Open Call for Postdoctoral Scholarships 2027-2028 (Canada)

The FRQ Postdoctoral Research Scholarships (B3) Program supports recent doctoral graduates who want to continue research training in advanced scientific environments and build international and interdisciplinary collaborations. The programme provides up to CAD 90,000 over two years, with additional mobility support available for eligible researchers conducting postdoctoral research outside Québec.

Overview of the FRQ Postdoctoral Research Scholarships (B3) Program

The Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) Postdoctoral Research Scholarships (B3) Program supports the next generation of researchers by providing financial assistance to recent PhD graduates pursuing postdoctoral research training.

The programme is designed to help researchers:

Continue advanced research training.
Develop new scientific collaborations.
Gain professional and transferable skills.
Access dynamic research environments.
Expand their international and interdisciplinary networks.

The scholarship supports researchers working across multiple academic disciplines and contributes to attracting and retaining high-level research talent in Québec.

Purpose of the FRQ Postdoctoral Research Scholarships

The main objective of the B3 Program is to strengthen the careers of emerging researchers by supporting postdoctoral experiences that expand their expertise and professional networks.

The programme aims to:

Encourage recent doctoral graduates to broaden their research experience.
Promote researcher mobility.
Support collaboration with leading research environments.
Develop new technical and professional skills.
Encourage communication between science and society.
Attract talented researchers to Québec.

Research Fields Supported

The FRQ Postdoctoral Research Scholarships support research across a wide range of disciplines.

Eligible research areas include:

Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering

Supported fields may include:

Biology.
Chemistry.
Physics.
Mathematics.
Engineering.
Environmental sciences.
Technology-related research.

Human Health

The programme supports research related to:

Biomedical sciences.
Health research.
Disease prevention.
Clinical and population health.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Supported disciplines include:

Social sciences.
Education.
Psychology.
Economics.
Political science.
Cultural studies.

Arts and Letters

The programme also supports research in:

Arts.
Literature.
Languages.
Cultural studies.
Creative disciplines.

Key Objectives of the Scholarship

The B3 Program focuses on several major goals.

Expanding Research Training

The scholarship allows recent PhD graduates to develop expertise beyond their doctoral research.

Researchers can:

Learn new methodologies.
Access specialized facilities.
Work with experienced researchers.
Explore new research directions.

Promoting Research Mobility

The programme encourages researchers to work in stimulating scientific environments.

Mobility can help researchers:

Experience different research cultures.
Build international connections.
Develop broader academic perspectives.

Creating Research Networks and Collaborations

The scholarship supports researchers in establishing:

New academic partnerships.
Interdisciplinary collaborations.
International research relationships.

Developing Professional Skills

Awardees are encouraged to gain additional skills such as:

Research management.
Scientific communication.
Collaboration skills.
Public engagement.
Knowledge sharing.

Encouraging Science and Society Dialogue

The programme supports researchers in developing the ability to communicate research findings with:

Public audiences.
Policymakers.
Communities.
Non-academic stakeholders.

Funding Amount and Duration

The FRQ Postdoctoral Research Scholarships provide financial support for postdoctoral research activities.

Annual Scholarship Amount

Awardees receive:

CAD 45,000 per year

Scholarship Duration

The award can support:

Minimum duration: 6 months
Maximum duration: 2 years

Maximum Total Funding

Researchers may receive up to:

CAD 90,000

The final funding amount depends on the approved duration selected in the application.

Additional Mobility Supplement

Additional financial support is available for eligible researchers conducting their postdoctoral research outside Québec.

Supplement Amount

Eligible awardees may receive:

CAD 10,000 per year

Conditions for Mobility Supplement Eligibility

The supplement is available only when:

The host research environment is outside Québec.
The awardee’s residence is outside Québec.

For researchers with a co-supervising institution outside Québec:

They must spend at least 180 days per year at the external co-supervising institution.

Travel Expense Support

Eligible researchers may also receive reimbursement for certain travel-related expenses according to FRQ rules.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must meet specific citizenship, residency, and research eligibility requirements.

Citizenship and Residency Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following conditions:

Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents

Applicants must:

Be Canadian citizens or Canadian permanent residents.
Hold a valid Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card at the competition deadline.

Applicants may provide:

Proof that they have applied for or renewed their RAMQ card.
Confirmation that the card will be valid by the deadline.

Applicants Without These Conditions

Researchers who do not meet one or both residency conditions may still apply if they provide:

A completed consent form.
A letter of acceptance from their research supervisor.

However, these applicants must complete their postdoctoral internship in Québec.

Doctoral Qualification Requirements

Applicants must be:

Recent doctoral graduates.
Engaged in postdoctoral research training.

