Excellence Postdoctoral Fellowship at Université Laval, Canada 2027

Are you a postdoctoral researcher looking for a fully funded opportunity to advance your academic career in one of Canada’s most prestigious universities? The Excellence Scholarship Program for International Students (PBEEE) — Component 2: Postdoctoral Fellowship at Université Laval in Quebec, Canada, could be your gateway to world-class research and an internationally recognized academic experience.

Funded by the Ministry of Higher Education of Quebec (MES) and administered in partnership with the Quebec Research Fund – Nature and Technologies (FRQNT), this fellowship is specifically designed to attract exceptional international talent to Quebec’s higher education ecosystem. Whether you are a newly minted doctoral graduate or about to complete your dissertation, this fellowship offers not just financial support but also a rare chance to immerse yourself in a dynamic, globally connected research environment. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this incredible opportunity.

Quick Overview:

Before diving into the details, here is a snapshot of what this fellowship offers:

About the Fellowship:

The Excellence Scholarship Program for International Students (PBEEE) is a prestigious initiative launched by the Ministry of Higher Education of Quebec (MES), in collaboration with the Quebec Research Fund – Nature and Technologies (FRQNT). The program was established with a clear and inspiring mission: to strengthen the internationalization of research activities in Quebec’s higher education institutions, to attract the most talented international scholars, and to elevate the global influence and reputation of Quebec universities.

This particular component — Component 2 — is dedicated exclusively to postdoctoral researchers, recognizing the vital role that early-career scholars play in advancing scientific discovery and innovation. By targeting researchers in the crucial stage between their doctoral training and their independent academic careers, the program ensures that Quebec benefits from fresh, diverse, and cutting-edge intellectual contributions from around the world.

Université Laval, located in Quebec City, is one of Canada’s oldest and most distinguished universities. With a strong tradition of research excellence, a vibrant international community, and state-of-the-art facilities, it provides an exceptional environment for postdoctoral scholars to flourish.

Scholarship Value and Benefits:

This fellowship is one of the most comprehensive postdoctoral funding opportunities available to international scholars in Canada. Here is a full breakdown of what recipients can expect:

Financial Award:
Each scholarship is valued at $35,000 CAD and is awarded for a period of one year. It is important to note that this award is non-renewable, meaning applicants should plan their research timeline accordingly.

Additional Benefits
Beyond the monetary award, the MES provides scholarship recipients with two highly significant supplementary benefits:

Tuition Fee Exemption
International students in Quebec are typically subject to significantly higher tuition fees than domestic students. All PBEEE scholarship recipients are granted a full exemption from these increased international tuition fees, which represents a substantial additional saving that can easily amount to thousands of dollars per year.

Health Insurance Coverage
Recipients also benefit from health insurance coverage provided by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), Quebec’s public health insurance authority. This is an extraordinarily valuable benefit for international researchers, removing the financial burden and uncertainty that comes with sourcing and paying for private health coverage in a new country.

Together, these benefits make the PBEEE postdoctoral fellowship one of the most attractive and well-rounded international scholarships available in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria:

Meeting the eligibility requirements is the first and most critical step toward a successful application. The program has specific conditions that all applicants must satisfy.

1. Find a Supervisor at Université Laval

Before you can apply, you must have identified and secured a faculty supervisor at Université Laval who has agreed to oversee your postdoctoral research. This is a non-negotiable prerequisite for the program. Finding the right supervisor is not merely an administrative step — it is the foundation of your entire postdoctoral project. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult the Université Laval website to browse faculty profiles and identify potential supervisors whose research aligns with their own interests and expertise.

2. Recent Doctoral Graduate or Imminent Graduate

Postdoctoral research fellowships under this program are intended for researchers who meet one of the following academic status conditions:

• You have obtained your doctorate no more than two years before the competition closing date, OR
• You will have submitted your doctoral thesis no later than January 15, 2028

This criterion ensures the fellowship is directed toward researchers in the earliest and most formative stage of their postdoctoral careers.

3. No Permanent Residence Application

Applicants must not have submitted an application for permanent residence under Canadian immigration laws by the closing date of the FRQNT final selection. This requirement is in place to ensure the fellowship supports genuinely international scholars who are coming to Quebec in an academic capacity.

4. International Student Status

The fellowship is exclusively reserved for international students. Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada are not eligible for this particular program.

Targeted Study Programs:

This fellowship is open to applicants pursuing postdoctoral studies at Université Laval. All postdoctoral positions across every research domain and faculty are considered eligible under this program, making it a broadly accessible opportunity for international researchers from any academic discipline.

Application Timeline and Funding Start Date:

Understanding the timeline is essential for planning your application strategically.

• Application Deadline: June 17, 2026
• Funding Start Window: No earlier than May 2027 and no later than January 2028

This means successful applicants will begin their fellowship sometime within this eight-month window, giving both the institution and the scholar flexibility to plan the research start date appropriately.

Important Notice: Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application. All support requests can take several days to process. If you contact the Scholarships and Financial Aid Office just before the deadline, they cannot guarantee that you will receive the necessary assistance in time. Plan ahead and reach out early.

How to Apply:

The application process at Université Laval involves a two-stage process: an internal pre-selection stage managed by the university, followed by a final selection stage conducted by the FRQNT. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what the process involves:

Step 1: Prepare Your Application Package

Your complete application must be compiled as a single PDF document. The package should include all required materials as specified by the program guidelines.

Step 2: Secure Your Letters of Recommendation

For the Université Laval pre-selection process, you are required to submit formal letters of recommendation written on official letterhead and signed by your referee.

A few important points to note regarding letters of recommendation:

• Letters can be included directly within your application PDF package.
• If your referee prefers to keep their letter confidential, they may send it directly by email to: pbeee@bbaf.ulaval.ca
• The FRQNT form for letters of recommendation will only be required if your application is shortlisted by Université Laval for the final selection stage.

Step 3: Prepare Your Transcripts

• For the pre-selection stage, Université Laval accepts Capsule copies of Laval University transcripts.
• For the final selection stage, only official transcripts are accepted by the FRQNT.

Make sure you request official transcripts well in advance, as these can take time to process and deliver.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Submit your complete application package electronically to the following address:

📧 pbeee@bbaf.ulaval.ca

Contact Information

For questions, guidance, or submission support, contact the Scholarships and Financial Aid Office (BBAF) at Université Laval:

Scholarships and Financial Aid Office (BBAF)
Alphonse-Desjardins Building
2325 University Street, Room 2546
Quebec City, Quebec, G1V 0A6
Canada

📧 pbeee@bbaf.ulaval.ca

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