If you’re aiming to pursue research at master’s or doctoral level and want funding that actually lets you focus on research, the Université de Sherbrooke’s Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship Program is one of Canada’s most generous institutional options. For 2026 applicants this program (which includes the standard Research Excellence Scholarships and the higher-value Laurent & Claire B. Beaudoin Excellence Scholarships) offers sizeable multi-year awards, structured application windows, and clear expectations for recipients. Below is a detailed, practical guide that explains what’s available, who’s eligible, how to apply, key deadlines, and smart strategies to strengthen your submission.
What the program is?
The Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship Program at UdeS is an institutional scholarship scheme that supports exceptional graduate students (master’s and doctoral) in all disciplines. It actually bundles two scholarship tracks:
- Université de Sherbrooke Research Excellence Scholarships — substantial awards for master’s and doctoral students.
- Master’s: $17,000 per year for 2 years (total $34,000).
- Doctoral: $20,000 per year for 3 years (total $60,000).
- Laurent and Claire B. Beaudoin Excellence Scholarships — a top-tier option for projects with very high innovation potential.
- Master’s: $25,000 per year for 2 years (total $50,000).
- Doctoral: $35,000 per year for 3 years (total $105,000).
Those headline numbers are the annual scholarship values used in the Fall 2025 competition; UdeS publishes these figures as the reference amounts for the institutional competitions.
Application Requirements
The program is open to both domestic and international students who:
- Are applying to (or already admitted/enrolled in) a research-based master’s or PhD program at Université de Sherbrooke.
- Will be registered full-time for the duration of the award (unless a formal leave is approved).
- Have a supervisor willing to commit the mandatory financial contribution required by the scholarship (more on that below).
International applicants should carefully check any extra documentation requirements (proof of admission, immigration status, language requirements). Each faculty may add discipline-specific rules, so check the faculty page for fine print.
A Non-negotiable Supervisor Contribution
One feature that makes this competition unusual is the mandatory 25% contribution from the research supervisor. In short, a portion of the scholarship cost must be backed by the supervisor’s research funding (grant, chair funds, departmental allocation, etc.). If the supervisor cannot provide the 25% contribution, the scholarship cannot be awarded. That makes supervisor buy-in critical long before you submit your application.
Action step: talk to potential supervisors immediately. Confirm the 25% source in writing and capture proof (a short letter or email) to include with your application
Application Process
- Check the Application Period
- There are two scholarship competitions each year.
- Winter competition: February 1 → March 1 (11:59 pm)
- Fall competition: August 1 → September 1 (11:59 pm)
- There are two scholarship competitions each year.
- Read the Program Guidelines Carefully
- Before applying, download and thoroughly read the Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship Program Guidelines.
- Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements and understand the rules for your degree type (master’s or doctoral).
- Prepare Your Application File
Your application must be submitted as a single PDF file (max 10 MB), containing these documents in the exact order:- The completed application form, which includes:
- Your research project presentation
- A summary of your research experience
- Official university transcripts, including for your admission-basis diploma.
- Proof of publications or conference presentations (e.g., editor notices, confirmation emails).
- Certificates of awards or prior scholarships you have received.
- A commitment form signed by both you and your research supervisor (must confirm your supervisor is committed to your project).
- If you apply to a program in the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences: an additional signed commitment form from that faculty.
- Any other relevant supporting documents, such as research plans or CV supplements.
- Name the PDF file as
lastname-firstname.pdfbefore uploading.
- The completed application form, which includes:
- Use the Electronic Application Form
- Complete the online application form during one of the open competition windows.
- Upload the single PDF file containing your full application package.
- Important: Only the latest version of the application materials will be accepted — do not upload old or outdated forms.
- Submit Before the Deadline
- Make sure your entire application package is submitted before 11:59 pm on the last day of the competition.
- Note: No updates or changes are allowed after the submission deadline.
- You may only apply once for a master’s scholarship and once for a doctoral scholarship.
- Get Help if You Need It
- UdeS provides application support through a dedicated service: you can contact their scholarship support office for help with funding strategy, calendar deadlines, and form preparation.
- Use the Drafting Guide to improve the quality of your application text.
Application windows & deadlines (2026 competitions)
UdeS runs two annual competitions, so you have two chances each year:
- Winter competition: application window February 1 → March 1 (11:59 pm).
- Fall competition: application window August 1 → September 1 (11:59 pm).
