Québec Merit Scholarship for Vocational Training in Canada

The 2026-2027 excellence scholarship competition for vocational training in Quebec is open. This is not a university or college program. It targets international students who want to take a short training program leading to a DEP, a double DEP, or a DEP followed by an ASP in a vocational training centre (CFP) in Quebec. Two distinct forms of assistance exist throught the Quebec merit scholarship for vocational training: the excellence scholarship and the exemption from additional tuition fees. They are funded by the Quebec Ministry of Education and managed by Éducation internationale through Québec métiers d’avenir.

Only one application per person is accepted. Any application submitted for more than one institution will be rejected. Submission is free. The applicant must be the author of their application, even if a relative helps. No document sent by email is accepted. Documents must be in French or English. If you have documents in another language, you must have them translated by a certified translator.

The competition targets vocational training, not college or university programs. Those selected are supported in their immigration procedures by Québec métiers d’avenir and by the vocational training centre. Monitoring is carried out during the training to verify the use of the assistance and the success of the program. These are two programs (Excellence Scholarships and Exemption from Tuition Fees) funded by the MEQ and managed by Éducation internationale and its Québec métiers d’avenir service. A single application process is used for both programs.

Program Details

• Host institution: Vocational training centres (CFP) participating in Quebec, Canada.
• Fields of study: Vocational training programs leading to a DEP, a double DEP, or a DEP followed by an ASP. The list of prioritized programs is provided below.
• Number of scholarships: Not specified. Funding is not guaranteed for all applications. A maximum number of applications per school organization may be established.
• Duration: Varies depending on the chosen program.
• Target group: International students aged at least 18. No upper age limit.

Benefits of the Quebec Merit Scholarship for Vocational Training

The competition offers two types of assistance. Here is the difference.

Excellence Scholarship

• Exemption from tuition fees applicable to international students;
• Medical coverage provided by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ);
• Monetary scholarship ranging from CAD 14,000 to CAD 26,600, depending on the duration of the chosen program, to cover living expenses during the training.

Exemption from Tuition Fees Only

• Exemption from tuition fees applicable to international students;
• No monetary scholarship;
• No RAMQ coverage.

Common Exclusions

• Cost of immigration procedures;
• Round-trip transportation to Canada;
• Private medical insurance to be taken out before RAMQ coverage takes effect;
• Program-related costs (teaching materials, uniform, etc.);
• Other costs related to a stay in Quebec.

Eligibility for the Quebec Merit Scholarship for Vocational Training

To be eligible for the excellence scholarship and/or the exemption from tuition fees, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of submitting the application. There is no upper age limit.
• Be of a nationality other than Canadian or French. Applications from member countries of the Francophonie (other than France, including overseas), from Asian emerging markets (China, Korea, India, and Japan), and from the Americas (Brazil, Colombia, the United States, and Mexico) will be prioritized.
• Not have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status in Canada, nor be in the process of obtaining permanent residence under Canadian immigration laws.
• Be outside Canada at the time of submitting the application and until the selected applications are announced.
• Meet the admission requirements of the desired study program.
• Demonstrate a level of French and/or English that allows successful completion of a vocational training program.
• Not have previously received a scholarship to undertake studies at a level equal to or higher than the one in Quebec. In addition, combining scholarships during the same school year is not permitted.
• Not have been found guilty of submitting an application containing fraudulent documents in a previous application to this competition or to any other program of the Ministry of Education.
• Be able to meet the minimum financial capacity requirements, depending on the program concerned:
  • You must demonstrate that you have a minimum of CAD 10,617 to apply for the Excellence Scholarship.
  • You must demonstrate that you have a minimum of CAD 24,617 to apply for the exemption from tuition fees.

How to Apply for the Quebec Merit Scholarship for Vocational Training

To apply for this study scholarship program in North America, please follow the steps below:

1. Eligibility: Determine whether you are eligible for the competition.
2. Application submission: Go to the scholarship competition platform: Click here to access the platform.
3. Profile: Fill in the requested information and read the privacy policy.
4. File: During the opening period, click on the “Excellence Scholarship Competition” section.
5. Choice of program and centre: Choose a program and a centre from the proposed list. No change of program or centre will be permitted if you are selected.
6. Complete the application: fill in all mandatory sections and upload the required documents.

