Government of Québec 2021 Merit scholarships for International students - Canada

Published: 14 Jan 2021 10,345 views

The Merit Scholarships program for foreign students is offered to students who pursue vocational training, technical training at the college level, or studies at the university level. The program is offered in order to attract the best international candidates for studies in Québec and to encourage student recruitment in programs with good job and research prospects.

The Merit Scholarship program allows recipients to benefit from:

1. a scholarship that provides financial assistance during their studies 
2. an exemption from the differential tuition fees payable by foreign students
3. health insurance protection provided by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)

• Vocational training students
• Technical training students at the college level
• University students

Government of Québec Vocational training students

Benefits of Government of Québec Vocational training students

The Merit Scholarship for 900-hour programs is valued at $14 000. An extra amount of $1 400 is added for every additional 100 hours, to a maximum of $26 000 for 1 800-hour programs. Programs of fewer than 100 hours are not eligible.

In addition to the scholarship, all recipients are entitled to an exemption from the differential tuition fees payable by foreign students, and to health insurance protection provided by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Requirements for Government of Québec Vocational training students

To be eligible, students need to pursue full-time studies in a vocational training program leading to one of the following:

1. Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS)
2. Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS)

Applicants enrolled in a program with good job prospects are given priority.

In addition, priority is given to international students from leading markets in Asia (China, India and Japan) and the Americas (Brazil and Mexico), and from developing countries that are part of the Francophonie.

Please note that students from France are not eligible for this program, since they benefit from distinct regulations through an agreement between Québec and France. 

Selection Process

Once your application has been submitted, Éducation internationale will verify that it is complete and that all documents are up to date. Relevant educational institutions will then make their selections from all submitted applications.

Application Deadline

Government of Québec Technical training students at the college level

Benefits of Government of Québec Technical training students at the college level

The Merit Scholarship is valued at $14 000 per year. The scholarship recipient must re-apply for the scholarship on a yearly basis, up to a maximum of three years, which is the normal duration of a technical training program.

In addition to the scholarship, all recipients are entitled to an exemption from the differential tuition fees payable by foreign students, and to health insurance protection provided by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Requirements for Government of Québec Technical training students at the college level

To be eligible, students need to pursue full-time studies in a technical training program leading to a Diploma of College Studies (DCS). The public or private college where the studies take place must be accredited for the purposes of funding and be located in a Québec region outside the Greater Montréal area.

Students must also be citizens of a member country of the espace francophone  [available in French only].

Application Deadline

Government of Québec University students

Benefits of Government of Québec University students

1. Doctoral research scholarships: $25 000 per year. The maximum duration for this scholarship is three years, with a possible extension of up to 12 months. In the case of an extension, a monthly allowance of $1 000 is provided.
2. Postdoctoral scholarships: $35 000 for one year, non-renewable.
3. Short-term research or professional development scholarships: $3 000 per month for a period of up to four months.

In addition to the scholarship, all recipients are entitled to an exemption from the differential tuition fees payable by foreign students, and to health insurance protection provided by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).

Requirements for Government of Québec University students

To be eligible, students need to pursue studies or research activities at a Québec university. Scholarships are available for:

1. doctoral (PhD) programs
2. postdoctoral studies
3. Short-term research or professional development scholarships

Application Deadline

How to Apply