Studying in Canada can be a life-changing dream for many international students. Montreal University Scholarships 2026 turn that dream into reality by offering generous financial aid (tuition waivers) to outstanding applicants. Under this program, Université de Montréal (UdeM) – one of Canada’s premier research universities – effectively exempts eligible foreign students from international tuition fees. In other words, top candidates can attend UdeM with much of their tuition covered. With over 600 programs across Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD levels, this scholarship is a unique opportunity to study in vibrant Montreal on substantial funding.
Montreal University Scholarships 2026 cover multiple intake sessions (Winter, Summer, Autumn 2026) and span all fields of study. Importantly, selection is merit-based: UdeM evaluates your grades and transcripts (your “academic excellence”) to determine the scholarship amount. There is no separate scholarship application – simply apply for admission to UdeM (any eligible program and term) and you will be automatically considered for the exemption scholarship. If granted, UdeM will email you the tuition exemption amount along with your admission offer. In short, qualified international students have a clear path to world-class education in Canada with significant tuition relief.
Overview of Montreal University Scholarships 2026
- University: Université de Montréal (UdeM), Montreal, Canada. (UdeM is Quebec’s #1, Canada’s #3 by research volume.)
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs. All fields/majors are open, with over 600 programs.
- Program Duration: Typical lengths are ~3–4 years (Bachelor), 1–2 years (Master’s), 4–6 years (PhD). Exact duration depends on your program.
- Eligibility: Open to international students (non-Canadian) admitted to a UdeM degree program. Students must hold valid Quebec and Canadian study permits and maintain full-time enrollment. French-speaking Belgian and French nationals are generally excluded.
- Funding Type: Partially or fully funded tuition exemption (grant). The scholarship reduces or waives the extra international fees, effectively giving a tuition waiver/financial aid. UdeM deducts the awarded amount from your tuition costs.
- Deadline: For Winter 2026 entry (Jan–Apr 2026), apply by Feb 1, 2026. (Summer 2026 applications close by Sept 1, 2025, and Fall 2026 by Feb 1, 2026, per official UdeM deadlines.) Always verify exact dates on the UdeM admissions site.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Montreal University (UdeM) Scholarship, candidates must meet UdeM’s requirements for the exemption program:
- International status: Hold neither Canadian citizenship nor permanent residency (typically your home country is outside Canada).
- Offer of Admission: You must have an official admission offer to a full-time UdeM degree program (Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD) for one of the eligible 2026 sessions. Short programs (e.g. certificate, minor) are excluded.
- Study Permits: Maintain a valid Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and Canadian study permit for all terms of your program.
- Continuous Enrollment: Be enrolled full-time in your program at UdeM (with any authorized breaks).
- No Other Waiver: You must not already receive another tuition waiver or exemption for the same period.
- Academic Merit: There is no fixed GPA cutoff, but the scholarship is awarded based on excellence of academic record. Applicants with outstanding grades/transcripts are most likely to receive the higher exemption levels.
Meeting these criteria does not require a separate scholarship application – just ensure you apply to UdeM and plan to enroll. UdeM will assess your credentials upon admission and notify you of any tuition exemption.
Coverage / Benefits
The Montreal University Scholarships 2026 provide significant tuition support. UdeM offers different exemption levels for each degree:
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) – Level A: Full tuition exemption (international fees reduced to domestic rate). This is roughly a $14,000 CAD savings per year (30 credits).
- Undergraduate – Level B: Partial tuition exemption (~$6,700 CAD per year).
- Master’s (Research programs): Partial exemption of additional fees – about $15,450 CAD per year (45 credits).
- Master’s (Course-based/non-research): Partial exemption (~$11,000 CAD per year).
- PhD: Complete waiver of the extra international tuition – PhD students pay the same fees as Québec residents (saving about $23,367 CAD per year).
In all cases, the awarded amount is deducted from tuition fees. In practice, PhD candidates often pay only domestic rates. This UdeM exemption scholarship effectively makes graduate study free of international surcharge. Note: Living expenses (room, board, travel) are not covered; this is strictly a tuition grant.
Host Country & University Info
- Country – Canada: Consistently ranked among the world’s top study destinations, Canada is known for its high-quality, affordable education and multicultural society. International students benefit from friendly immigration policies and work opportunities.
- City – Montreal: A vibrant, bilingual metropolis in Quebec, Montreal offers a rich cultural scene and student life. It is affordable by North American standards and regularly hosts students from around the globe.
