As a student, you know it takes time, dedication and hard work to succeed. But it also takes money! Student life can be especially expensive if you’re coming from abroad. That’s why a lot of international students count on financial aid, helping remove the stress of money so they can focus on hitting the books!
In Québec, the federal and provincial governments, along with several international institutions and organizations, provide financial assistance and scholarships for students. As diverse as they are accessible, scholarships are typically awarded on the basis of merit, financial need, certain skills or community commitments.
Excellence scholarships offered by different institutions
You’ve worked hard at school and you have the results to prove it. Reward yourself for all that hard work by applying for an excellence scholarship!
Excellence scholarships for vocational and technical training
Whatever your chosen field, you have the potential to excel. Excellence scholarships for vocational and technical training are designed to help you achieve your goals. If you’re looking to study at a private educational institution, you may still be eligible for financial support.
Applying for financial aid for vocational training
When it comes to eligibility for student aid, the following countries are given priority: France, Overseas France territories (all French territories outside of Europe), and growth market countries in Asia (China, India, Japan) and the Americas (Mexico and Brazil). (Québec métiers d’avenir)
Financial aid for foreign students enrolled in a CEGEP
Foreign students are eligible for several forms of financial assistance, and there is a Tuition Fee Exemption Program in place to help students complete their studies in Québec. Be sure to consult the Cégeps du Québec website to learn about the different financial assistance options available to you.
University excellence scholarships
Are you planning to continue your studies at university? Visit the financial aid office in any university in Greater Montréal to find out how you can apply for an excellence scholarship.
Excellence scholarships from the Fonds de recherche du Québec — Nature et technologies (FRQNT)
Just like running a marathon, it’s often in the final leg that students need the most support. A scholarship from the FRQNT will support you in pursuing your doctorate or postdoctoral fellowship, and allow you to participate in short-term research and development stays.
Government of Québec international education agreements
The Québec government has a number of measures in place to welcome and support foreign students. The province has signed international agreements with several governments to support student education and mobility.
With these agreements, students from foreign countries can benefit from tuition fee exemptions for their university studies. Since these exemptions vary depending on the agreement and may include quotas, be sure to visit the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur (Québec Ministry of Education and Higher Education) for more information.
Scholarships from the Canadian federal government
The Canadian government appreciates that you’ve chosen to study here, and offers several grants to help you pursue your goals. Consult the EduCanada website to learn more about the different international scholarship opportunities available to non-Canadians.
Commonwealth scholarships
From the Bahamas to Australia and Cameroon, 53 states around the globe are part of the Commonwealth association. Every year, many students from member countries are awarded scholarships to support their studies. To find out if you’re eligible, contact a Canadian Embassy near you.
Financial aid from other countries
Just like your family and friends, your country is there to support you in your goals. Check with your home country’s embassy or consulate in Canada to learn how they may be able to help you when you arrive.
Scholarships from international organizations
You have a world of options when it comes to applying for a scholarship! Around the globe, there are organizations dedicated to providing financial support for foreign students looking to study in Canada. Here are just a few:
- Global Affairs Canada
- The Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (in French only)
- The Canadian Bureau for International Education
- International Development Research Centre
- Fonds de recherche du Québec — Nature et Technologie
- Organization of American States (OAS)
- The United Nations (UN)
For more information on the different options available for financial assistance and student grants, contact your country’s Ministry of Education, the Canadian Embassy, the Québec Government Office or an international student office in Greater Montréal.
