Quebec is the largest of Canada’s 13 provinces. It is famous for its vibrant culture and prominent educational system. It’s the third most popular destination for international students in Canada. This place’s education system differs from the rest of the country, as the Catholic church governed it primarily until the 1960s. The system is overseen by Quebec’s Ministry of Education & Higher Education.
While students must enter post-secondary studies (CEGEP) before university, it has kept many foreigners from enrolling in its prestigious universities. Additionally, there are many Quebec scholarship opportunities available, and this article lists some of these in this article. So, make sure to look at the information below.
Top Scholarships in Quebec
1. Quebec Merit Scholarships for Foreign Students
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CA$14,000-$26,600 annual bursary
- Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D., Post-Ph.D., Professional Development Studies
The Quebec Merit Scholarships for international students are open to applicants from French-speaking nations. The committee will also consider applicants from select Asian and South American countries. This scholarship covers the full cost of a Ph.D. or post-doc studies. Students who wish to undertake professional development education will also be considered.
Applicants for the Quebec Merit Scholarship should submit their applications through their preferred universities. These institutions will then select the awardees who will receive the scholarship benefits. The tuition waiver amount varies according to the degree. For instance, Ph.D. students are entitled to a waiver a year for a maximum of three years, which may be extended to another year as needed.
Post-doc students will be awarded a non-renewable waiver worth CA$35,000 a year. On the other hand, professional development students are entitled to CA$ 3,000 a month for up to four months.
2. CEGEP Scholarship Program
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CA$14,000 per year, tuition exemption, health insurance coverage
- Eligible Degree/s: Technical training/CEGEP for 3 years
As mentioned, students in Quebec need to undergo post-secondary education (Diploma in College Studies or DEC) before heading to university. International students also need to experience this, but they may do so for a discounted price through the Quebec Excellence Scholarship Program. Beginning in September 2023, international students studying a specific French technical study program will be eligible for a small number of differential tuition fee waivers.
This Quebec scholarship award, funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Quebec, comes with a waiver amounting to CA$14,000 for three years. Add to that, awardees will also be given health insurance coverage during their stay. Technical programs typically last three years and consist of three subjects: a general education curriculum, including French, philosophy, physical education, and English; 15–31 varying course lengths required by your chosen program; and two complementary classes.
3. Université de Montréal Exemption Scholarship for International Students
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Vary per degree program
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Université de Montréal is a Francophone institution based in Montreal, Quebec. To attract the brightest students worldwide, it offers an exemption scholarship for international students. The scholarship is open to full-time students who hold a Canadian student permit. Award amounts vary according to program, with the highest share going to Ph.D. students. Exempted scholars are given a waiver of as much as CA$22,909 a year.
On the other hand, master’s students will be given a waiver of an annual CA$10,789 for non-research and CA$15,150 per year for research. The scholarship value for bachelor’s students ranges from CA$ 6,548 to CAD 13,741 a year. Interested applicants need not apply separately for this Quebec scholarship program. After applying for admission, the student may follow up on the scholarship status through the university’s student center portal.
4. Concordia Entrance Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Partial tuition and fees
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
Based in Montreal, Concordia University is one of the three English-medium institutions in French-speaking Quebec. It offers the Concordia Entrance Scholarship, one of the most comprehensive awards for foreigners. This scholarship is given to several deserving full-time students pursuing university education for the first time. Awardees may be drawn from any of Concordia’s faculties/schools.
The student must upload the requirements through the Concordia student portal to apply for this scholarship. The file should include the necessary documents, including an accomplished application form and a personal statement detailing the student’s resilience through hardship and suffering.
Likewise, the applicant must submit a curriculum vitae that chronicles the student’s work experience, volunteer experience, accolades, and other accomplishments. The university’s Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards Committee will review all applications. Students who submit an incomplete application packet will be automatically disqualified from the consideration pool.
5. McGill University One-Year Entrance Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: CA$3,000 for one year (non-renewable)
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
McGill University is one of Canada’s most prominent educational institutions, based in Montreal. Its reputation has made it a desirable choice amongst international students, representing much of the university’s population. Many of these international students were able to defray the cost of tuition through the McGill one-year entrance scholarships, which have a value of CA$ 3,000 per year.
Unlike other scholarships, international students need not apply for the award. All undergraduate students are considered, granted that they meet the minimum academic requirements. Graduates of overseas schools, for example, should have a minimum A average (96%.) Despite this minimum requirement, getting this GPA is not guaranteed that the student will get an automatic scholarship.
Because of this, potential students applying for this Quebec scholarship are advised to submit all the necessary documents in their applications. Submitting all grades and interim grades leading to the application date is advisable, as this may help improve one’s chances of getting the award.
FAQs: Applying for Scholarships in Quebec
Can International Students Get a Full-Ride Scholarship in Canada?
Even though the application process can be complicated, international students can study in Canada through a full-ride scholarship. Also known as the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, the application includes your school application, a personal recommendation from your principal, and several other things.
The University of Toronto administers this full-ride scholarship, and you can check all the specific details regarding this institution and its full-ride scholarship through this link.
Is Quebec Suitable for International Students?
It depends on your adaptability. Since Quebec is located in Canada, the winter weather is quite cold and often punishes some locals. If you are suited for cold weather, try to prepare for the winter months by buying warm clothing. If you love cold weather, you will love this hidden jewel of North America. In addition, nature’s scenic beauty is breathtaking, even in the winter and summer.
Quebec’s living expenses are low compared to other cities in Canada, which can be significantly beneficial for international students interested in studying in this country. That’s why you should consider reviewing these scholarships and see whether you qualify for them if you want help with your schooling expenditures.
We hope this article on Quebec’s best scholarships for international students was helpful. Also, make sure to check out our Canada Page and Canada Programs for International Students to know more information about studying in this country!
