Laval University Canada Excellence Scholarship 2026 – Study in Quebec
Scholarship Description
The Laval University Canada Excellence Scholarship (PBEEE – Programme de bourses d'excellence pour étudiants étrangers) is a prestigious merit-based award funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Quebec (MES) and administered by the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT). The program aims to support the internationalisation of research activities in Quebec's higher education institutions by attracting the best international students.
Laval University, founded in 1663, is one of Canada's oldest and most respected universities, located in beautiful Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The university is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in natural sciences, engineering, health, social sciences, and humanities. The PBEEE scholarship supports international students pursuing master's degrees, doctoral studies, postdoctoral research, and short research stays at Laval University.
Scholarship Location
The scholarship is tenable at Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Quebec City is a vibrant, safe, and culturally rich city known for its European charm, affordable cost of living, and high quality of life.
Scholarship Deadline
The internal preselection deadline for Université Laval is strictly enforced. Candidates must submit their applications through Laval University's internal competition process.
Internal Preselection Deadline (Université Laval): June 17, 2026
Internal Competition Results: Notified to candidates towards the end of September 2026
Important Note: Only candidates preselected by Laval University will be invited by the funding agency (FRQNT) to participate in the final competition. Late applications will not be accepted.
Host Institution
Université Laval – Canada's first French-language university, founded in 1663. Laval is a comprehensive research university consistently ranked among Canada's top 10 universities. It is known for its strong research culture, international collaborations, and beautiful campus overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
Level and Fields of Study
Levels: Master's (research-based), PhD (Doctoral), Postdoctoral research, and short research stays (perfectionnement).
Fields: All research disciplines are eligible, including but not limited to:
- Natural Sciences and Engineering
- Health and Biomedical Sciences
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Environmental and Earth Sciences
- Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence
- Agriculture and Food Sciences
- Law, Economics, and Political Science
- Arts and Letters
Note: The program is administered by FRQNT (Nature and Technologies), but candidates in health, social sciences, and humanities are also eligible through appropriate Fonds de recherche du Québec partners.
Target Group
The scholarship targets highly qualified international students and researchers from all countries (excluding Canadian citizens and permanent residents). Priority is given to candidates with exceptional academic records and strong research potential.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
The PBEEE Excellence Scholarship is divided into four components (volets). The exact amounts are set annually by the Ministry of Higher Education and FRQNT. Typical benefits include:
Master's Research (V1):
- Annual stipend: Approximately $17,500 CAD/year
- Duration: Up to 2 years
- Additional research support allowance
PhD (V2):
- Annual stipend: Approximately $21,000 CAD/year
- Duration: Up to 3 years (renewable based on progress)
- Additional research support allowance
Postdoctoral Research (V3):
- Annual stipend: Approximately $35,000 CAD/year
- Duration: 1 to 2 years
- Research allowance
Short Research Stays (V4):
- Support for 1 to 5 months of research or professional development
Additional benefits often include: Tuition fee exemption or differential fee waiver (international students pay Quebec resident tuition rates), health insurance coverage, and access to Laval University's research facilities and training programs.
📊 Summary of Benefits (approximate):
Master's: $17,500 CAD/year + tuition support + research allowance
PhD: $21,000 CAD/year + tuition support + research allowance
Postdoctoral: $35,000 CAD/year + research allowance
Scholarship Eligibility
General eligibility (varies by component – consult official FRQNT rules):
- Citizenship: International students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
- Academic excellence: Exceptional academic record (typically GPA equivalent to A- or higher, or top 10-15% of class).
- Research potential: Demonstrated through previous research experience, publications, or strong research proposal.
- Supervisor support: The application must be supported by a Laval University faculty member who agrees to supervise the candidate's research.
- Admission to Laval University: Candidates must have applied for admission to an eligible program or have been accepted by the time of the internal preselection.
- Language proficiency: Depending on the program, French or English proficiency may be required (e.g., TFI, DELF/DALF for French; TOEFL, IELTS for English).
Postdoctoral eligibility: PhD obtained within the last 2-5 years (exact timeline specified in FRQNT rules).
✅ Eligible Candidates
- International students (non-Canadian/non-permanent resident).
- Strong academic record (top grades).
- Demonstrated research potential.
- Support of a Laval University faculty supervisor.
- Applied for admission to an eligible master's, PhD, or postdoctoral program.
- Meet language requirements for the intended program of study.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
- Applicants without a confirmed Laval University supervisor.
- Those with insufficient academic performance.
- Candidates who have not applied for admission to a degree program.
- Applicants unable to meet language proficiency requirements.
Application Procedure
Important: Only candidates preselected by Laval University will be invited to submit a final application to FRQNT. The internal preselection process is highly competitive.