The electronic application form is only available within those windows. If you plan to start study in the fall, target the August–September cycle; if you’re aiming to start in the winter or want an earlier review, use the February–March window. Always check the program’s submission page before the deadline — UdeS posts the live form and any year-specific changes there.
What Reviewers Look For?
The selection committee scores applications using a rubric that emphasizes integrated research potential. The main evaluation factors are:
- Scientific quality & originality of the research project: clear objectives, strong rationale, and novel contribution.
- Feasibility & methodology: realistic methods, timeline, and deliverables for the award period.
- Academic excellence: transcripts, prior training, publications or conference experience when applicable.
- Supervisory environment & resources: supervisor track record, lab/infrastructure, and the 25% financial commitment.
- Impact & innovation: significance of results, translational potential, societal benefit (weighted heavily for Beaudoin awards).
- Candidate’s potential: motivation, autonomy, and fit with the research team.
You should obtain the program’s scoring grid (usually in the guidelines PDF) and use it as a checklist while preparing your file.
Recipient Obligations & Continuation Rules
If you are awarded a scholarship, you’ll commit to specific obligations spelled out in the guidelines. Important items include:
- Compliance with UdeS graduate and faculty rules and the scholarship terms — failure to comply may lead to revocation.
- Apply to at least one external funding agency (e.g., national research councils) during the first year of institutional funding — unless no suitable competition is available. This rule encourages students to leverage institutional support as a springboard for major external awards.
- Doctoral awardees may be required to enroll in certain professional development modules (e.g., the CR+ postgraduate research skills microprogram).
- Report promptly any other scholarships or external funding that you receive after the award; rules on stacking funds are strict and described in sections 14–15 of the guidelines.
How to Make a Competitive Application
- Secure supervisor commitment early
- The 25% supervisor contribution is non-negotiable. Discuss budgets and confirm a funding source in writing well before the deadline. Applications without firm supervisor support risk immediate disqualification.
- Craft a crisp, feasible research proposal
- Reviewers look for clarity, novelty, and practicality. Use headings, a timeline, and clear deliverables. Show how the project will produce tangible outputs (papers, prototypes, datasets).
- Show prior research promise
- Even for master’s candidates, list any lab techniques, course projects, conference presentations, or co-authored work. Evidence of early independence dramatically improves your score.
- Match language and formatting rules
- Follow the PDF guidelines strictly (page limits, formatting). Small administrative mistakes can cost points during screening.
- Plan external funding applications
- The expectation to apply for external awards during the first year is real — show in your application that you’ve identified suitable competitions (e.g., NSERC/CIHR/SSHRC, provincial awards, or international fellowships).
- Get strong assessment letters
- Ask for references who can comment on your research potential and fit for the project (not just academic character). Provide referees with your proposal and a short brief to help them write targeted letters.
What to Expect After Submission
- After the window closes, the selection committee reviews and scores applications using UdeS’s scoring grid.
- Interview or clarifications: some faculties or committees may request clarifications or short interviews.
- Decisions & communication: UdeS notifies applicants whether they were selected, placed on a waiting list, or not successful. The timing varies by competition; consult the submission page for the current year’s calendar.
What Makes the Laurent & Claire B. Beaudoin Awards Different?
The Beaudoin scholarships are designed for exceptionally promising and highly innovative projects and therefore carry much larger annual amounts. If your proposal signals real innovation potential (novel methodology, interdisciplinary impact, clear commercialization/translation pathway, or major societal benefit), you should consider applying for this track. The evaluation rubric will weigh potential impact and innovation more heavily for Beaudoin candidates.
Useful official resources
- Program guidelines (PDF): includes full rules, scoring grid, obligations: Université de Sherbrooke Graduate Research Excellence Scholarship Program guidelines.
- Scholarship programs overview (Research page): program descriptions and links to forms.
- Application submission page & electronic form: the form is active only during the two competition windows (Feb 1–Mar 1 and Aug 1–Sep 1). Bookmark this page and apply within the window.
Conclusion
The Université de Sherbrooke’s Excellence Scholarships are an outstanding way to fund serious research training. The awards are generous, well-structured, and aimed at producing results — publications, patents, prototypes, or impactful social research. If you’re serious about a research career, start now: identify supervisors, draft a crisp proposal, secure the mandatory funding commitment, and prepare referees. With careful planning and a focused application, you’ll give yourself the best shot at one of Canada’s top institutional awards for graduate research.
