Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) Level: Master’s (research-based/thesis) and Doctoral (PhD) programs
Field of Study: Engineering, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and health sciences (all research-oriented disciplines)
Eligible Applicants: Primarily Quebec-domiciled students (domestic priority); international students may be considered via related excellence programs or faculty nominations (no citizenship restriction for some streams, but domicile often required)
Location: Sherbrooke (and Longueuil campuses), Quebec, Canada
Application Deadlines:
- Winter competition: February 1 to March 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m. Quebec time)
- Fall competition: August 1 to September 1, 2026 (11:59 p.m. Quebec time) Application Process: Submit via the university’s online portal (detailed procedure on the Research Excellence Scholarships page); requires CV, transcripts, research project description, letters of recommendation, and supervisor endorsement.
Scholarship Value (annual amounts in CAD; paid over the specified maximum duration for full-time research enrollment)
Université de Sherbrooke Excellence in Research Scholarships (institutional awards for outstanding research potential):
- Master’s: $17,000 per year for up to 2 years
- Doctoral: $20,000 per year for up to 3 years
Laurent and Claire B. Beaudoin Excellence Scholarships (prestigious donor-funded awards; among the most generous at UdeS):
- Master’s: $25,000 per year for up to 2 years (total up to $50,000)
- Doctoral: $35,000 per year for up to 3 years (total up to $105,000)
Description The Université de Sherbrooke Excellence Scholarship Program for Graduate Research Studies offers substantial financial support to attract and retain top-tier students in research-based master’s and doctoral programs. It recognizes exceptional academic performance, research excellence, and potential contributions to advancing knowledge. The program includes two key streams: the general Université de Sherbrooke Excellence in Research Scholarships and the high-value Laurent and Claire B. Beaudoin Excellence Scholarships (endowed for outstanding candidates). These awards help alleviate financial pressures, allowing recipients to dedicate themselves fully to innovative research in a supportive, research-intensive environment at UdeS—a leading Quebec university known for its strong industry partnerships and interdisciplinary focus.
Eligibility To qualify, applicants must:
- Be officially registered (or admitted and planning to register) in an eligible full-time, research-based master’s (with thesis/mémoire) or doctoral program at Université de Sherbrooke.
- Be within the early stages of the program: Maximum of three semesters completed (S1, S2, or S3) at the time of application (i.e., early in the program).
- Hold a first-cycle university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) used for admission.
- Be domiciled in Quebec (primary requirement for most awards; international students should explore faculty-specific or international excellence funding options).
- Not hold (or have accepted) an external scholarship from major agencies (e.g., NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, FRQNT/FRQSC/FRQS) of equal or greater value/duration than the institutional award.
- Be enrolled full-time and dedicate the majority of time to research or research-training activities (under supervisor guidance).
- Have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.3 (B equivalent) or higher in the program used for admission.
- Exceptional candidates with outstanding achievements may be considered even if slightly below this threshold (case-by-case).
Important Notes
- Selection Criteria: Based on academic excellence (GPA/transcripts), research quality/potential (project description, publications, etc.), supervisor support, and overall file strength. Highly competitive—strong research proposal and references are essential.
- Application: Submit during the winter (Feb–Mar) or fall (Aug–Sep) windows via the dedicated portal. Current students and new admits apply similarly. No separate fee.
- International Students: While domicile in Quebec is often required for these specific streams, UdeS offers related support for internationals (e.g., admission scholarships, faculty-funded packages, or external provincial awards). Check the international admissions section for complementary opportunities.
- Amounts are confirmed for recent cycles and expected to hold for 2026 (subject to minor adjustments); paid directly to recipients.
- For the latest guidelines, application forms, exact eligibility (especially for non-Quebec residents), program-specific requirements, or to confirm 2026 deadlines/details, visit the official sources:
- English: https://www.usherbrooke.ca/recherche/en/studying/why/scholarships-programs/udes-scholarships
- French (detailed regulations): https://www.usherbrooke.ca/recherche/fr/etudier/pourquoi-choisir-udes/programmes-bourses/excellence
- Beaudoin stream: https://www.usherbrooke.ca/recherche/fr/etudier/pourquoi-choisir-udes/programmes-bourses/excellence/laurent-claire-beaudoin
- Admission & funding: https://www.usherbrooke.ca/admission/couts-et-aide-financiere/bourses-et-aide-financiere
This program stands out for its generous support (especially the Beaudoin awards, among the highest in Quebec) and focus on early-career research excellence.