For many international students, the cost of tuition can be a significant barrier to studying abroad — especially in prestigious research universities. Université de Montréal (UdeM) addresses this with a powerful tool: its Exemption Scholarship for international students. Designed to make education more accessible, this scholarship waives part or all of the additional tuition fees that non-Québec, non-Canadian students normally pay. For 2026, this program continues to support top international talent to study at one of Canada’s leading francophone institutions.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the UdeM Exemption Scholarship — its purpose, eligibility, amount, renewal, application process, and how to maximize your chances.
What Is the UdeM Exemption Scholarship?
The UdeM Exemption Scholarship for International Students is not a traditional “cash grant” but rather a tuition-fee waiver. It reduces or eliminates the extra tuition premium that international students pay compared to domestic (Québec) students. According to UdeM’s Registrar’s Office, this program helps recruit the best international students and recognizes academic excellence.
Importantly: You do not need to separately apply for the exemption. UdeM automatically evaluates your academic record when you apply for admission, and determines whether you qualify (and at which “level”).
Eligibility Criteria for 2026 (Who Can Get It)
To receive the UdeM Exemption Scholarship, international students must meet several important conditions. Based on UdeM’s Registrar and graduate school information:
- Student Status / Nationality
- You must be an international student, but not a French citizen or a French-speaking Belgian.
- You need valid study authorizations: a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and a valid study permit for all sessions in your program.
- Program of Study
- You must have received an offer of admission into a degree (not short certificate) program at UdeM.
- Part-time and short programs (e.g., certificate, microprogram, major only, minor) are not eligible.
- For graduate (Master’s) and PhD: must be enrolled full-time, unless an authorized absence is approved.
- Tuition Waiver Conditions
- You cannot already benefit from another UdeM tuition fee exemption.
- Your academic performance is evaluated via the transcript(s) you submit during your admission application. This determines your “exemption level.”
- Duration / Continuity
- You must maintain continuous full-time enrollment (unless a formal leave is approved) for the entirety of your study.
- The waiver is formally renewed for future terms. For example, UdeM confirms it covers Winter 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Winter 2027.
How Much Is the Exemption Worth — Scholarship Amounts
The UdeM Exemption Scholarship comes in different “levels” based on academic excellence, and the amount differs for undergraduate vs. graduate students.
Undergraduate (Bachelor) Level
- Level A (highest)
- Per credit: CAD $467.18
- Per session (full-time, ~15 credits): CAD $7,007.70
- Per year (2 sessions, 30 credits): CAD $14,015.40
- Level B
- Per credit: CAD $222.64
- Per session (15 credits): CAD $3,339.60
- Per year: CAD $6,679.20
Graduate (Master’s) Level
- For research-based Master’s programs:
- Per credit: CAD $343.39
- Per session (15 credits): CAD $5,150.85
- Per year (45 credits): CAD $15,452.55
- For non-research Master’s programs:
- Per credit: CAD $244.54
- Per session (15 credits): CAD $3,668.10
- Per year (45 credits): CAD $11,004.30
PhD Level
- Full waiver of the additional international tuition (i.e., the same rate as Québec PhD students)
- Per credit: CAD $519.27
- Per session (15 credits): CAD $7,789.05
- Per year (45 credits): CAD $23,367.15
These values are applied by deducting the scholarship amount from your billed tuition each term/session.
What Will the Exemption Not Cover
Even with the UdeM exemption, students should be aware of what isn’t funded:
- Living Costs: Rent, food, utilities, and transportation remain your responsibility.
- Books & Study Materials: These are not covered by the tuition waiver.
- Health Insurance / Permits: While the waiver helps with tuition, you still need to budget for study permits, health coverage, and other bureaucratic costs.
- Additional Course Load: If you take course overloads or extra credits beyond the “standard duration” of your program, those may not be covered by the waiver.
