Study in Montreal, Canada

About Montreal

Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and Canada's main French-speaking metropolis. Statistics Canada estimates the population of the Montréal census metropolitan area at 4,597,837 on 1 July 2025. French is the common language of daily life, while English is widely spoken, and the city's universities and colleges teach in both languages.

For international students, Montreal offers a large choice of universities, colleges and language schools in one city, with the option of studying in French, in English or in both. The Quebec government states that tuition fees for international students and the cost of living in Quebec are among the lowest in North America.

Studying in Montreal

Our directory lists 18 schools in Montreal: four universities, eight cégeps, four language schools, an art school and a private secondary school. In Quebec, college and university teaching may be given in French or in English, so check the language of each programme.

• McGill University is an English-language public university founded in 1821. International students from more than 150 countries make up nearly 30% of its student body.
• Concordia University, also English-language, has about 50,000 students, including more than 11,000 international students.
• The Université de Montréal (UdeM), founded in 1878, teaches in French and, with its affiliated schools HEC Montréal and Polytechnique Montréal, forms the largest higher-education hub in Quebec.
• The Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) is a French-language university in the city centre with 4,994 international students from 94 countries, according to its own figures.

Cégeps are a feature of the Quebec system that does not exist elsewhere in Canada. Pre-university programmes last two years and prepare for university; technical programmes generally last three years and lead to work or, with the right prerequisites, to university. Both lead to the Diploma of College Studies (DCS, or DEC in French). Most cégeps in our directory, such as the Cégep du Vieux Montréal, the Collège de Maisonneuve and the Cégep de Rosemont, teach in French, while Dawson College teaches in English.

Montreal is also a place to learn English or French. ILSC teaches both languages in Montreal, and Montreal Language Studies (MLS), the Montreal International Language Centre and Multicultural Academy Canada are also in our directory. College Prep International, founded in 1944, is a private English-language school for younger students.

Cost of living and study permits

A monthly STM pass for bus and métro in zone A costs $110 at the regular fare. Full-time students at an institution recognised by the Quebec Ministry of Education pay the reduced fare of $66 a month with a student OPUS card with photo.

No official figure for typical student rents in Montreal is published; the universities list the cost of their residences on their own websites. To study in Quebec for more than six months, international students need two documents: a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies, issued by the Quebec government, and a study permit, issued by the Government of Canada (application fee CAN$150). During regular terms, eligible students can work off campus up to 24 hours per week.

French students can be exempted from differential tuition fees or pay preferential rates, and Quebec has student mobility agreements with some 40 countries that give exemptions to a set number of university students. Students should ask the exemption office in their own country whether a quota exists.

Getting around and daily life

The STM runs the métro and bus network across the island of Montreal, and the 747 bus links Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) with downtown. With métro and buses, most students manage without a car.

Summers bring festivals and outdoor events, and winters are long and snowy. Students who do not speak French will find that learning some helps in everyday life and when looking for part-time work.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English in Montreal?

Yes. McGill University, Concordia University and Dawson College teach in English. The Université de Montréal, UQAM and most cégeps teach in French.

What is a cégep?

A cégep is a Quebec college that offers two-year pre-university programmes and technical programmes that generally last three years. Both lead to the Diploma of College Studies (DEC).

Do I need a CAQ to study in Montreal?

Yes, for a programme of more than six months. You need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies from the Quebec government and then a study permit from the Government of Canada.

How much does public transport cost for students in Montreal?

A monthly STM pass costs $110 at the regular fare and $66 at the reduced fare for full-time students with a photo OPUS card.