Introduction
The Laval University Canada Excellence Scholarships 2027 gives international students and researchers a genuine shot at funded study in one of Canada’s oldest and most respected universities. Delivered through the PBEEE program (Programme de Bourses d’Excellence pour Étudiants Étrangers), also known as the Quebec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students, this opportunity is aimed at master’s, doctoral, postdoctoral, and short-term research candidates who want to build their academic career at Université Laval in Quebec City.
This guide walks through what the scholarship covers, who qualifies, what documents you need, how the application actually works, and the exact 2027 to 2028 intake deadlines, based on Université Laval’s official process and verified scholarship sources.
Scholarship Overview
The PBEEE program is funded by Quebec’s Ministry of Higher Education (MES) and administered in partnership with the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ). Unlike scholarships you apply for directly, PBEEE works through institutional nomination. You must first be pre-selected by Université Laval before your file even reaches the provincial competition stage.
The scholarship supports four academic and research pathways:
- Research-based Master’s programs
- Doctoral (PhD) programs
- Postdoctoral research fellowships
- Short-term research or professional development stays
| Program Level | Funding Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s (Research) | CAD $20,000 per year | Up to 2 years |
| PhD (Doctoral Research) | CAD $25,000 per year | Up to 4 years |
| Postdoctoral Fellowship | CAD $35,000 total | 1 year, non-renewable |
| Short-Term Research Grant | CAD $3,000 per month | Up to 4 months |
Eligible research fields are broad, spanning engineering and technology, computer science and artificial intelligence, natural sciences, environmental science, health and biomedical sciences, social sciences, economics, business research, and the humanities.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Laval University PBEEE scholarship, applicants must:
- Be an international student or researcher, not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Hold an excellent academic record, with strong grades and demonstrated research potential
- Apply for a research-based program only. Course-based or professional programs are not eligible
- Secure a faculty supervisor at Université Laval before applying. This is mandatory, and applications without a confirmed supervisor will not be considered
- Demonstrate strong research potential and academic excellence, backed by publications, conference presentations, or leadership activities where applicable
- Meet the eligibility requirements set by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ)
- Not already hold another major Quebec government scholarship
Priority is generally given to high-achieving global researchers whose proposed project aligns closely with the expertise of their intended supervisor and addresses an original, methodologically sound research question.
Benefits
- Substantial annual funding, from CAD $20,000 for master’s research up to CAD $35,000 for postdoctoral fellows
- Multi-year support for doctoral candidates, covering up to four years of PhD research
- Flexible short-term option for researchers seeking shorter academic collaborations or professional development stays
- Access to Université Laval’s research infrastructure, including advanced labs and facilities in Quebec City
- Mentorship from leading Canadian researchers, since every award is tied to a confirmed faculty supervisor
- International academic networking, strengthening your profile for future funding, fellowships, or academic positions
- A pathway into Quebec’s research ecosystem, one of Canada’s most active hubs for scientific and academic innovation
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following before starting the pre-selection process:
- Research proposal, outlining your project’s objectives, originality, and methodology, developed together with your prospective supervisor
- Letter of agreement or written confirmation from your Université Laval supervisor, confirming they will support your application
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates from all previous institutions
- Curriculum vitae (CV), highlighting research experience, publications, conference presentations, and academic awards
- Proof of international student status, confirming you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Letters of recommendation, where required by your specific program or supervisor
- Language proficiency documentation, if applicable to your program (French or English, depending on your field and supervisor’s requirements)
Document requirements can vary slightly depending on the degree level and supervising department, so confirm specifics directly with your prospective faculty supervisor.
Application Process
- Identify a research program at Université Laval, whether master’s, PhD, postdoctoral, or a short-term research project, that matches your field.
- Contact a potential supervisor in your field early. Reach out with your CV and research interests, and work together to shape a research proposal.
- Obtain written agreement for supervision. No application proceeds without this confirmation.
- Submit your application to Université Laval’s internal pre-selection process, including your research proposal, transcripts, CV, and supervisor confirmation.
- Wait for internal evaluation. The university reviews all pre-selection applications and selects its nominees.
- Nomination to the PBEEE competition. Selected candidates are forwarded to Quebec’s research funding authority for the final provincial evaluation.
- Await final results, which are announced after the provincial review stage is complete.
Because faculty sponsorship often takes considerable time to secure, applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute to begin reaching out to potential supervisors.
Deadline
- Internal Pre-Selection Deadline (Université Laval): 17 June 2026
- Internal Results Announcement: End of September 2026
- Final PBEEE Results: Announced after the provincial review stage, conducted by Quebec’s research funding authority
Candidates who pass Université Laval’s internal review move forward to the final PBEEE competition, which is evaluated separately by the provincial funding body. Because this is a two-stage, highly competitive process, early preparation and supervisor outreach significantly improve your chances.
Official Application Link
- Université Laval scholarships and financial aid portal: ulaval.ca
- PBEEE program information: available through Quebec’s Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) official channels
- Always confirm current-year instructions directly with your prospective faculty supervisor or department, since the internal pre-selection process is managed at the university level.
FAQs
Can I apply without a supervisor at Laval University? No. A faculty supervisor is mandatory before applying for pre-selection, and applications without one will not be considered.
Is the scholarship fully funded? It is partially funded but generous, covering major living expenses and research support depending on the program level you are accepted into.
Can undergraduate students apply? No. This scholarship is only available for master’s research, PhD, postdoctoral, and short-term research applicants, not undergraduate students.
Is this scholarship open to all nationalities? Yes. It is open to international students and researchers, provided they are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
How long does the whole process take? From the internal pre-selection deadline to final results, the process spans several months, since candidates must first be nominated by Université Laval before proceeding to the provincial PBEEE competition.
Conclusion
The Laval University Canada Excellence Scholarships 2027 offer a genuinely competitive route into funded research in Canada, provided you start early. Because supervisor sponsorship is mandatory and the process runs in two stages, from internal pre-selection to the provincial PBEEE review, your first move should be identifying a research area and reaching out to potential Université Laval supervisors well ahead of the 17 June 2026 deadline. A strong, original research proposal built together with your supervisor will be the single biggest factor in your success.