CANADA
Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université du Québec
public · Founded 1969 · Languages: French, English
In short
INRS is Canada's most research-intensive graduate-only university, offering specialized research centers and competitive funding packages for international students. Located in Quebec City and Montreal, it provides a high quality of life and a bilingual academic environment.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1969
- Students
- 1,500
- International students
- 600
- Acceptance rate
- 30%
- Tuition (intl)
- €4–8k/yr
- Languages
- FRENCH, ENGLISH
- Location
- Canada
INRS (Institut national de la recherche scientifique) is a graduate-only public research university in the Université du Québec network, founded in 1969. Its four specialised research centres across Québec focus on health and biotechnology, environment and water, energy and advanced materials, and urban and social studies. INRS consistently leads Canadian universities in research intensity per faculty member.
Why study here
- Canada's most research-intensive university per faculty member — unparalleled mentorship in small-scale research groups
- Four specialised centres allow deep focus in biotechnology, environmental science, advanced materials, or social sciences
- Graduate students receive competitive funding packages including fellowships and research stipends
- Bilingual French/English environment ideal for developing proficiency in both official languages
- Strong connections with federal research councils (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC) and industry for collaborative funding
Student life
As a graduate-only institution, INRS offers a focused and collegial academic environment. Students benefit from close faculty supervision, cross-centre collaborations, and access to cutting-edge laboratories. Social and cultural life is enriched by the host cities — Montreal and Quebec City — which offer vibrant arts scenes, winter festivals, outstanding cuisine, and a high quality of life at relatively affordable cost compared to other major Canadian metros.
Fees
InternationalInternational graduate students typically pay CAD 6,000–12,000 (approx. EUR 4,000–8,000) per year in tuition, varying by programme and funding status.
HomeQuebec resident tuition is approximately CAD 2,000–3,500/year; Canadian non-residents pay higher differential fees.
LivingLiving costs in Quebec City or Montreal are approximately CAD 14,000–18,000 (EUR 9,500–12,000) per year including accommodation, food, and transport.
Most PhD students receive a minimum guaranteed funding package (stipend + tuition offset) from supervisors. Apply for FRQNT and NSERC scholarships early.
Admissions
Master's entryBachelor's degree with strong academic record (GPA equivalent to B+ or above) in a relevant discipline; research proposal or statement of interest required
PhD entryMaster's degree or exceptional bachelor's; must identify a supervising professor before applying
SupervisorSecuring a faculty supervisor is a prerequisite — browse INRS researcher profiles and contact potential supervisors directly
IELTS6.5 (for English-stream programmes)
TOEFL iBT86
Rankings
RE$$ Canada Research Intensity Ranking1
University scholarships
FRQNT Doctoral ScholarshipCAD 20,000/year for up to 3 years for eligible PhD students
NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship-DoctoralCAD 21,000/year for doctoral research in natural sciences and engineering
Accreditation
Membre de l'Université du Québec; degrees granted under the Université du Québec authority and recognised by the Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur du Québec. Member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities.
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 tuition fees for international graduate students at INRS?
+
International graduate students at INRS typically pay between CAD 6,000 and CAD 12,000 per year for tuition. This amount can vary depending on the specific program and the student's funding status.
What are the living costs for students in Quebec City or Montreal?
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The estimated living costs in Quebec City or Montreal for students range from CAD 14,000 to CAD 18,000 per year. This includes expenses for accommodation, food, and transportation.
Does INRS offer funding packages for PhD students?
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Yes, most PhD students at INRS are offered a minimum guaranteed funding package. This package typically includes a stipend and a tuition offset, often provided by their supervisors. Scholarships from FRQNT and NSERC are also available.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for English-stream programs?
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For English-stream programs, applicants typically need an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 86. It is always recommended to check specific program requirements.
What are the academic requirements for Master's and PhD programs?
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For Master's entry, a Bachelor's degree with a strong academic record (GPA equivalent to B+ or above) in a relevant field is required, along with a research proposal or statement of interest. For PhD entry, a Master's degree or an exceptional Bachelor's is needed, and prospective students must identify and secure a supervising professor before applying.
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