Official Guidelines Updated: March 2026
Key Facts for 2025–2026:
Excellence Scholarships for Students in Education Programs award $7,500 per year of teacher training to students with exemplary academic records enrolled full-time in a certified undergraduate teacher training program at a Québec university. Up to $30,000 total over four years. More than 2,000 scholarships are awarded annually. Selection is made by universities based on R-score (entering from CEGEP) or GPA (years 2–4). Scholarships are taxable.
The Excellence Scholarships for Students in Education Programs are awarded by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur to encourage students with exceptional academic records to pursue and remain in certified undergraduate teacher training programs at Québec universities. The program aims to support and promote the teaching profession by attracting high-achieving students into education.
Over 2,000 scholarships are awarded each year. University selection committees evaluate candidates and make recommendations to the Ministry.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Excellence Scholarships for Students in Education Programs, you must:
- Be enrolled full-time in a certified undergraduate teacher training program at a Québec university (Bachelor of Education or equivalent).
- Meet the academic selection criteria used by your university:
- R-score — for students entering university directly from CEGEP or switching from another university program.
- University grade point average — for students already in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of the program.
- Undergo annual qualification and requalification — eligibility is assessed each year and is not automatically carried forward.
Important — Mutually Exclusive with Québec Perspective Scholarship:
Students receiving Excellence Scholarships for Students in Education Programs are not eligible for the Québec Perspective Scholarship for the same study terms. The two programs cannot be combined. However, receiving the Excellence Scholarship does not affect your eligibility for regular financial assistance from Aide financière aux études (loans and bursaries).
Scholarship Amount
The scholarship is valued at $7,500 per year of teacher training. Over a 4-year Bachelor of Education program, an eligible student can receive up to $30,000 in total.
Each year’s scholarship is disbursed in two payments — one in the fall term and one in the winter term — so that full-time enrolment status can be verified before each payment is released.
Tax Treatment
These scholarships are taxable. Recipients receive a T4A tax slip each year for income tax purposes. The scholarship amount does not affect your eligibility for Aide financière aux études loans and bursaries, but it is considered income and must be reported accordingly.
How to Apply
Selection is made by each university — you do not apply directly to the Ministry. Contact the financial aid or student awards office at your institution to understand how your university runs the selection process, what criteria are applied, and whether you need to submit a separate application or are assessed automatically. The Ministry awards scholarships based on the recommendations made by university selection committees.
Other Québec Financial Aid Options
Excellence Scholarship recipients who are also eligible for Aide financière aux études programs may still access the Loans and Bursaries Program for Full-Time Studies. Education program students completing their final mandatory internship may also be eligible for the Intern Perseverance and Success Scholarship.
Ready to find a teacher education program? Explore eligible schools today.
