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Key points of the article
- Going to study in Montreal requires you to anticipate the procedures at least 12 months in advance.
- The Quebec education system is home to world-class educational institutions.
- The IRCC study permit and the Quebec CAQ are two mandatory and distinct authorizations.
- The monthly budget for studying in Quebec varies between 1,500 and 2,200 CAD depending on the lifestyle.
- International students can work while studying without a separate work permit.
- Financial aid for students exists, including scholarships and loans.
- Staying in Quebec after your studies is possible thanks to dedicated immigration channels.
Each year, more than 30,000 international students choose to study in Montreal, attracted by world-class Canadian universities, a bilingual city and a much lower cost of living than Toronto or Vancouver. But how can this project be transformed into a concrete reality? Between immigration procedures and study permits, the admission process at Montreal universities, and the expected cost of studies, there are many steps.
This comprehensive guide is intended for French and international students who want to study in Quebec and build their project with peace of mind. It covers the entire course: understanding the Quebec education system, choosing your institution from HEC Montréal, McGill, Concordia or Polytechnique Montréal, preparing your admission file, obtaining entry permits, managing your budget and finding student accommodation in Montreal.
], making it an exceptional destination for an enriching study trip. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare for your departure in the best conditions.
Quebec Education and School System
The education system in Quebec has its own structure, distinct from the rest of Canada. Before leaving to study in Montreal, understanding its organization avoids many surprises upon arrival.
The system is divided into several successive levels:
- Secondary : equivalent to French high school, up to Secondary 5
- CEGEP : pre-university level unique in Quebec, non-existent in France
- University bachelor's degree : 3 years, accessible directly after the French bac
- Mastery : 1 to 2 years, equivalent to a master's degree
- Doctorate : postgraduate, often funded
For a French student, university entrance is made directly in the first year of the Quebec baccalaureate, without going through CÉGEP. This shortcut represents one of the concrete advantages of studying in Quebec. Education in Quebec values teaching in French, which is a decisive asset for Francophones who want to evolve in a North American environment while staying in their language.
The main universities in Montreal
Montreal is home to several major public institutions, each with its own specialties:
- University of Montreal (UdeM): main French-speaking university, ideal in medicine, law or human sciences
- HEC Montreal : Grande école de gestion affiliated to UdeM, a reference in business and management
- Polytechnique Montreal : engineering school attached to UdeM, excellence in engineering and innovation
- McGill University : an English-speaking university with a global reputation, in the rankings of the best Canadian universities
- Concordia University : bilingual university, strong in arts, design, communication and business
- ÉTS (École de Technologie Supérieure): specialized in applied engineering, very popular with engineers
To choose between these institutions, assess the language of instruction, tuition fees for international students, and degree recognition in your sector. See our ranking of the best Canadian universities to compare these establishments in detail.
Structure of Degrees and Programs
The Quebec university system is organized into three cycles: the bachelor's degree (3 years, equivalent to the bachelor's degree), the master's degree (1 to 2 years, equivalent to the master's degree) and the doctorate. The programs are organized by credits: a bachelor's degree generally represents 90 credits, which allows international students to personalize their course, to change their concentration or to follow a double specialization.
Admission Process at Montreal Universities
Applying for admission to a Montreal institution requires method and good planning. Each institution sets its own criteria, but some elements are common to all applications.
The University of Montreal details the first 4 steps to take to study in Montreal, a useful reference point for international students starting their research.
Admission Criteria and Required Documents
A solid admission file generally includes:
- Transcripts officials from the last three school years
- Degrees and certificates : bac, L1/L2 depending on the target level
- Motivation letter and letters of recommendation (1 to 3 depending on the establishment)
- Curriculum vitae academic and professional
- Proof of language proficiency : IELTS or TOEFL for English programs, DELF B2 if your high school studies were done in another language
To study at McGill or Concordia, tests in English are required. For HEC Montréal or UdeM, fluency in French is generally sufficient for a French student, which is a significant advantage for studying in Quebec without additional procedures.
Calendar and Registration Deadlines
The main deadlines to remember are as follows:
- September-November : opening of application portals
- December-January : deadline for bachelor's degree applications
- February-March : deadline for master's and doctoral degrees
- March-April : sending acceptance letters
- Upon receipt of the letter : launch of student visa and CAQ procedures
The golden rule: start your procedures at least 12 months before your scheduled start of university. The processing times for the study permit and the CAQ are added to the admission deadlines and leave no margin for latecomers.
Immigration Procedures and Study Permits
Immigration procedures for international students to Canada involve two separate authorizations. Many students confuse them, leading to costly delays.
The Canadian government releases a comprehensive guide for international students which details the steps for obtaining permission to study in Canada.
