Institut national de la recherche scientifique
Québec, Canada • Founded 1969
Updated Sep 2026 · Source: inrs.ca
Overview
Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) is a research-only graduate institute: it teaches exclusively at the master's and doctoral levels and admits no undergraduates.
Created by the Quebec government in 1969 as the research-intensive member of the Université du Québec network, INRS organizes its work not into faculties but into five interdisciplinary research and training centres — Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie in Laval, Eau Terre Environnement in Québec City, Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications in Varennes and Montréal, Urbanisation Culture Société in Montréal and Québec City, and Ruralités durables in Baie-Saint-Paul — covering health and biotechnology, water and environmental science, energy and telecommunications, urban and social studies, and sustainable rural development. Graduate applicants generally secure a professor willing to direct their research before applying, since admission to most research-type master's programs and most doctoral programs depends on this; professional, non-thesis programs are an exception.
Applicants then submit transcripts, diplomas, a CV, a statement and three academic references online, pay an application fee, and receive a decision by email from the program's admissions committee before registering; deadlines fall on 30 March for fall admission, 1 November for winter, and 1 March for summer. Instruction and program materials are primarily in French.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Institut national de la recherche scientifique is listed below.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for Institut national de la recherche scientifique: scale, staffing, and accreditation.
Academic Structures
The faculties, schools, and constituent units that make up Institut national de la recherche scientifique are listed below.
Unit 5 items
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement
- Centre Ruralités durables
- Centre Urbanisation Culture Société
- Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications
Faculties & Divisions
Institut national de la recherche scientifique's faculties, divisions, and subject specialisms are listed below.
Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie (Research Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health
- Biotechnology
Centre Eau Terre Environnement (Research Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Water
- Earth
- Environment
Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications (Research Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Energy
- Materials
- Telecommunications
Centre Urbanisation Culture Société (Research Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Urbanisation
- Culture
- Society
Centre Ruralités durables (Research Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Sustainable Rural Development
Programs Offered
Search and filter Institut national de la recherche scientifique's available programmes by degree level.
32 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Canada
Master's Degree 19 programmes
Showing 10 of 19.
Doctorate 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme
How to apply to Institut national de la recherche scientifique
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Institut national de la recherche scientifique, in five steps.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Institut national de la recherche scientifique runs 32 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Before applying to Institut national de la recherche scientifique, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Canada.
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3
Assemble your application package
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Institut national de la recherche scientifique's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Submit your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.inrs.ca). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 418-654-4677. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Institut national de la recherche scientifique
Below are key facts about Institut national de la recherche scientifique, drawn directly from institutional records.
In what year was Institut national de la recherche scientifique established?
Institut national de la recherche scientifique was founded in 1969 (approximately 57 years ago).
In which city is Institut national de la recherche scientifique?
Institut national de la recherche scientifique is based in Québec, Canada.
Is Institut national de la recherche scientifique public or private?
Institut national de la recherche scientifique operates as a public institution.
What degrees does Institut national de la recherche scientifique offer?
Institut national de la recherche scientifique offers master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Institut national de la recherche scientifique's academic structure?
Institut national de la recherche scientifique is organised into 5 academic units across its disciplines.
What is Institut national de la recherche scientifique's official website?
You can find Institut national de la recherche scientifique online at www.inrs.ca.
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