Research Master’s Scholarship for Medical Students 2027-2028 (Canada)

Deadline: 01-Oct-26

The Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) Research Master’s Scholarship for Medical Students (B1M) provides financial support to medical students pursuing research-based master’s degrees in Quebec. The scholarship is designed to encourage research excellence, develop the next generation of health researchers, and help medical students combine clinical education with advanced research training. The scholarship is specifically intended for students enrolled in an M.D.–M.Sc. program at a Quebec university, allowing them to undertake thesis-based master’s research related to human health while continuing their medical studies.

About the FRQ Research Master’s Scholarship

The Research Master’s Scholarship for Medical Students was established by the Fonds de recherche du Québec to encourage medical students to develop research skills and pursue careers that contribute to health research.

The program aims to:

- Stimulate interest in research among medical students. - Support outstanding candidates pursuing research-based master’s degrees. - Develop future researchers in the health sector. - Promote research excellence. - Support research training alongside medical education. - Contribute to a diverse and inclusive research environment. The program forms part of FRQ’s broader commitment to strengthening research excellence and supporting modern approaches to research assessment. What Does the Scholarship Support? The scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible medical students who are beginning or continuing a research-based master’s program alongside their medical studies. Supported research must lead to a thesis-based master’s degree and be directly related to human health. The program allows students to develop research expertise while remaining enrolled in their medical education, creating a pathway toward careers that combine medicine and research. How Much Funding Is Available? The Research Master’s Scholarship provides: - $20,000 per year. - Maximum total funding of $40,000. - Support for up to 6 academic terms. The scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance during the student’s research master’s training.

Partnership-Based Scholarship Opportunities

Depending on the applicant’s research area, the scholarship may be offered in partnership with organizations such as: - Pediatric Research Foundation. - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society. - Quebec Support Unit for the Learning Health System. Partnership opportunities may depend on the focus of the applicant’s proposed research project. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet specific medical education and master’s program requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be enrolled in a regular undergraduate medical program at a Quebec university. - Be enrolled, or become simultaneously enrolled, in a research-based master’s program as part of an M.D.–M.Sc. program. - Have the required Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status. - Meet the Quebec health insurance requirements or provide the required university admission documentation. - Conduct research directly related to human health. - Have a research project that can be completed within a maximum period of two years. M.D.–M.Sc. Program Requirement The scholarship is specifically designed for students pursuing an integrated M.D.–M.Sc. pathway. Applicants must be simultaneously enrolled in medical studies and a research-based M.Sc. program by January 15, 2028. The master’s degree must be research-based and lead to a thesis related to human health. Citizenship and Residency Requirements Applicants must have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. They must also have a valid Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ). Applicants who do not yet have the required health insurance card may provide proof of admission to a Quebec university, as specified in the eligibility requirements. Research Project Requirements The proposed research project must meet several conditions.

The project must:

- Be directly related to human health. - Be part of a research-based master’s degree. - Lead to a thesis-based master’s qualification. - Be feasible within a maximum period of two years. - Be undertaken as part of the applicant’s M.D.–M.Sc. program. Applicants should ensure that their proposed research plan is realistic for the available period and clearly demonstrates its relevance to human health. Master’s Program Progress Requirement Applicants must also meet a specific progress requirement. By April 30, 2027, applicants must have completed no more than three full-time terms in their master’s program. This requirement is intended to ensure that scholarship support is directed toward students who are still at an appropriate stage of their research master’s training. Important Eligibility Date Applicants must be simultaneously enrolled in the research-based master’s program as part of an M.D.–M.Sc. program before January 15, 2028. Applicants should therefore carefully consider their medical and master’s program timelines when determining their eligibility. Why the Scholarship Is Important Medical students who pursue research training can develop expertise that connects clinical practice with scientific discovery. The FRQ scholarship provides financial assistance that can allow outstanding medical students to dedicate time to research while continuing their broader medical education. The program also contributes to the development of researchers capable of addressing important challenges in human health. Research Excellence and Inclusion The FRQ established the scholarship as part of its wider commitment to research excellence and a diverse and inclusive research environment. The program supports the development of future health researchers while reflecting broader efforts to promote fair and modern approaches to research assessment. How to Prepare a Strong Scholarship Application Applicants should present a clear and focused research proposal that demonstrates both scient