IRCC Study Permit Application
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) manages the study permit, which is mandatory for any program longer than 6 months. Here are the steps to follow:
- Receive the acceptance letter from your institution
- Get the CAQ (see next section)
- Create an account on the IRCC portal and fill out the IMM 1294 form
- Pay the processing fee (around 150 CAD) and provide biometric data
- Wait for the decision (6 to 12 weeks depending on the period)
To get your student visa quickly, file your application online as soon as you receive the acceptance letter and make sure that all the documents are complete as soon as you first send it. HEC Montréal offers a detailed guide for applying for a study permit with the precise list of documents to be prepared.
Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
The CAQ is a provincial authorization separate from the federal study permit. Anyone wishing to study in Quebec must obtain it before submitting their application to IRCC. The application is submitted on the portal of the Quebec Ministry of Immigration (MIFI), for approximately 117 CAD. The processing time is 3 to 5 weeks in normal periods.
This dual process (provincial CAQ and then federal permit) is one of the specificities of the study stay in Quebec compared to other Canadian provinces. Integrate these two steps from the start of your calendar to avoid delays upon arrival.
Quebec Selection Process
Since 2024, certain quota rules have applied to students outside Canada. The number of international students accepted is capped in some programs and institutions, making file preparation even more crucial. An incomplete or late application is unlikely to succeed in this more selective context. The help of a specialized student immigration counsellor can make a difference.
Cost of Studies and Expected Budget
The cost of studying in Montreal for international students is often underestimated. The city remains one of the cheapest in North America, but tuition fees for international students are a major expense.
Destination Universities Quebec publishes official statistics on study costs for each type of program and student status.
Tuition and Additional Fees
Here is an estimate of annual tuition fees for international students:
- UdeM (baccalaureate): 16,000 to 22,000 CAD
- HEC Montréal (MBA): 25,000 to 40,000 CAD depending on the program
- Polytechnique Montreal : 18,000 to 24,000 CAD in engineering
- McGill University : 20,000 to 35,000 CAD
- ÉTS: 15,000 to 20,000 CAD (among the cheapest)
In addition to these tuition fees, there are current living expenses. For a realistic budget in Montreal, count between 1,500 and 2,200 CAD per month, all expenses combined. Consult our detailed guide to the cost of living in Montreal for a precise distribution post by post.
Monthly Living Budget in Montreal
Here is a monthly estimate for an international student:
- Rent (shared apartment): 700 to 1,100 CAD
- Feeding : 300 to 450 CAD
- Transport (OPUS card): 55 to 100 CAD
- Telephone, internet and leisure : 160 to 280 CAD
- Complementary health insurance : 50 to 100 CAD
The Government of Quebec provides official data on tuition fees and living costs which make it possible to refine this estimate according to your city of study and your lifestyle.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
Several sources of funding exist for international students wishing to study in Quebec:
- Excellence scholarships from the Government of Quebec for international students
- University grants based on academic criteria, proposed for admission
- Eiffel grants (France) for masters and doctorates in partner institutions
- Campus France : official agency centralizing financial aid for French students
- Financial aid for studies (AFE): Quebec loan and scholarship program, available under certain conditions
Proficiency in French opens access to specific grants reserved for French-speaking speakers. A solid application filed early maximizes the chances of obtaining financing.
Housing and Student Life in Montreal
Finding student housing is often the first major practical step after admission. Student life in Montreal is intense and multicultural, which facilitates the integration of newcomers.
Housing Options: Residences and Apartments
The options for housing in Montreal are numerous:
- University residences : to be booked upon admission, places are limited
- Colocation : very common economic solution, with rents shared between 2 and 4 people
- Studio or apartment only : between 950 and 1,400 CAD per month depending on the neighborhood
- Homestays : ideal for integrating quickly and practising French
The most popular neighborhoods for students are Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont, Côte-des-Neiges and Mile End. Consult our complete guide to finding an apartment in Montreal to find out which platforms are reliable and which pitfalls to avoid.
Before signing a remote lease, be vigilant: rental scams often target international students who are looking for accommodation from abroad. Our article on foreign apartment rental scams will help you spot red flags.
Transport, Mobility and Social Life
Montreal has an efficient public transport network managed by the STM. The student OPUS card gives access to the subway and buses for around 55 CAD per month. The city is also very cyclable thanks to the BIXI network, making it one of the North American cities where the car is not essential, a real advantage for the student budget.
On the social level, universities offer dozens of associations, sports clubs and cultural events. Welcome weeks are the perfect opportunity to meet other international students and locals. French-speaking neighborhoods like the Plateau offer authentic Quebec immersion, while the McGill or Concordia campuses allow you to practice English on a daily basis. This linguistic duality is one of the particularities of the study stay in Montreal.
Health Insurance and Medical Coverage
Health coverage is an aspect that is often overlooked before departure. Without adequate insurance, medical care in Canada can be very expensive for an international student.
