The (Programme de Bourses d’Excellence pour Étudiant.e.s Étrangers – PBEEE) is a prestigious Canadian scholarship program managed by the (Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et la technologie – FRQNT) on behalf of the (Ministère de l’Éducation, de l’Enseignement supérieur – MEES).
This program is designed to attract top international students and researchers to Quebec by offering financial support for their studies and research activities. The scholarships are open to international students and researchers who are nominated by a Quebec university or wish to begin or continue their doctoral studies or research activities in Quebec.
Overview of the Scholarship
The PBEEE offers several types of scholarships for different academic and research levels:
- Master’s Research Scholarships (VM)
- Doctoral Research Scholarships (V1, 1B, 1I, 1IS, 1W)
- Postdoctoral Fellowships (V2, 2B, 2I)
- Short-Term Research or Professional Development Stays (V3, 3B, 3I, 3IS, 3W)
These scholarships are available for students and researchers from all research sectors and aim to support their academic and research endeavors in Quebec.
Benefits
- Master’s Research Scholarships (VM): $20,000 per year for up to two years.
- Doctoral Research Scholarships (V1, 1B, 1I, 1IS, 1W): $25,000 per year for up to three years, with a possible extension of 12 months (additional $1,000 per month).
- Postdoctoral Fellowships (V2, 2B, 2I): $35,000 for one year, non-renewable.
- Short-Term Research or Professional Development Stays (V3, 3B, 3I, 3IS, 3W): $3,000 per month for up to four months, non-renewable.
Additionally, scholarship recipients receive:
- Exemption from increased tuition fees for international students.
- Health insurance coverage provided by Quebec’s health insurance plan.
Eligibility Criteria
1# Master’s Research Scholarships (VM)
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- Must be enrolled in a research-focused master’s program leading to a thesis.
- Must have completed no more than three full-time sessions (one year) in their master’s program by May 1, 2025.
2# Doctoral Research Scholarships (V1, 1B, 1I, 1IS, 1W)
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- Must be within the first nine semesters of their doctoral program.
- All previously completed doctoral terms are subtracted from the eligibility period.
3# Postdoctoral Fellowships (V2, 2B, 2I)
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- Must have obtained their doctorate within the past two years or will submit their thesis by January 15, 2025.
- The postdoctoral research must be conducted at an institution different from where the doctorate was obtained.
4# Short-Term Research or Professional Development Stays (V3, 3B, 3I, 3IS, 3W)
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- For students and researchers who have completed their doctorate within the past five years.
- The stay must be conducted at a different institution from where the applicant is currently enrolled.
Application Process
- Preselection by the University: Departments must preselect candidates and submit their applications to the Bureau des bourses (ESP) by August 7, 2024.
- Institutional Preselection: The ESP evaluates the applications and forwards the names of the selected candidates to the FRQNT by September 13, 2024.
- Final Selection: The FRQNT invites selected candidates to complete and submit the final application by November 1, 2024. Results are announced in April 2025.
List of Required Documents: Applicants must submit:
- Application form: https://esp.umontreal.ca/fileadmin/esp/documents/Soutien_financier/PBEEE_2526_pres_etud_unit%C3%A9s.pdf.
- A copy of a valid passport or other citizenship documentation.
- A note from the unit director confirming eligibility.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Recent and official academic transcripts and diplomas.
- Proof of current enrollment in a study program, if applicable.
Submission Deadline: Interested candidates must submit their applications by July 15, 2024.