University of montreal international scholarships

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The University of Montreal (Université de Montréal / UdeM) is one of Canada’s leading French-language universities and ranks among the top research institutions globally. Located in Montreal, Quebec, it attracts thousands of international students due to its academic excellence, affordable tuition compared to other Canadian universities, and strong research output.

To support international students, the university offers a variety of scholarships, tuition fee exemptions, and research funding programs. Unlike many universities that rely mainly on merit-based scholarships, UdeM’s funding system is unique because it focuses heavily on tuition fee exemption scholarships, which significantly reduce international tuition costs.

This comprehensive guide explains the latest University of Montreal international scholarships for 2026, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral funding options.

Overview of International Scholarships

International students at the University of Montreal can access:

  • Tuition fee exemption scholarships
  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Graduate funding (Master’s & PhD)
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Research grants and fellowships

The most important program is the UdeM Exemption Scholarship, which reduces tuition fees to levels closer to domestic (Quebec) students.

1. UdeM Exemption Scholarship (Main Scholarship)

The UdeM Exemption Scholarship is the flagship funding program for international students.

Key Features:

  • Reduces international tuition fees
  • Automatically awarded upon admission
  • Available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students

Purpose:

The scholarship aims to:

  • Attract top international talent
  • Promote cultural diversity
  • Reduce financial barriers for students worldwide

Undergraduate Scholarship Value

The amount depends on academic performance:

Level A (Top students):

  • Around CAD $14,000 per year

Level B:

  • Around CAD $6,700 per year

Key Point:

  • Scholarship is deducted directly from tuition fees
  • No separate application required

Master’s Scholarship Value

Two categories exist:

Research-based Master’s:

  • Around CAD $15,452 per year

Non-research Master’s:

  • Around CAD $11,000 per year

PhD Scholarship Value (Best Benefit)

  • Full exemption from additional international tuition fees
  • Pay same fees as Quebec students
  • Approximate value: CAD $23,000+ per year

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify:

  • Must be an international student
  • Must receive an admission offer
  • Must enroll full-time
  • Must not already receive another tuition exemption

2. Graduate Scholarships and Research Funding

Graduate students have access to extensive funding opportunities.

Key Sources:

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government funding
  • Private foundations
  • Research assistantships

The university distributes millions of dollars annually in graduate funding through its Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies office.

Types of Graduate Funding:

1. Merit Scholarships

  • Based on academic excellence
  • Available for Master’s and PhD

2. Research Assistantships

  • Paid research work with professors

3. Teaching Assistantships

  • Paid teaching support roles

4. Fellowships

  • Additional funding for research students

Benefits:

  • Tuition reduction
  • Monthly stipend
  • Research funding

Graduate students often combine multiple funding sources.

3. Quebec Government Merit Scholarships (PBEEE)

The Quebec government offers Merit Scholarship Programs for Foreign Students (PBEEE).

Key Features:

  • Highly competitive
  • For Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral students

Benefits:

  • Tuition coverage
  • Living stipend
  • Research funding

These scholarships are managed by Quebec research agencies.

4. Canadian Government Scholarships

International students at UdeM can apply for Canadian government programs.

Examples:

1. Study in Canada Scholarships

  • Short-term study or research funding

2. SEED Program

  • For students from ASEAN, Pacific countries, and Mongolia
  • Supports exchange programs and research stays

Benefits:

  • Tuition coverage
  • Travel funding
  • Living allowance

These are fully funded or highly funded opportunities.

5. Mitacs Globalink Research Award

This program supports short-term research.

Key Features:

  • Duration: 12–24 weeks
  • For international research students

Benefits:

  • Research funding
  • Internship experience
  • Academic networking

6. Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships

These scholarships support international research collaborations.

Key Features:

  • Focus on global development
  • For doctoral and postdoctoral students

Benefits:

  • Research funding
  • Travel support
  • International collaboration

7. Faculty and Departmental Scholarships

Each faculty at UdeM offers additional funding.

Examples:

  • Engineering scholarships
  • Health sciences funding
  • Business school awards

These scholarships may include:

  • Merit awards
  • Research grants
  • Program-specific funding

Scholarship Benefits Summary

University of Montreal scholarships provide:

  • Tuition fee reductions (CAD $6,000–$23,000+)
  • Fully funded PhD tuition (via exemption)
  • Graduate stipends and research funding
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Access to research and teaching jobs

These benefits make UdeM one of the most affordable top universities in Canada for international students.

Important Reality: Fully Funded Options

Unlike some universities:

  • Undergraduate scholarships are partial (not fully funded)
  • PhD programs can be effectively fully funded through:
    • Tuition exemptions
    • Stipends
    • Research funding

General Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements:

  • Strong GPA
  • Competitive academic record

Admission Requirements:

  • Offer of admission
  • Full-time enrollment

Language Requirements:

  • French proficiency (for most programs)
  • Some English programs available

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Choose a Program

Select a degree program at UdeM.

Step 2: Apply for Admission

Submit your application online.

Step 3: Automatic Scholarship Assessment

  • Exemption scholarship is awarded automatically

Step 4: Apply for Additional Funding

  • Government scholarships
  • Graduate funding

Step 5: Accept Offer

Confirm admission and funding package

Required Documents

Applicants typically need:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Passport copy
  • Language test scores (French/English)
  • CV (for postgraduate)
  • Research proposal (for PhD)

Important Dates (2026 Intake)

  • Admission deadlines: Vary by program
  • SEED scholarship deadline: March 10, 2026
  • Graduate scholarship cycles: Typically early-year competitions

Cost of Studying at University of Montreal

Tuition Fees:

  • Undergraduate: CAD $25,000–$40,000/year
  • Postgraduate: CAD $20,000–$35,000/year

Living Costs:

  • CAD $15,000–$20,000/year

Scholarships significantly reduce tuition costs.

Tips to Win University of Montreal Scholarships

1. Maintain High Academic Scores

Top grades increase scholarship value.

2. Choose Research Programs

Research degrees offer better funding.

3. Apply Early

Improves admission and scholarship chances.

4. Learn Basic French

Improves eligibility and integration.

5. Apply for Multiple Scholarships

Combine:

  • UdeM exemption
  • Government funding
  • Research assistantships

Why Study at the University of Montreal?

1. Affordable Tuition

Lower costs than many Canadian universities.

2. Strong Research Output

Leader in AI, health sciences, and engineering.

3. Global Reputation

Top-ranked university worldwide.

4. Multicultural Environment

Students from 150+ countries.

5. Montreal Lifestyle

Affordable, safe, and student-friendly city.

Challenges and Competition

  • Competitive graduate funding
  • Limited fully funded undergraduate options
  • French language requirement for many programs

Students must prepare strong applications to succeed.

Conclusion

The University of Montreal international scholarships (2026) offer a unique funding system centered around tuition fee exemptions and research funding. While undergraduate funding is mostly partial, graduate students—especially PhD candidates—can access near fully funded opportunities.

Key highlights include:

  • UdeM Exemption Scholarship (main funding source)
  • Quebec government merit scholarships
  • Canadian government programs
  • Graduate research funding

To maximize your chances:

  • Maintain excellent academic performance
  • Apply early
  • Combine multiple funding sources

With the right strategy, studying at the University of Montreal can be both affordable and academically rewarding, opening doors to global career opportunities.