Top Universities in Montreal, Canada for International Students

Montreal, a spirited city in Quebec, Canada, is renowned for its academic excellence, cultural richness, and dynamic student life. As one of the leading educational hubs in North America, Montreal offers a range of top-tier universities and programs, attracting students from around the globe to study in Canada. 

The city is celebrated for its bilingual environment, with both English and French being widely spoken, enhancing the academic and cultural experience. Students benefit from Montreal’s lively arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and numerous festivals, all set against a beautiful, historic cityscape. 

The city’s reputation for high-quality education, affordable living costs, and welcoming atmosphere makes it a prime destination for higher education.

Key Highlights:

Why Study in Montreal?

Montreal is a premier study destination renowned for its top-tier universities, vibrant cultural scene, and excellent career prospects. With a rich academic environment, a welcoming multicultural atmosphere, and a strong job market, the city offers a unique blend of educational excellence and diverse experiences. 

Montreal attracts international students because of its affordable living costs, bilingual environment, and numerous personal and professional growth opportunities.

Here are the top 5 Reasons to Study in Montreal:

• World-Class Universities: According to QS World University Rankings 2025, McGill University is ranked #29 globally, highlighting Montreal's strong academic reputation. Source: QS World University Rankings.
• Affordable Education: As reported by Universities Canada, tuition fees for international students in Montreal range between INR 13,00,000 -  INR 35,00,000  (CAD 15,600  - CAD 42,900) annually, making it a cost-effective choice compared to other major North American cities. 
• Cultural Diversity: According to Montreal International, the city is home to over 120 cultural communities, and 20% of the population speaks multiple languages, providing a rich multicultural environment. 
• High Quality of Life: In 2023, Mercer ranked Montreal as the 8th best city in the world for quality of life, with high safety standards and an affordable cost of living.
• Strong Job Market: The Montreal Economic Institute reports that the city’s job market is robust, especially in the technology and engineering sectors, offering ample opportunities for graduates.

Which are the Top Universities in Montreal?

Montreal is home to several prestigious universities renowned for their academic excellence and research contributions. These institutions offer a diverse range of programs and have earned global recognition for their high education standards.

Here’s a look at the top 3 universities in Montreal for international students:

Note: Tuition fees are approximate and may vary depending on the course and exchange rates.

What are the Top Courses in Montreal?

Montreal offers various sought-after courses that align with the city's academic strengths and industry demands. Key fields include 

• Engineering
• Business
• Computer Science
• Health Sciences
• Arts

Undergraduate programs typically span 3-4 years, while postgraduate degrees generally take 1-2 years to complete.

Here are the top 10 courses available in Montreal:

What are the Admission Requirements in Montreal?

Montreal is home to several prestigious universities, making it a popular destination for international students. Applicants must meet specific academic qualifications, demonstrate language proficiency, and fulfil additional prerequisites to gain admission. 

What are the General Requirements of Universities in Montreal?

• Academic Transcripts:
  • Applicants must provide official transcripts from their previous educational institutions. 
• Standardised Test Scores:
  • Depending on the program, applicants may need to submit standardised test scores such as:
    • GRE: Commonly required for graduate programs, especially in science and engineering fields.
    • GMAT: Required for business and management-related programs. 
• Language Proficiency Scores:
  • For non-native English speakers, demonstrating language proficiency is crucial. Commonly accepted tests include:
    • IELTS: Minimum score requirements vary but generally range from 6.5 to 7.0.
    • TOEFL: A minimum score of 88-100 is typically required.

If you want to score high in the IELTS exam, sign up and start preparing today! 

What are the Documents Required for Universities in Montreal?

• Letters of Recommendation:
  • Most programs require 2-3 letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can attest to the applicant's academic capabilities, work experience, or character. 
• Statement of Purpose (SOP):
  • A well-crafted SOP outlining the applicant's academic goals, reasons for choosing the specific program, and future aspirations is essential. 
• Essays or Personal Statements:
  • Some programs may require additional essays or personal statements that delve into specific topics related to the applicant's chosen field of study.
• Portfolio (if applicable):
  • A portfolio showcasing the applicant's work is often required for programs in fields like architecture, design, or fine arts.
• Passport Copy:
  • A valid passport copy is necessary to verify the applicant's identity and nationality.

What are the Visa Requirements for Universities in Montreal?

• Necessary Documentation:
  • After receiving an acceptance letter from a university, students must apply for a study permit (student visa). 
• Application Timeline:
  • To account for processing times, it is advisable to apply for a study permit at least 3-6 months before the program's intended start date.
• Visa Interview Process (if applicable):
  • Some applicants may be required to attend a visa interview to demonstrate their intent to study and return to their home country after completing their education.

Work Permit (if applicable):

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • After completing their studies, international students may be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to gain work experience in Canada. 
• Application Process:
  • The PGWP application must be submitted within 180 days of receiving the final marks from the university.
• Duration and Limitations:
  • The duration of the work permit depends on the length of the study program and can range from 8 months to 3 years. 

What is the Cost of Studying in Montreal?

Studying in Montreal involves various costs, including tuition fees and living expenses. The tuition fees for different programs can vary significantly depending on the level of study and the university. Additionally, living expenses in Montreal need careful planning due to the city's diverse cost range.

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate tuition fees for different levels of study.

What is the Cost of Living in Montreal?

Living expenses in Montreal are an essential consideration for international students. The cost varies based on lifestyle and accommodation choices but can generally be managed within the city's reasonable living costs.

Below is an estimate of the monthly living costs.

Note: The approximate amounts may vary depending on the course and exchange rates.

What are the Top Jobs in Montreal?

Montreal's job market is dynamic and diverse, offering ample opportunities in various sectors such as technology, finance, and healthcare. The city’s resonant cultural scene and relatively lower cost of living than other major Canadian cities contribute to its appeal. 

Graduates typically secure jobs within 3-6 months, benefiting from Montreal's growing economy and robust job market. The city is known for its collaborative work culture and strong emphasis on innovation and creativity.

Here are the top Job Sectors and Average Salaries in Montreal:

Note: The approximate amounts may vary depending on the course and exchange rates.

What are the Top Recruiters in Montreal?

Montreal’s job market is supported by several leading companies that offer significant career opportunities across various industries. These top recruiters drive the city’s economic growth and provide diverse employment options.

Here are the top 5 Leading Recruiters in Montreal:

• Bombardier: Aerospace
• Hydro-Québec: Energy
• Cirque du Soleil: Entertainment
• McGill University: Education
• National Bank of Canada: Finance