Health coverage for international students
Foreign students do not automatically have access to the Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ). French students benefit from a reciprocity agreement: after 3 months of residence, they can register at RAMQ under certain conditions. Pending registration, private insurance is mandatory. It must cover hospitalizations and emergency care, medical consultations, prescription drugs and basic dental care according to the formula chosen.
Anticipate this subscription before you leave. Compare the offers available via our insurance comparison for expatriate students to choose the coverage adapted to your profile.
Compulsory Group Insurance Plan
Most Quebec universities require their students to subscribe to a group insurance plan managed by student associations. If you already have equivalent coverage, you can apply for an exemption online in the first few weeks after school. Inquire directly with your university's student services to find out the deadlines and procedures specific to your institution.
Work While Studying in Canada
Working while studying is a reality for many French students in Montreal. It is an effective way to finance part of the stay while gaining local professional experience.
Conditions and Resources for Finding a Job
Since November 2024, international students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during semesters, and full-time during school vacations. Work on campus is not subject to any time restrictions. A separate work permit is not required if your study permit mentions authorization to work, check this mention before you arrive.
To find a job, several resources are available: university career center portals, Indeed Canada, LinkedIn, and Jobillico for local positions. A French student who is fluent in French and English has a highly sought-after profile in Montreal, especially in the restaurant, retail, hotel and computer services industries.
Administrative steps before departure
Preparing to leave to study in Montreal cannot be improvised. A complete checklist of administrative procedures avoids oversights that can complicate your first months on site. Our departure checklist for Canada offers you a frame of reference that is also adapted to students.
Bank Account, Insurance and Documents
Opening a Canadian bank account upon arrival is essential. Major banks offer free student accounts: National Bank, Desjardins, TD Canada Trust and BMO. To open, prepare your passport, study permit, proof of address in Quebec and your Social Insurance Number (SIN), to be requested from Service Canada upon arrival.
Before departure, also take out health insurance covering the first 3 months prior to registering with RAMQ, with a repatriation guarantee and civil liability if possible. Some expatriation support platforms offer complete packs containing these covers.
Finally, create a physical and digital file with: valid passport, original CAQ and study permits, acceptance letter, certified transcripts, financial supporting documents, housing contract and health insurance certificate. Scan and save each document in the cloud for access from any device in case of loss.
Health and Medical Preparedness
No vaccination is required to enter Canada, but updating the usual vaccination schedule is strongly recommended. Consult your primary physician at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to departure. Remember to carry a sufficient stock of your usual treatments, as some medications are not available under the same names in Quebec.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What budget should I plan to study in Montreal?
Count between 16,000 and 35,000 CAD per year for tuition fees depending on the university and program, plus 18,000 to 26,000 CAD for annual living expenses. The total annual budget generally varies between 34,000 and 61,000 CAD. Our guide to the cost of living in Montreal details each expense item.
How do I get a study permit in Canada?
You must first receive a letter of acceptance from a designated institution, then obtain the Quebec CAQ, and finally submit your application online on the IRCC portal. The fee is approximately 150 CAD and the processing time is 6 to 12 weeks.
What are the admission procedures in Quebec universities?
The request is made directly online on the portal of each university. Transcripts, letters of recommendation, motivation letter, and linguistic evidence must be provided. Deadlines vary from November to January for bachelor's degrees, and until March for graduate studies.
Can you work while studying in Montreal?
Yes. International students with a valid study permit can work up to 24 hours per week during semesters and full-time during vacations, without additional work permits. Work on campus is not subject to any time restrictions.
What health insurance should you take out to study in Quebec?
French students can access the RAMQ after 3 months of residence. In the meantime, private insurance covering emergency care, hospitalization and repatriation is essential. Compare options on our expatriation insurance comparison.
How does the Quebec school system work?
The education system in Quebec includes three university cycles: bachelor's degree (3 years), master's degree (1-2 years) and doctorate. French students enter the baccalaureate directly after the bac, without going through CÉGEP. Teaching in French is the norm in French-speaking universities.
How much time in advance should you start the process?
Start at least 12 months before the intended start of school. The deadlines for admission, obtaining the CAQ and the study permit go on and on and require several months. A departure scheduled for September must be prepared as early as September of the previous year.
Conclusion: Ready to study in Montreal?
Going to study in Montreal is an ambitious project, but perfectly accessible with the right preparation. This comprehensive guide took you through all the major steps: understanding the education system in Quebec, preparing your admission file, obtaining the CAQ and the study permit, anticipating the cost of studies, finding housing and organizing your student life. Each step counts, and each respected deadline brings you closer to your return to school.
A study trip to Quebec offers much more than an internationally recognized degree: it is an immersion in a unique French-speaking North American culture, prospects of staying in Quebec after studies via dedicated immigration programs, and an international professional network. To go further, Discover our complete guide to studying in Canada after high school and explore Our Montreal landing page for personalized support at each stage of your project.
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