The Complete Guide to Student Funding in Quebec (2026)

Quebec's post-secondary education system is unlike anything else in Canada. Tuition is the lowest in the country for Quebec residents. The CEGEP system provides two to three years of pre-university or technical education at minimal cost. The provincial government funds a comprehensive loans and bursaries program through Aide financiere aux etudes (AFE). And Quebec's world-class universities -- McGill, Universite de Montreal, Universite Laval, Concordia -- offer scholarship programs that rival any in the country.

But Quebec's system is also the most complex. The CEGEP-to-university pathway, the distinction between Quebec residents and out-of-province students, the French-language requirements for certain programs, and the layered interaction between provincial and federal funding all create a system that rewards the students who understand it and penalizes those who do not.

This guide covers every major student funding source in Quebec for 2026. Government aid, institutional scholarships, CEGEP-specific funding, research awards, and tax benefits. Whether you are a Quebec resident entering CEGEP, a university student in Montreal or Quebec City, or an out-of-province student considering a Quebec institution, this guide has you covered.

AFE: Aide Financiere aux Etudes (Quebec Student Financial Assistance)

AFE is Quebec's provincial student financial assistance program. It is the Quebec equivalent of OSAP in Ontario or StudentAidBC in British Columbia. AFE combines provincial loans and bursaries with federal Canada Student Loans and Grants into a single integrated application.

How AFE Works

When you submit an AFE application, the system evaluates your financial situation to determine how much assistance you need. The assessment considers your educational costs (tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation), your living costs, your income and assets, your parents' income (for dependent students), your spouse's income (if applicable), and whether you are studying full-time or part-time.

Based on that assessment, AFE calculates a total funding package that may include:

• Quebec provincial loans (repayable)
• Quebec provincial bursaries (non-repayable)
• Canada Student Loans (federal, repayable)
• Canada Student Grants (federal, non-repayable)

A critical feature of the Quebec system: bursaries are calculated after loans. The system first determines your total financial need, then allocates the loan portion. Only if your need exceeds the maximum loan amount do you receive bursaries. This means bursaries go to the students with the highest financial need.

AFE Loan Amounts

For full-time students in vocational, college, or university programs, the maximum loan amount is determined annually by the Quebec government. Loans through AFE are interest-free while you are studying full-time. You begin repayment six months after you cease full-time studies.

AFE Bursaries

Quebec bursaries through AFE are non-repayable. They are awarded automatically based on your assessed financial need -- you do not apply for them separately. If your financial need exceeds the maximum loan amount, the difference is provided as a bursary.

This structure means that the students who come from the lowest-income backgrounds and face the highest costs receive the most grant-based (non-repayable) support.

Federal Grants Through AFE

Through your AFE application, you are also assessed for federal Canada Student Grants:

• Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students: Up to $4,200 per year (approximately $525 per month of study). This reflects a temporary 40% increase over the pre-pandemic level of $3,000, extended through the 2026-2027 academic year
• Canada Student Grant for Students with Dependants: An additional $280 per month per dependant
• Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities: Up to $4,200 per year
• Canada Student Grant for Part-Time Students: Up to $1,800 per year

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for AFE loans and bursaries, you must:

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or protected person
• Be deemed a Quebec resident for student aid purposes at the time of application
• Be enrolled in a recognized full-time or part-time program at a designated educational institution (CEGEP, university, or vocational training centre)
• Meet the financial need criteria based on the AFE assessment

Quebec residency for student aid purposes is determined by your domicile -- generally, where you have lived for the past 12 months. Out-of-province students attending Quebec institutions may not qualify for AFE and should apply through their home province's student aid program.

How to Apply

The AFE online application for the 2025-2026 academic year is available through the Quebec government website. Applications typically open in mid-May each year. You can apply from mid-May until August 31 of the following year, but applying early ensures your funding is ready when classes begin.

Use the FundMyCourse Funding Calculator to estimate your total Quebec student financial assistance before you apply.

CEGEP Funding: The Quebec Advantage

Quebec's CEGEP (College d'enseignement general et professionnel) system is one of the greatest financial advantages available to Quebec students. CEGEPs provide either a two-year pre-university program (leading to university entry) or a three-year technical program (leading directly to the workforce or further study).

