Higher education in Montreal, Quebec 2024

The higher education in Montreal for the foreign students is a great opportunity to obtain high quality education, oriented at practice at affordable prices. In terms of education and quality of life, Canada is not far behind the world leaders – the UK and the USA, but the cost is much lower here.

Canada is gifted with many natural wonders: travelling, you will discover dazzling sandy beaches and Arctic tundra, mountain ranges, wheat prairies, forests, sparkling lakes and rocky shores. Tourists get special inspiration from the hospitality of local residents, a variety of cultural events, as well as man–made attractions - the Calgary Stampede Festival in the park of the same name, Jasper Park, Banff Ski Resort and, of course, Niagara Falls.

There are 6 major universities in Montreal, as well as a dozen colleges and many language schools. There are 4.4 students per 100 residents of the city, which is the highest concentration of students in North America. Canada's oldest university, McGill University, is one of the most international, with 20 percent of its students being foreign. Among its graduates are astronauts, Nobel Prize and Oscar winners, and even basketball inventor James Naismith.

The University of Montreal (Université de Montréal) is one of the largest universities in the world, in which teaching is conducted in French. The university has a well-known language school. The Université de Montréal is also known for nuclear research. Montreal is home to the largest francophone university in the world — the University of Quebec in Montreal (Université du Québec à Montréal). The University of Laval has taught several dozen future politicians and prime ministers of Canada.

Montreal stands out as a bilingual city, ideal for students wishing to master both English and French. Its inclusion in various rankings as one of the most livable cities worldwide is attributed to its comfortable lifestyle, efficient transport infrastructure, scenic parks, and vibrant street life with numerous cafes and restaurants. The city, known for its rich cultural life, including major festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival and Film Festival, has earned the title of "city of design" from UNESCO.

Why International Students Choose Montreal for Higher Education

As a student-centric and multicultural city, Montreal provides an easy adjustment for international learners. Its connections with other major Canadian and some U.S. cities through modern highways make it convenient for travel and exploration. University campuses are nestled in green areas, surrounded by over 350 parks, adding to the city's appeal. The distinct seasonal changes, from summer beach outings and national park visits to winter sports near beautiful ski resorts, enrich the student experience.

Affordable Living in Montreal

In comparison to other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Ottawa, Montreal offers slightly lower housing costs. It's common for international students to share apartments, making it a cost-effective option.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

• University of Montreal

Established in 1878, the University of Montreal is a renowned non-profit state higher education institution. Known for its extensive research activities, it ranks 3rd in Canada and 36th globally in reputation. It offers a range of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs in various fields. Approximately 40-50% of applicants are accepted annually. The university stands out as the 85th best in the world for higher education.

• McGill University

McGill University, founded in 1821, is a public higher education institution located in the urban setting of Montreal, Quebec. It's celebrated for its exceptional research programs and offers a variety of courses across several disciplines.

• Concordia University

Since its founding in 1974, Concordia University has redefined higher education with its commercial approach, innovative experiential learning, and research. It is also known for its creative online education programs. The university's admission policy focuses primarily on students' academic history and offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in several fields.

The cost of higher education in Montreal varies among institutions. Fees for universities in Montreal are generally more affordable compared to similar institutions in other major cities. The exact fees depend on the chosen program and level of study, making it essential for prospective students to research specific higher education institutions in Montreal for detailed fee structures.