How to Get the Exemption Scholarship (Application Process)
1. Apply for Admission to UdeM
Before you fill the admission form, be sure to check the application deadlines and application requirements. After that, apply for admission into the UdeM degree program of your choice (undergrad, Master’s, or PhD). When you submit your admission application, UdeM will automatically evaluate you for the exemption scholarship.
2. Receive Your Admission Decision
Once UdeM reviews your application, they will send an admission decision (conditional or final) to you through their student portal.
3. Scholarship Award Notification
If you are eligible, UdeM will notify you of the exemption amount you qualify for after your admission is confirmed. This happens via email from the Registrar’s Office.
4. Enroll Full-Time
To maintain the scholarship, you must be enrolled full-time for all sessions (trimesters) of your program, unless you have official permission for a leave.
5. Maintain Your Scholarship Status
Keep your full-time enrollment and valid study permit / CAQ. If you have any interruption that is not approved, you risk losing the exemption.
Click here for more information about the scholarship.
Advantages & Impact of the UdeM Exemption Scholarship
- Reduced Financial Burden: For many international students, the “excess” tuition is a major cost. This waiver reduces that significantly — sometimes by tens of thousands of CAD over the course of study.
- Academic Merit Recognition: The scholarship rewards academic excellence, since the amount depends on your grades or transcript evaluation.
- No Extra Scholarship Application: Because the waiver is automatic through your admission file, you don’t have to apply separately — making the process simpler.
- Long-Term Support: If you maintain eligibility, the waiver continues for the duration of your program. UdeM explicitly renews the exemption for multiple sessions (e.g., through 2026 for certain cohorts).
- Cultural Diversity: The scholarship aligns with UdeM’s goal to bring top international talent to its campus, enriching the academic community with global perspectives.
Challenges & Considerations
- Limited Coverage: This is not a full living-cost scholarship — it only reduces tuition. Students still need to budget for housing, food, books, and other costs.
- Full-Time Requirement: Because the waiver requires full-time enrollment, part-time or flexible study options aren’t eligible.
- Loss of Waiver on Interruption: If you interrupt your studies without permission, you may lose your exemption.
- No Other Exemptions Allowed: You can’t combine this exemption with another UdeM-based fee waiver for international students.
- Valid Permits Needed: You must maintain a valid Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and study permit for all sessions.
- Academic Evaluation is Competitive: Your scholarship level (A or B) depends on academic merit. Not everyone will get the maximum exemption.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances
- Apply with a Strong Academic Record
Focus on maximizing your grades and make sure your admission transcript is complete and impressive — this is how your scholarship level is determined. - Plan for Full-Time Study
Be ready to take a full course load each trimester, since full-time enrollment is required to maintain the waiver. - Maintain Your Legal Status
Ensure your CAQ and study permit are valid and up-to-date. Any lapse might jeopardize your waiver. - Understand Financial Planning Beyond Tuition
Since the waiver doesn’t cover all living costs, create a budget for housing, food, and other expenses. Explore part-time work or other scholarships to fill the gap. - Follow UdeM’s Communication
After admission, check your UdeM student portal and email regularly — that’s where you’ll receive your scholarship award notification and any follow-up. - Leverage Support Services
Reach out to UdeM’s financial aid office or international student office if you have questions about the waiver, payment schedules, or maintaining status.
Conclusion
The 2026 UdeM Exemption Scholarship offers a powerful opportunity for international students to significantly reduce their tuition fees at the Université de Montréal. UdeM enables a diverse, high-caliber international community to contribute to its vibrant academic environment by rewarding academic excellence and supporting full-time, degree-seeking students.
Yet, while the waiver alleviates a major financial burden, students must also plan for living costs, maintain full-time status, and manage their study permits. If you’re aiming to study at UdeM, this scholarship should be a central part of your financial plan — but not your only one. If you’re eligible, apply early, maintain strong performance, and take advantage of UdeM’s support systems. This exemption could be a game-changer in making your academic dreams in Canada a reality.