Why CEGEP Matters Financially

For Quebec residents, CEGEP tuition is essentially free. Students pay minimal institutional fees (a few hundred dollars per semester) but no tuition in the traditional sense. This means that Quebec students complete the equivalent of their first one to two years of university-level education at almost no tuition cost, before entering a three-year bachelor's degree program at a Quebec university.

The result: a Quebec student can complete a bachelor's degree equivalent in five years (two years of CEGEP plus three years of university) while paying university tuition for only three years. Compare this to the four years of full university tuition in Ontario or British Columbia.

AFE for CEGEP Students

CEGEP students are eligible for AFE loans and bursaries on the same basis as university students. Even though tuition is minimal, living costs, transportation, and other expenses may create financial need that AFE will address.

Regional CEGEP Scholarships

The Quebec government offers scholarships to encourage students to study at CEGEPs located far from their home community. If you choose to study at a CEGEP that is 60 km or more from your home, you may be eligible for up to $7,500 per year for the normal duration of your program.

This regional incentive is designed to support CEGEPs in smaller communities across Quebec and to help students who must relocate for their studies. Contact the financial aid office at your target CEGEP for application details.

Quebec Perspective Scholarship Program (PBPQ)

The Quebec Perspective Scholarship Program was designed to attract and retain students in targeted fields. At the college level, students received $1,500 per successful full-time term, up to a total of $9,000 for a three-year program.

Important note for 2026: The PBPQ program is winding down as of the Winter 2025 semester for new applicants. However, students who were already enrolled in eligible programs as of Winter 2025 may continue to receive the bursary until they complete their program, under certain conditions. If you are a current recipient, check with your institution's financial aid office for your continued eligibility.

University Scholarships in Quebec

Quebec's universities offer some of the most generous scholarship programs in Canada. Here is what the major institutions offer.

McGill University Scholarships

McGill is one of Canada's most internationally recognized universities and offers a robust entrance scholarship program.

One-Year Entrance Scholarships:

All first-time university students entering a full-time undergraduate degree program at McGill are automatically considered for a one-year entrance scholarship. No separate application is required. These awards are based solely on academic achievement.

Major Entrance Scholarships:

For the most exceptional applicants, McGill offers major entrance scholarships ranging from $12,000 to $48,000, renewable for up to four years. These require a separate application, submitted shortly after your admission application through the Undergraduate Admissions Applicant Portal.

In the most recent admission cycle, the McGill Scholarships Office offered over $6.2 million in one-year and renewable entrance scholarships to over 2,000 students, including US and international students.

Note for 2026: Beginning Fall 2026, CEGEP students admitted to the BCL/JD (Law), Dent-P (Dentistry), or Med-P (Medicine) programs will no longer be eligible for centralized McGill entrance scholarships. Students in these programs should explore faculty-specific awards.

McCall MacBain Scholars Program:

The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill are among the most prestigious graduate awards in Canada. The program provides full funding for graduate studies at McGill, covering tuition, fees, and a living stipend. Applications open annually for students entering eligible master's or professional degree programs.

Universite de Montreal Scholarships

Universite de Montreal (UdeM) is the largest French-language university in North America and offers significant scholarship support.

UdeM Exemption Scholarship:

The UdeM Exemption Scholarship is designed for international students and provides an exemption from the supplementary tuition fees normally charged to international students. The scholarship can provide up to $27,300 per year. You do not need to apply separately -- candidates are evaluated automatically based on the excellence of their academic record.

Institutional Bursaries and Awards:

UdeM offers hundreds of internal bursaries and scholarships for both domestic and international students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These include need-based bursaries, merit scholarships, and awards for specific programs or demographics. Check the Bureau des bourses et de l'aide financiere (BBAF) at UdeM for a complete listing.

Universite Laval Scholarships

Universite Laval, located in Quebec City, offers competitive scholarships for incoming students.

Citizens of the World Scholarships:

These prestigious scholarships target international students submitting new applications for admission:

• Excellence Scholarships: For students entering undergraduate programs in the summer or fall 2026 semester
• Commitment Scholarships (Master's): Total value up to $20,000 ($5,000 per semester)
• Commitment Scholarships (PhD): Total value up to $30,000 ($5,000 per semester)

Institutional Awards:

Universite Laval offers a broad range of faculty-specific and program-specific awards for domestic students. Check the Bureau des bourses et de l'aide financiere for details.

