CANADA
Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec
public · Founded 1938 · Languages: French, English
I
In short
Institut Armand-Frappier (IAF) is a graduate research center of INRS specializing in biomedical sciences. It offers thesis-based MSc and PhD programs with a focus on infectious diseases, cancer biology, and health biotechnology.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1938
- Students
- 250
- International students
- 80
- Acceptance rate
- 40%
- Tuition (intl)
- €4–7k/yr
- Languages
- FRENCH, ENGLISH
- Location
- Canada
Institut Armand-Frappier (IAF) is a graduate research centre of INRS (Institut national de la recherche scientifique) located in Laval, Quebec, specialising exclusively in biomedical sciences. Founded in 1938 by virologist Armand Frappier, the institute now focuses on infectious diseases and immunity, cancer biology, and health biotechnology. It offers fully thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in a small, highly collaborative environment where students work alongside internationally recognised researchers from their first day.
Why study here
- Immersive thesis-based research from day one with access to BSL-3 and advanced imaging facilities.
- Small cohort sizes ensure close mentorship from internationally recognised faculty.
- Strategic location near Montréal's biotech cluster and proximity to federal public-health agencies.
- Strong industry partnership opportunities in vaccine development and health biotechnology.
- Competitive graduate funding packages available through INRS and national granting agencies.
Student life
Students at IAF form a tight-knit international community on a modern campus in Laval. The proximity to Montréal — Canada's second-largest city — offers rich cultural, culinary, and recreational opportunities. Graduate students participate in seminars, workshops, and inter-institute events organised by INRS, and benefit from affordable student housing options in the greater Montréal area.
Fees
InternationalApprox. CAD 8,000–15,000 per year for international students (varies by program level and scholarship).
HomeQuebec residents: approx. CAD 2,000–4,000/year; other Canadian provinces: approx. CAD 5,000–7,000/year.
LivingEstimated CAD 1,200–1,600/month in the Laval/Montréal area, including housing, food, and transport.
Most admitted students receive a research stipend from their supervisor's grant; INRS also offers institutional bursaries for international students.
Admissions
Bachelor's degreeBSc in a relevant life sciences, chemistry, or biomedical field with strong GPA (typically ≥3.0/4.0)
Research experiencePrior laboratory research experience strongly recommended
Supervisor matchApplicants must identify and obtain agreement from a faculty supervisor before admission
LanguageFrench language proficiency for most programs; some research activities conducted in English
IELTS Academic6.5 overall for English-track components
TOEFL iBT86 for English-track components
University scholarships
INRS International Excellence BursaryPartial tuition waiver for international graduate students
FRQS / CRSNG doctoral fellowshipsCAD 17,500–35,000/year — competitive national awards open to IAF students
Accreditation
IAF is a constituent centre of INRS, a Québec public graduate university established by provincial charter. All degrees are awarded by INRS and are recognised by the Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur du Québec.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the main research areas at Institut Armand-Frappier (IAF)?
+
IAF focuses exclusively on biomedical sciences, with specializations in infectious diseases and immunity, cancer biology, and health biotechnology. Students engage in thesis-based research within these fields.
What degree programs does Institut Armand-Frappier offer?
+
IAF offers fully thesis-based Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs. These are graduate-level programs focused on research.
What are the tuition fees for international students at Institut Armand-Frappier?
+
International students can expect tuition fees of approximately CAD 8,000–15,000 per year, which can vary depending on the program level and any scholarships received.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for admission?
+
For programs with English-track components, applicants typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 86.
What funding opportunities are available for international graduate students?
+
International students may receive a research stipend from their supervisor's grant and can apply for institutional bursaries like the INRS International Excellence Bursary, which offers a partial tuition waiver.
Last updated