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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

 

Did You Know? Montreal has been ranked as the 10th best city in the world for international students in 2025 by QS Best Student Cities.

 

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:

 

CategoryDetails
No. of Universities in Montreal4 recognised universities
Approximate Annual Study Cost in MontrealINR 13,00,000 -  INR 35,00,000  (CAD 15,600  - CAD 42,900)
Approximate Monthly Cost of Living in MontrealINR 1,01,000 - INR 1,60,000 (CAD 1,210 - CAD 1,900)
Minimum IELTS Score Required6.5
Minimum TOEFL Score Required80
Top 3 Universities
  • McGill University (QS #29)
  • Université de Montréal (QS #159)
  • Concordia University (QS #415)
Top 3 Study Fields
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Computer Science
Salary RangeINR 4,000,000 - INR 6,500,000 (CAD 48,000 - CAD 78,000)

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:

 

Name of UniversityQS World Ranking 2025Approximate Annual Tuition Fee
McGill University#29INR 30,00,000 (CAD 36,000)
Université de Montréal (UdeM)#159INR 22,00,000 (CAD 26,000)
Concordia University#415INR 20,00,000 (CAD 24,000)

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:

 

Name of CourseRelated University/InstitutionDuration
Bachelor of MathematicsUniversité de Montréal (UdeM)3 years
Bachelor of Computer ScienceConcordia University4 years
Master of Business Administration (MBA)McGill University2 years
Master of Science in Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversité de Montréal (UdeM)1.5 years
Master Of Engineering ( Meng) In Electrical And Computer EngineeringConcordia University2 years

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:
  • 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.

 

Program LevelApproximate Annual Fees
Undergraduate ProgramsINR 13,00,000 - INR 22,00,000 (CAD 15,600 - CAD 27,000)
Postgraduate ProgramsINR 15,00,000 - INR 30,00,000 (CAD 18,300 - CAD 36,600)
Doctoral ProgramsINR 17,00,000 - INR 35,00,000 (CAD 20,800 - CAD 42,900)

 

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.

 

ExpenseApproximate Monthly Cost
FoodINR 25,000 - INR 35,000 (CAD 300 - CAD 420)
RentINR 50,000 - INR 85,000 (CAD 600 - CAD 1,000)
TransportINR 8,000 - INR 12,000 (CAD 95 - CAD 145)
Other ExpensesINR 18,000 - INR 28,000 (CAD 215 - CAD 335)
Total CostINR 1,01,000 - INR 1,60,000 (CAD 1,210 - CAD 1,900)

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:

 

Job SectorAverage Salary
TechnologyINR 65,00,000 (CAD 80,000)
FinanceINR 60,00,000 (CAD 75,000)
HealthcareINR 55,00,000 (CAD 68,000)
EngineeringINR 62,50,000 (CAD 78,000)
EducationINR 50,00,000 (CAD 62,000)

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

10

 results

Trebas Institute - Montreal

Montreal, canada

Overview

Programs Offered

6

1st Year Tuition Fees

from ₹17.13 L

Duration

24 Months

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Admissions

Min. IELTS Score

6.0

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HEC Montreal

Montreal, canada

Overview

Programs Offered

12

1st Year Tuition Fees

from ₹14.60 L

Duration

16 Months

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Admissions

Min. IELTS Score

7.0

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Overview

Programs Offered

1

1st Year Tuition Fees

from ₹14.53 L

Duration

18 Months

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Admissions

Min. IELTS Score

6.5

Upcoming Intake

DEC 2024

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University of Montreal

Montreal, canada

Overview

Programs Offered

24

1st Year Tuition Fees

from ₹9.78 L

Duration

36 Months

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LaSalle College - Montreal

Montreal, canada

Overview

Programs Offered

86

1st Year Tuition Fees

from ₹8.81 L

Duration

24 Months

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Admissions

Min. IELTS Score

5.5

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Overview

Programs Offered

2

1st Year Tuition Fees

from ₹8.74 L

Duration

12 Months

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Admissions

Min. IELTS Score

5.5

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McGill University

Montreal, canada

Overview

Programs Offered

73

1st Year Tuition Fees

from ₹8.70 L

Duration

12 Months

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Admissions

Min. IELTS Score

6.5

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Polytechnique Montréal

Montreal, canada

Overview

Programs Offered

1

1st Year Tuition Fees

from ₹3.96 L

Duration

24 Months

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Admissions

Min. IELTS Score

6.5

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Kensley College

Montreal, canada

Overview

Programs Offered

7

Duration

24 Months

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Min. IELTS Score

6.0

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Concordia University

Montreal, canada

Overview

Programs Offered

95

Duration

24 Months

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Admissions

Min. IELTS Score

6.5

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