Concordia University Scholarships

Concordia, located in Montreal, offers entrance scholarships and in-course awards for both domestic and international students.

Entrance Scholarships:

Concordia offers automatic entrance scholarships based on admission average. Amounts vary by program and academic standing. Students with strong CEGEP R-scores or high school averages from outside Quebec are considered automatically.

Quebec Government Loans and Bursaries at Concordia:

Concordia's financial aid office provides dedicated support for Quebec students navigating the AFE application process, including assistance with documentation and appeals.

Research Funding: FRQ (Fonds de Recherche du Quebec)

Quebec has one of the strongest provincial research funding ecosystems in Canada through the Fonds de recherche du Quebec (FRQ). For graduate students and aspiring researchers, FRQ funding is a critical resource.

FRQ Structure

The FRQ operates through three sector-specific funds:

• FRQNT (Fonds de recherche du Quebec -- Nature et technologies): Funds research in natural sciences, engineering, and technology
• FRQSC (Fonds de recherche du Quebec -- Societe et culture): Funds research in social sciences, humanities, arts, and literature
• FRQS (Fonds de recherche du Quebec -- Sante): Funds research in health sciences

Graduate Student Research Scholarships

FRQ offers competitive research scholarships at the master's and doctoral levels:

• Master's Research Scholarships: Valued at $20,000 per year
• Doctoral Research Scholarships: Valued at $25,000 per year, with a maximum total of $100,000 (corresponding to up to 12 semesters of funding)

These are among the most generous provincial research scholarships in Canada and are awarded based on academic excellence and research potential.

How to Apply for FRQ Funding

Applications are submitted through FRQnet, the FRQ's online application portal. The competition cycles for 2026-2027 include:

• Master's competition: Bourses de maitrise en recherche 2026-2027 (B1)
• Doctoral competition: Bourses de doctorat en recherche 2026-2027 (B2)

Deadlines vary by program and sector. Check the FRQ website for the specific competition you are targeting. Your university's graduate studies office can also provide guidance on the application process.

Science en Exil Program

The FRQ also offers the Science en exil program, which provides research funding specifically for refugee students and scholars. This is a unique program that reflects Quebec's commitment to supporting displaced researchers.

Federal Research Funding

Quebec graduate students are also eligible for federal research scholarships through the three federal granting agencies:

• NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council): Master's and doctoral scholarships
• SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council): Master's and doctoral scholarships, including the prestigious Canada Graduate Scholarships
• CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research): Health sciences research funding

These federal awards can be held at any Canadian university, including Quebec institutions. The Canada Graduate Scholarships -- Master's (CGS-M) provides $17,500 for one year, and the CGS -- Doctoral provides $35,000 per year for up to three years.

Tax Credits and Benefits for Quebec Students

Quebec's tax system provides several student-specific benefits in addition to the federal tax credits available to all Canadian students.

Federal Tuition Tax Credit

The federal tuition tax credit allows you to claim 15% of your eligible tuition fees. Unused credits can be carried forward indefinitely or up to $5,000 can be transferred to a parent, grandparent, or spouse in the current year.

Quebec Tuition Tax Credit

Quebec provides its own provincial tuition tax credit, calculated at 20% of eligible tuition and examination fees. This is claimed on your Quebec provincial tax return (TP-1) and is separate from the federal credit.

Solidarity Tax Credit

Quebec residents with low to moderate incomes may qualify for the Solidarity Tax Credit, which provides monthly payments to help offset the cost of the Quebec sales tax (QST) and housing costs. Full-time students with low income often qualify. Payments are made through Revenu Quebec based on your filed tax return.

Quebec Student Loan Interest Deduction

Interest paid on the Quebec provincial portion of your student loans qualifies for a provincial tax credit. This is in addition to the federal credit on the Canada Student Loan interest.

GST/HST and QST Credits

Quebec students may qualify for both the federal GST/HST credit and the Quebec Solidarity Tax Credit. Filing your tax return every year, even if your income is zero, is essential to access these benefits.

