Quebec is one of Canada’s most attractive destinations for graduate study, especially for students seeking fully funded master’s and PhD programs. The province is home to globally ranked universities, strong research cultures, and multiple funding pathways that allow students to study with little or no out-of-pocket cost.
While universities themselves do not always label programs as “fully funded,” many graduate students in Quebec receive complete funding packages through a combination of scholarships, fellowships, tuition waivers, and research assistantships. Importantly, several of these opportunities are currently open or operate on rolling admissions, making now a strategic time to apply.
Below are the top Quebec institutions and funding routes you should consider.
McGill University (Montreal)
McGill University is one of Canada’s most prestigious universities and a major hub for funded graduate education.
Funding opportunities
Graduate students at McGill can access:
• Fully funded master’s and professional degrees through the McCall MacBain Scholarship
• Competitive internal fellowships for research-based master’s and PhD programs
• Research assistantships and supervisor-funded PhD packages
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is particularly notable because it covers:
• Full tuition
• Living stipend
• Relocation and enrichment support
Applications for this scholarship and many McGill graduate programs are currently open or opening soon, depending on intake and faculty.
Université de Montréal
Université de Montréal is a leading French-language research institution with a strong commitment to funding graduate students.
Funding opportunities
Graduate students may receive:
• Full tuition waivers for international students
• Merit-based entrance scholarships
• Research funding for thesis-based programs
Many departments automatically consider admitted students for funding, meaning no separate scholarship application is required in some cases. Several graduate programs are still accepting applications for upcoming intakes.
Concordia University
Concordia University is widely known for its fully funded PhD opportunities, particularly in research-intensive fields.
Funding opportunities
• Fully funded PhD positions tied to specific research projects
• Funding packages that include tuition coverage and annual stipends
• Supervisor-led funding with additional research assistantship support
Many of Concordia’s funded PhD positions operate on a rolling basis, remaining open until filled. This makes Concordia especially attractive for applicants who are applying outside rigid scholarship timelines.
Université Laval (Quebec City)
Université Laval offers one of the most generous funding environments in the province.
Funding opportunities
Graduate students may receive:
• Major entrance scholarships
• Tuition exemptions for international students
• Fully funded research-based master’s and PhD packages
Several graduate programs at Université Laval continue to accept applications for upcoming semesters, particularly for research degrees.
Université du Québec System
Université du Québec is a network of universities across the province, including campuses in Montreal, Trois-Rivières, Rimouski, and beyond.
Funding opportunities
• Automatic consideration for financial support upon admission
• Tuition waivers and internal scholarships for international graduate students
• Research funding tied to thesis-based programs
Because funding structures vary by campus and discipline, applicants are encouraged to apply early and review program-specific funding options. Several Université du Québec campuses are actively accepting graduate applications.
Quebec Government and Provincial Research Funding
In addition to university-based funding, Quebec offers provincial research scholarships through agencies such as the Fonds de recherche du Québec. These awards support:
• Thesis-based master’s programs
• Doctoral research across sciences, social sciences, humanities, and health
These scholarships often provide full or near-full funding and can be combined with university support.
Important Notes for Applicants
- “Fully funded” in Quebec often means tuition + stipend, not just free tuition.
- Research-based programs (thesis or dissertation) are more likely to offer full funding than course-only programs.
- Contacting a potential supervisor significantly improves funding chances, especially for PhD applicants.
- Many programs accept applications on a rolling basis, even when scholarship deadlines are fixed.
Final Thoughts
Quebec offers some of the best fully funded graduate opportunities in Canada, particularly for students interested in research, innovation, and global academic mobility. From Montreal’s world-class universities to province-wide scholarship schemes, the funding landscape is robust and accessible for well-prepared applicants.
If you are planning to pursue a fully funded master’s or PhD in Canada, Quebec should be high on your list — and now is an excellent time to apply.