The programme is intended for researchers transitioning from doctoral studies to independent research careers.

Ineligible Applicants

Certain individuals cannot apply.

Applicants are not eligible if they:

Already hold another FRQ training award.
Currently receive or have previously received a postdoctoral award from Québec or Canadian funding agencies such as:
- FRQ.
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Hold a regular professorial position at a university.

Application Restrictions

Applicants must follow specific application limitations.

One FRQ Training Award Application Per Year

Applicants may submit an application to only:

One FRQ training award programme during the same year.

No Multiple FRQ Awards

Applicants cannot hold more than one FRQ training award at the same time.

How the FRQ Postdoctoral Scholarship Works

The programme follows a structured application and research training process.

Step 1: Identify a Host Research Environment

Applicants should select a suitable research environment that provides:

Strong scientific support.
Opportunities for collaboration.
Access to relevant expertise.

Step 2: Develop a Research Proposal

Applicants prepare a proposal explaining:

Research objectives.
Methodology.
Expected outcomes.
Contribution to their career development.

Step 3: Obtain Supervisor Support

Applicants must secure support from a research supervisor.

The supervisor should provide:

Acceptance confirmation.
Research environment details.
Support for the proposed project.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants submit:

Research proposal.
Academic information.
Required documents.
Supervisor-related materials.

Step 5: Complete Postdoctoral Research Training

Successful awardees conduct their research according to the approved project duration.

During the fellowship, researchers develop:

Scientific expertise.
Professional skills.
Research networks.

Benefits of the FRQ Postdoctoral Research Scholarships

The programme provides several advantages for early-career researchers.

Awardees receive:

Up to CAD 90,000 in research support.
Opportunity to work in advanced research environments.
Access to new collaborations.
Professional development opportunities.
International mobility support.
Career advancement opportunities.

The scholarship helps researchers strengthen their profiles before pursuing independent academic or research careers.

Why the FRQ B3 Program Matters

Early-career researchers often need support to transition from doctoral studies to independent research careers.

The FRQ Postdoctoral Research Scholarships help address this challenge by:

Supporting emerging scientific talent.
Encouraging research mobility.
Strengthening Québec’s research ecosystem.
Promoting international collaboration.
Building future research leaders.

Application Preparation Tips

Applicants should focus on:

Strong Research Proposal

A competitive proposal should clearly explain:

Research importance.
Innovation.
Methodology.
Expected impact.

Appropriate Host Environment

Applicants should choose a host institution that provides:

Relevant expertise.
Research resources.
Collaboration opportunities.

Clear Career Development Plan

Applicants should explain how the fellowship will help them:

Develop skills.
Build networks.
Advance their research career.

Complete Documentation

Applicants should ensure all required forms and supporting documents are submitted before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying Without Checking Eligibility

Applicants should confirm:

Citizenship requirements.
RAMQ requirements.
Award restrictions.

Holding Another Ineligible Fellowship

Applicants should verify that they are not receiving another FRQ or Canadian agency postdoctoral award.

Weak Research Objectives

Proposals should clearly describe research goals and expected outcomes.

Choosing an Unsuitable Host Environment

The selected research environment should directly support the applicant’s project development.

Missing Mobility Conditions

Applicants requesting outside Québec supplements should carefully meet residence and location requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the FRQ Postdoctoral Research Scholarships (B3) Program?

It is a funding programme that supports recent doctoral graduates conducting postdoctoral research training in advanced scientific environments.

How much funding does the scholarship provide?

The programme provides CAD 45,000 annually, with up to CAD 90,000 available for a two-year award.

What research fields are supported?

The scholarship supports natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, health sciences, humanities, social sciences, arts, and letters.

Can researchers conduct postdoctoral work outside Québec?

Yes. Eligible researchers may receive an additional CAD 10,000 per year if they meet mobility and residence requirements.

Who cannot apply for this scholarship?

Individuals holding regular university professor positions or receiving other Québec or Canadian postdoctoral awards are not eligible.

How long can the scholarship last?

The scholarship can support projects from 6 months to a maximum of 2 years.

Can applicants submit multiple FRQ award applications?

No. Applicants may apply to only one FRQ training award programme in a given year.

Conclusion

The FRQ Postdoctoral Research Scholarships (B3) Program provides important support for recent PhD graduates seeking advanced research training and professional development opportunities.

With funding of up to CAD 90,000, mobility support, and opportunities to build international research networks, the programme helps emerging researchers develop the skills, collaborations, and experience needed for successful research careers while strengthening Québec’s position as a global centre for innovation and scientific excellence.