoral candidates can use this funding to support tuition, research expenses, accommodation, and living costs throughout their studies.
3. V2 – Postdoctoral Fellowships
The V2 category supports international researchers undertaking postdoctoral research projects in Québec.
Funding Details
- Award Amount: CAD $35,000
- Duration: Non-renewable
This fellowship helps postdoctoral researchers collaborate with leading academics and research institutions in Canada.
4. V3 – Short-Term Research or Professional Development
This category supports short-term academic or professional research stays.
Funding Details
- Award Amount: CAD $3,000 per month
- Maximum Duration: 4 months
The V3 scholarship is suitable for:
- Researchers
- Graduate students
- Professionals seeking specialized research exposure
- Individuals pursuing academic collaboration opportunities
Why This Scholarship Is Important
The Québec Merit Scholarship Program offers more than just financial support. It provides recipients with the opportunity to become part of an internationally respected academic and research ecosystem.
Key Benefits of the Scholarship
1. Significant Financial Support
Recipients receive generous funding that can substantially reduce the financial burden of studying and conducting research in Canada.
2. Access to World-Class Research Institutions
Québec universities are internationally recognized for research excellence across multiple disciplines.
3. International Networking Opportunities
Scholars can collaborate with researchers, professors, and institutions from around the world.
4. Enhanced Academic and Career Growth
Participation in a prestigious scholarship program strengthens academic profiles and future career prospects.
5. Exposure to Canadian Research and Innovation
Canada is globally known for innovation, research infrastructure, and multicultural academic environments.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must carefully review the official eligibility rules before applying.
General Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be an international student or foreign researcher
- Meet the academic requirements for the selected scholarship category
- Obtain the support of a professor from a Québec university
- Be preselected by a Québec university before proceeding to the final selection stage
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential
Important Requirement: Professor Supervision
One of the most critical requirements is obtaining the support of a professor who agrees to supervise the applicant’s research project.
Without a supervising professor, applicants cannot proceed with the preselection process.
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Research potential supervisors early
- Contact faculty members professionally
- Present a strong research proposal
- Demonstrate alignment with the professor’s research interests
The Preselection Process Explained
The scholarship selection process begins with internal preselection at a Québec university.
Only candidates who are preselected by a participating Québec university will be invited by FQRNT to participate in the final selection round.
How the Process Works
- Applicant identifies a supervising professor
- Applicant prepares required documents
- Candidate submits application to the Québec university
- Internal university review and preselection occur
- Selected candidates advance to FQRNT’s final evaluation stage
The internal selection results are expected to be announced in late September.
Application Deadline
Université Laval Preselection Deadline
Applicants seeking preselection through Université Laval must submit their applications by:
June 17, 2026
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparations early, especially when contacting supervisors and preparing research proposals.
Documents Typically Required
Although requirements may vary by institution, applicants commonly need:
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of academic achievements
- Supervisor confirmation/support letter
- Language proficiency documents where applicable
Interested candidates can apply by sending CV + Publications
via Email: lusorapply@gmail.com
Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application
1. Start Early
Finding a supervisor and preparing documents can take significant time.
2. Build a Strong Research Proposal
Clearly explain:
- Research objectives
- Methodology
- Expected impact
- Relevance to Québec research priorities
3. Tailor Your Communication
When contacting professors:
- Personalize emails
- Reference their research
- Explain why you want to work with them
4. Highlight Academic Excellence
Demonstrate:
- Research experience
- Publications (if any)
- Awards and achievements
- Leadership activities
5. Follow Official Instructions Carefully
Incomplete applications may be rejected during preselection.
Why Study in Québec, Canada?
Québec is one of Canada’s most vibrant academic and research hubs. International students benefit from:
- High-quality education
- Multicultural communities
- Safe living environment
- Advanced research facilities
- Strong international student support systems
- Opportunities for collaboration and innovation
Cities like Québec City and Montréal offer exceptional academic experiences combined with rich cultural heritage.
Final Thoughts
The Québec Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students 2027–2028 is an exceptional opportunity for international students and researchers who aspire to study and conduct research in Canada.
With generous funding, access to prestigious universities, and opportunities for international collaboration, this scholarship can significantly shape the future of emerging researchers and academic professionals.
Applicants should begin preparations early, secure academic supervision, and ensure all application materials meet institutional and FQRNT requirements before the deadline.
For highly motivated students and researchers worldwide, this scholarship could be the gateway to world-class education and research excellence in Québec.
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
Discover more Global Scholarship Opportunities on OFY here.
