Montréal for students
Montréal is home to several of Canada's highest-ranking institutions, including McGill University (currently ranked 35th in the world and second in Canada) and the Université de Montréal (137th in the world, fifth in Canada).
The city has slipped two places in the 2019 edition of the QS Best Student Cities to sixth place. Despite this drop, it continues to be the highest-ranked city in North America.
Montréal performs well across five of the six indicators assessed, ranking within the top 50 for all of them except affordability.
The city is also a regular contender in lists of the world’s best places to live – and it seems students agree, with the city ranking 2nd in the student view indicator.
What’s your favorite thing about studying in Montréal? Share your experience.
Best universities in Montréal - QS Best Student Cities ranking: 6th
More about Montréal
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Study in Montréal Overview
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Number of universities ranked by QS
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3
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Highest-ranked institution
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McGill University (joint 31st in the world)
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Population
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4,099,000
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Average international fees (at ranked unis)
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US$12,200
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Desirability rank
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11th
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Employer Activity rank
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22nd
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Affordability rank
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68th
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Student View rank
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2nd
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To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Montréal?
Home to several world-class universities
Montréal contains three of the best universities in the world, including McGill University, which places joint 31st this year and is the oldest university in Montréal.
An international city
The city attracts students from all around the world and 29 percent of the city’s 100,100 students are international students.
Relatively low cost of living
Montréal has a lower cost of living than in other Canadian cities, such as Toronto, where prices are 24 percent higher than in Montréal.
It’s a top choice for students
Montréal was the second-best city in the world for students this year according to the student view indicator, which is based on a student survey.
It’s a cultural and vibrant city
With museums, restaurants, parks and arts venues, there’s plenty for students to do after lectures.
Cost of studying in Montréal
Montreal ranks 68th in the affordability indicator this year, with tuition fees costing students around US$12,200 per year.
According to Numbeo, a one bedroom apartment in Montréal’s city center will set you back around C$1,298.72 (approximately US$975). Prices in Montréal are approximately 24 percent lower than in Toronto.
If you’re in need of some financial support while studying in Montréal, we’ve rounded up a selection of scholarships for international students looking to study in Canada.
Life & culture in Montréal
Montréal is multicultural, multilingual and is widely referred to as Canada’s ‘culture capital’. The city is celebrated by students for its arts and culture, as well as for its friendliness and diversity.
As a French-speaking city in a largely English-speaking nation that has experienced mass immigration from across the world, Montréal is known for its multicultural makeup and inclusive ethos.
It’s also renowned for its laidback yet lively lifestyle, attractive boulevards, thriving creative industries, café culture, and eclectic range of arts venues, live performances and nightlife.
Career in Montréal
Montréal’s economy is one of the strongest in Canada, making prospects for graduates extremely positive. As a result, Montreal ranks 22nd in the employer activity indicator.
Popular industries across Montréal include aerospace, electronic goods, pharmaceuticals, software engineering, telecommunications, manufacturing and tourism.
To work in Montréal, you’ll need to obtain an open work permit or an employer-specific permit, which you can find out more on the Canadian government website.
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