- Identify a Laval University faculty supervisor – Before applying, you must contact a professor in your field of study at Laval University who agrees to supervise your research and support your scholarship application. This is mandatory.
- Apply for admission to Laval University – Submit your application for admission to your intended master's, PhD, or postdoctoral program through Laval University's admissions portal. You must meet all program-specific admission requirements.
- Prepare your excellence scholarship application package – Gather the following documents (specific requirements may vary):
- Curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements and research experience
- Research proposal or statement of research interests (2-5 pages)
- Official academic transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions
- Degree certificates (notarized copies with certified translations if not in French or English)
- Language proficiency certificate (French or English, depending on program)
- Two or three letters of recommendation from academic referees
- A letter of support from your Laval University supervisor
- Evidence of academic excellence (awards, scholarships, publications, etc.)
- Submit your application to Laval University's internal competition – Follow the instructions provided by Laval University's Faculty of Graduate Studies or your academic department. The submission deadline for the internal preselection is June 17, 2026.
- Internal review and preselection – Laval University evaluates applications and selects the strongest candidates to forward to FRQNT for the final competition.
- Notification of internal results – Candidates are notified of the internal competition outcome towards the end of September 2026.
- Final competition (invited candidates only) – Preselected candidates complete a full application through the FRQNT portal and participate in the final provincial-level competition.
- Final results – Successful candidates receive scholarship funding for the 2027-2028 academic year.
Important notes: The internal deadline is strictly enforced. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates are strongly advised to secure a supervisor and prepare their applications well in advance of the June 17, 2026 deadline.
Official Website & Application Links
Université Laval – Programme de bourses d'excellence (PBEEE) Official Page
FRQNT (Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies): Visit the FRQNT website for detailed program rules and eligibility criteria.
Laval University Admissions: https://www.ulaval.ca/admissions
Contact: For questions about the internal preselection process, contact Laval University's Faculty of Graduate Studies or your academic department.
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The Laval University Canada Excellence Scholarship (PBEEE) is a highly prestigious, competitive award for top-tier international students. With substantial financial support and the prestige of being selected by Quebec's government, the scholarship opens doors to world-class research opportunities at one of Canada's oldest and most respected universities.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Secure a supervisor early – This is mandatory. Identify a Laval University professor whose research aligns with your interests and obtain their commitment to supervise you.
- Demonstrate exceptional academic excellence – The scholarship is merit-based. Strong grades (A- average or higher) are essential.
- Prepare a compelling research proposal – Clearly articulate your research question, methodology, expected outcomes, and how your work aligns with Laval's research strengths.
- Highlight research experience – Publications, conference presentations, or significant research projects strengthen your application.
- Meet language requirements early – French proficiency may be required for French-taught programs; English proficiency for English-taught programs. Take the required tests well in advance.
- Apply for admission simultaneously – You must have applied (or been accepted) to a degree program at Laval University to be eligible.
- Submit well before the June 17, 2026 deadline – Late applications are not accepted.
Important reminders: The PBEEE scholarship is administered by Quebec's research funding agencies. Only candidates preselected by Laval University advance to the final FRQNT competition. The internal preselection process is highly selective; only the strongest applications are forwarded. If you are not preselected, you may still be eligible for other Laval University scholarships.
Laval University Canada Excellence Scholarship (PBEEE) 2026 – FAQ
What does the PBEEE Excellence Scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides an annual stipend (approx. $17,500 CAD for Master's, $21,000 CAD for PhD, $35,000 CAD for postdoctoral), plus research allowances and tuition fee support (international students typically pay Quebec resident rates).
What is the application deadline?
The internal preselection deadline for Université Laval is June 17, 2026. Only candidates preselected by Laval University will be invited to the final FRQNT competition.
Who is eligible to apply?
International students (non-Canadian/non-permanent resident) with exceptional academic records, a confirmed Laval University supervisor, and admission to a Master's, PhD, or postdoctoral program at Laval University.
Do I need a supervisor before applying?
Yes, mandatory. Your application must be supported by a Laval University faculty member who agrees to supervise your research. This is a strict requirement for the internal preselection.
What language proficiency is required?
Depending on your program: French proficiency (TFI, DELF/DALF) for French-taught programs; English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS) for English-taught programs. Check your program's specific requirements.
How competitive is the PBEEE scholarship?
The scholarship is highly competitive. Only students with exceptional academic records, strong research proposals, and outstanding letters of recommendation are typically preselected by Laval University.
When will I know the results?
Internal competition results are communicated towards the end of September 2026. Final FRQNT results are typically announced several months later.