Information and Documents to Submit

1. Identity documents: a copy of the identification page of your passport or national identity card; a copy of your original birth certificate or act. If the passport is expired or being processed, a national identity card may be accepted. A passport valid at least until the training is required if you become a recipient.
2. Application form: eligibility declarations, commitments related to the process, motivations and interests for the study project, detailed professional background (optional). This section is entirely online. No other format is accepted.
3. School documents: copy of all diplomas or certificates of success obtained for secondary, vocational/technical, and/or higher levels, accompanied by transcripts. An optional comment may be added if the school background is notable. It is not mandatory to fill in all three categories. Include only completed levels. If you no longer have a diploma or transcript, request them from the institutions attended. Otherwise, your application may be refused.
4. French language level: proof is mandatory. For training in French:
   • result of a recognized test (TFL, TEF, TEFAQ, Bright Language FIVE STARS, TCF-France, TCF-Canada, or TCF-Québec) dated less than 2 years ago, with all 4 skills assessed and a B2 or higher score for each;
   • or diploma and transcript of higher education issued by the country’s ministry of higher education and/or a university, for a program of at least 3 years done entirely in French;
   • or diploma issued by the Ministry of Education of France or French-speaking Belgium;
   • or declaration of having taken a recognized test, the result of which may be provided no later than November 20, 2026.
5. English language level: For training in English:
   • TOEFL iBT or IELTS, same rules for duration, skills, and B2 level;
   • or diploma and transcript of higher education of at least 3 years entirely in English;
   • or declaration of having taken the test with result no later than November 20, 2026.
   • For the English-language Health, Assistance, and Nursing program, two proofs are required: one in French and one in English.
6. References: two reference forms, each completed by a different person. The persons must know you in your school or professional environment. They cannot be family members or close friends. If a family member or friend is also your employer, find another person.
7. Prizes and distinctions: details of prizes or distinctions received (maximum 2), if applicable, and proof (maximum 2). This section is optional. You must answer it even if you have no prizes.

Evaluation of Applications

At the preselection stage by vocational training centres and the final selection stage by Québec métiers d’avenir, scores are awarded according to the same criteria:

• Motivations and interests: 30%
• Academic background: 30%
• Prizes and distinctions: 5%
• References: 15%
• Overall quality of the application: 20%

Preselection belongs entirely to the vocational training centres. No intervention by the MEQ or Québec métiers d’avenir is made at this stage. The results of preselection and final selection are final. No decision relating to these stages may be contested.

During final selection, artificial intelligence may be used to allow a qualitative evaluation of applications. Québec métiers d’avenir may also form an evaluation committee. Recipients are determined according to the excellence scholarship budget granted. Once the budget is allocated, a certain number of exemptions from tuition fees alone may be granted to deserving persons who have declared a financial capacity of CAD 24,617 or more.

Announcement of Recipients

The announcement is made in two rounds. Those selected are notified by email on Monday, January 25, 2027 for the first round and Monday, March 1, 2027 for the second round. From the announcement date, they have 30 days to confirm their acceptance by email, sign the required commitments, and finalize their file with Québec métiers d’avenir.

The maximum dates to respond are Wednesday, February 24, 2027 for the first round and Wednesday, March 31, 2027 for the second round. Those not selected will be notified on Monday, March 1, 2027 by email. Any selected person who does not respond within the prescribed deadlines will have their assistance cancelled. Recipients may also withdraw from the process at the final selection stage.

Once the announcement is answered, recipients are supported by Éducation internationale, through Québec métiers d’avenir, and by the vocational training centre. Immigration procedures begin in March 2027. Arrival in Quebec and the start of classes take place between January 2028 and December 2028.

The application submission deadline is October 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., Quebec time. To learn more about the Quebec merit scholarship for vocational training in Canada, consult the official Québec métiers d’avenir page.