Savings Programs

RESP and CESG

The Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) and Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) work the same way for Quebec residents as for all Canadians:

• CESG: The federal government matches 20% of the first $2,500 contributed to an RESP each year, up to $500 per year and a lifetime maximum of $7,200 per child
• Canada Learning Bond (CLB): Up to $2,000 for children from lower-income families, deposited directly into an RESP with no family contribution required

Quebec Education Savings Incentive (QESI)

Quebec offers its own additional RESP incentive: the Quebec Education Savings Incentive (QESI). This provincial grant matches 10% of annual RESP contributions, up to a maximum of $250 per year and a lifetime maximum of $3,600 per child. Lower-income families may qualify for an additional QESI amount.

The QESI is one of only two provincial RESP incentives in Canada (along with the former British Columbia Training and Education Savings Grant). If you are a Quebec family contributing to an RESP, you receive both the federal CESG and the provincial QESI -- effectively a 30% match on the first $2,500 contributed each year.

For a detailed breakdown of RESP strategies, see our RESP and CESG Guide.

Funding for Specific Groups

Indigenous Students

Indigenous students in Quebec have access to additional funding sources:

• Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP): Federal funding for eligible First Nations and Inuit students, administered through band councils and Inuit organizations
• Kiuna Institution: Quebec's First Nations college, located in Odanak, offers programs with integrated cultural and financial support
• First Nations Education Council (FNEC): Supports education initiatives for First Nations communities in Quebec
• Indspire: National Indigenous organization providing bursaries and scholarships

Students with Disabilities

• Canada Student Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities: Up to $20,000 per year
• AFE disability-related support: Additional assistance through the Quebec loans and bursaries program for students with documented disabilities
• Institutional accessibility offices: All Quebec universities and CEGEPs have accessibility services that can connect students with additional funding sources

International Students

International students in Quebec face supplementary tuition fees that significantly increase the cost of study. However, several mechanisms can reduce this cost:

• UdeM Exemption Scholarship: Automatic assessment for tuition fee exemption based on academic record
• Universite Laval Citizens of the World Scholarships: Up to $30,000 for PhD students
• McGill Major Entrance Scholarships: Up to $48,000, renewable
• Quebec Perspective Scholarship: For students in eligible programs (winding down for new applicants)
• Bilateral agreements: Students from certain countries (France, Belgium, and others with agreements with Quebec) may pay Quebec-resident tuition rates

Out-of-Province Canadian Students

Canadian students from outside Quebec attending Quebec universities pay higher tuition than Quebec residents but lower than international students. You are not eligible for AFE but should apply through your home province's student aid program. You are eligible for all federal grants and institutional scholarships.

Building Your Quebec Funding Stack

For CEGEP Students

1. Take advantage of free tuition: Quebec CEGEP tuition for residents is essentially zero. Your main costs are fees, books, and living expenses
2. Apply for AFE: Even with minimal tuition, your living costs may qualify you for loans and bursaries
3. Check for regional scholarships: If you are studying 60+ km from home, you may qualify for up to $7,500 per year
4. Apply for external scholarships: Use the FundMyCourse scholarship search to find awards for CEGEP students

For University Students

1. Apply for AFE: This is your foundation. One application covers both provincial and federal aid
2. Complete your university's scholarship application: McGill, UdeM, Laval, and Concordia all have institutional awards beyond AFE
3. Search for external scholarships: Community organizations, professional associations, and national awards are all available
4. File your tax return: Claim both federal and Quebec tuition tax credits, and qualify for the Solidarity Tax Credit and GST/HST credit

For Graduate Students

1. Apply for FRQ funding: Quebec's research scholarships ($20,000 for master's, $25,000 for doctoral) are among the best in Canada
2. Apply for federal research funding: NSERC, SSHRC, or CIHR scholarships depending on your field
3. Check departmental funding: Many Quebec graduate programs offer guaranteed funding packages that include teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and internal awards
4. Apply for AFE: Graduate students are eligible for loans and bursaries through AFE

Key Deadlines for 2026

Final Thoughts

Quebec offers the most affordable post-secondary education in Canada for its residents. Free CEGEP tuition, low university tuition, a comprehensive loans-and-bursaries program, generous university scholarships, and one of the strongest provincial research funding systems in the country all combine to create an education funding environment that is genuinely accessible.

But affordability does not mean you should leave money on the table. Apply for AFE. Complete your university's scholarship application. If you are a graduate student, apply for FRQ funding. Search for external awards. File your taxes every year to claim both federal and provincial credits. Layer every source of funding available.

Start your search today with the FundMyCourse scholarship database and use our Funding Calculator to build your personalized funding plan.