Study in Montréal

QS Best Student Cities ranking: 14th

Montréal now ranks joint 14th in the 2023 edition of QS Best Student Cities. 

Montréal is multicultural, multilingual and is widely referred to as Canada’s “cultural capital”. It performs well across four of the six indicators assessed, ranking within the top 50 for all of them except affordability, its biggest drop in score.

Montréal is home to several of Canada's highest-ranking institutions, including McGill University (currently ranked joint 31^st in the world and first in Canada) and the Université de Montréal ( joint 116^th in the world, fifth in Canada). The city is also a regular contender in lists of the world’s best places to live – and it seems students agree: the city is in fact ranked 9th for the student view ranking indicator.

Montréal is celebrated by students for its arts and culture, as well as for its friendliness and diversity, which is likely not to come as a surprise. 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.

What’s your favorite thing about studying in Montréal? Share your experience.

Internationally ranked universities in Montréal 

More about Montréal

Montréal ranks well across all indicators compared with other top cities featured in the ranking. This is a significant feat for the Canadian city, considering other locations have serious advantages, such as great weather all-year-round. 

 To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

Why study in Montréal?

World class education

Montréal offers a plethora of study opportunities across disciplines. With top ranked universities such as McGill University and over 50 colleges, the city enjoys a great reputation as a world class study destination. 

Friendly student environment

Gaining the ninth spot worldwide for student view and ranking in the top 20 for desirability, Montréal is clearly well regarded among students. In fact, the city offers a safe environment with great public transportation and unique neighbourhoods for students to explore and relax in. Plus, the city is highly diverse, with plenty of cultural festivals taking place throughout the year.

A mix of old and new

Montréal is a great mix of old and new. Walking down its streets, you'll be able to get a feel of its history while also benefitting from its vibrant city life, home to a wealth of bars, restaurants, clubs, shops. It's safe to say you'll never get bored in Montréal.

What is the cost of living in Montréal?

Montréal ranks in the top 80 in the world for affordability, surpassing top ranked European cities as a cheap place for students to study.

According to Numbeo, a one bedroom apartment in the city center costs US$1,023 - 57 percent less than the average rent in London. Students can expect to spend US$869 in extra monthly costs.

Life & culture in Montréal

Ranking among the best in the world for student view and desirability, Montréal is a bustling cosmopolitan city, ideal for people looking to live a variety of experiences.

Named 'Canada's Cultural Capital' by Monocle, Montréal is the home of major cultural events all year round, such as jazz, film and comedy festivals. Moreover, thanks to its diverse population, Montrealers can enjoy cuisines from around the world on a daily basis, from the classic Canadian poutine to incredible seafood and ethnic flavours.

Careers in Montréal

Ranked 46th for employer activity, Montréal remains Quebec's center of several sectors, including tech, finance, retail, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, transportation and commerce.

Depending on your educational background, there are dozens of local and global firms based in the area that you'll be able to apply to. Bear in mind, knowing both English and French is a plus!