- Université de Montréal (UdeM): Founded in 1878, UdeM is Québec’s largest university and the largest French-language university in the Americas. It has 13 faculties, 18 affiliated institutions, and about 69,000 students in total. It excels in research – ranked #1 in Québec and #3 in Canada for research volume – and offers over 600 study programs. UdeM is known for its diverse and international community (around 11,000 international students every year). These scholarships further enhance UdeM’s global reach by attracting top talent worldwide.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Choose Your Program & Term: Browse UdeM’s programs and decide on your degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) and intake (Winter, Summer, Autumn 2026). Confirm you meet any program-specific prerequisites (e.g. transcripts, language tests). Review official deadlines carefully.
- Prepare Documents: Gather required documents: national ID/passport, academic transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, and a strong statement of purpose or motivation letter. If applying to a French-language program, ensure you meet language requirements (e.g. via the UdeM French immersion program if needed).
- Apply to UdeM Online: Submit your admission application on the UdeM admissions portal. Pay any application fee and upload all supporting documents.
- Monitor Your Application: After submission, use the UdeM “Centre étudiant” account to track your application status. Ensure your contact information (email) is correct, as UdeM will use it to notify you.
- Automatic Scholarship Consideration: No separate scholarship form is needed. Once you receive an admission offer, UdeM will automatically evaluate your file for the exemption scholarship.
- Receive Admission & Award: If selected, you will get an admission letter and a scholarship award notice by email. This notice will specify the tuition exemption level. Keep this notice for future reference.
- Accept Offer & Plan Arrival: Confirm your acceptance of UdeM’s offer and pay any required deposit. Apply for your CAQ and Canadian study permit as soon as possible (processing can take 3–6 months). Prepare for relocation and orientation at UdeM.
Throughout, use official resources (UdeM’s admissions site, international office, and help centre) for guidance. Remember that meeting deadlines and providing a complete, accurate application are critical.
Important Deadlines
- Winter 2026 (Jan–Apr): Application period typically opens Aug 1, 2025 and closes Feb 1, 2026.
- Summer 2026 (Apr–June): Opens Feb 1, 2025, closes Sept 1, 2025.
- Fall 2026 (Aug–Dec): Opens Aug 1, 2025, closes Feb 1, 2026.
- Int’l Cut-offs: UdeM notes that final processing for internationals often ends earlier (e.g. applications are generally not accepted past Aug 2 for Winter entry). Always check your program’s page for exact deadlines.
Tip: Submit your application well before the deadline (e.g. by January for Winter term) to allow time for visa processing.
Tips for Applicants
- Start Early & Plan: Research your program, prepare documents, and begin the visa process as soon as you are accepted. A head start helps meet tight deadlines.
- Highlight Excellence: Emphasize your academic achievements. Since UdeM awards exemptions based on merit, a strong GPA and transcripts are crucial.
- Strong Motivation Letter: Write a concise, authentic statement of purpose that explains why you chose UdeM and how you will excel. Show passion for your field and any unique experiences or leadership roles.
- Quality References: Secure one or two solid letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can vouch for your abilities and potential.
- Language Preparation: If your program is in French, demonstrate your proficiency or willingness to learn. UdeM offers French support, but showing initiative helps.
- Follow Instructions: Double-check all instructions on the UdeM website. Missing documents or errors can delay your application.
Stay confident and positive – the program is competitive, but thousands of international students thrive at UdeM each year. Your journey starts with a strong application.
Conclusion
Montreal University Scholarships 2026 offer a rare opportunity for international students to study at a leading Canadian university with significant funding. By following the outlined steps, meeting the eligibility criteria, and preparing a standout application, you can greatly improve your chances. Don’t miss out – review the details, gather your materials, and apply before the deadline. Seize this chance to achieve your higher education dreams in Canada, and be sure to share this opportunity with fellow students!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Montreal University Scholarships 2026?
UdeM’s exemption scholarship program that waives international tuition fees for outstanding foreign students entering Winter/Summer/Autumn 2026 terms.
Q: Who is eligible for this scholarship?
International (non-Canadian) students admitted full-time to a UdeM Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD program. You must have a valid Quebec CAQ and study permit.
Q: Does it cover full funding?
It covers tuition only. PhD candidates get a full tuition waiver (paying domestic rate); Master’s/Undergrads get partial exemptions ranging up to ~$14,000 CAD/year. No living costs are covered.
Q: How do I apply for the scholarship?
Simply apply for admission to UdeM online by the relevant deadline. There is no separate scholarship application UdeM automatically evaluates admitted international students for the exemption scholarship.
Q: What is the deadline to apply?
Winter 2026 admissions close Feb 1, 2026. (Summer 2026 closes ~Sept 1, 2025; Fall 2026 by Feb 1, 2026.) Always verify with the official UdeM deadlines.
Q: Is knowledge of French required?
UdeM is primarily French-speaking. Some programs require French proficiency. Check program language requirements and consider UdeM’s French immersion course if needed. Language support is available.
Embark on your academic journey in Canada with confidence. Best of luck – you’re on your way to becoming part of the UdeM community!
