With a picturesque landscape and a sophisticated romance language, Quebec is named as the “Europe” in North America. Students from different parts of the world are drawn to the humble province for excellent education and a conducive learning environment.

Let’s take a look at the best universities in Quebec for international students.

Is Quebec Good for International Students to Study In?

Quebec is an exceptional study destination that welcomes over 50,000 students from all over the world. It has some of the best universities in Canada that offer internationally recognized degree programs. Whether public or private, higher learning institutions are equipped with modern, state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories. The best part is these universities have affordable tuition fees! Study costs in Quebec are among the least expensive in North America.

Living in Quebec is affordable to students. Around 20 of the least expensive cities in Canada are found in Quebec. Students can prepare $600 for monthly accommodation, and another $500 to $600 for utilities, groceries, transportation, health insurance, and recreational activities.

Quebec is a bilingual province where people speak both English and French. Students have the opportunity to learn these languages and more from other international students from various parts of the world. French culture is deeply intertwined with Canada, too, so students also experience a unique blend of architecture and traditions. Furthermore, Quebec’s cultural scene offers year-round festivals, events, art exhibitions, carnivals, and much more.

Can International Students Work in Quebec While Studying?

Part of the authorization to study in Quebec is to demonstrate your capacity to shoulder tuition fees and living expenses without the need to work. You can still work in Quebec although there are a few limitations.

International students can work on campus as long as they continue studying full-time. Outside of the university, you usually have to obtain a work permit before engaging in part-time work. Only when you’re in selected industries can you work without any permit.

Check Also: Canada Programs for International Students

Can International Students Stay in Quebec After Graduation?

There are many career prospects in Quebec, so many international students choose to stay in the nation after graduation. It can be done through the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) that fast tracks the process of obtaining residency of foreign nationals. After completing a certain amount of years in study or work, they will be eligible for permanent residency in Quebec.

Best Universities in Quebec

1. McGill University

McGill University is the oldest learning institution in Montreal formed from the bequest of the Scottish merchant James McGill, whose name the university now bears. It is known to have established the first faculty of medicine in Canada in 1829. Through the decades, it became known to harbor several notable faculty and alumni, from 12 Nobel laureates, national leaders, inventors, scientists, and athletes.

McGill University is the best university in Quebec, for international students especially since it is one of the three universities that predominantly teach and operate in English. Of its 40,000 students, 24% come from different countries around the world. International students can find themselves among 11 faculties housed in nearly 300 buildings around the urban city.

2. University of Montreal (UdeM)

The University of Montreal, or Université de Montréal, is a French-language research university in the city after which it’s named. It is well-reputed as to pioneer of several renowned laboratories, such as the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, the Mila – Quebec AI Institute, and some of the most prestigious public-law research institutions. In addition to research, this top university in Quebec for international students offers quality higher education in 14 faculties across a wide variety of disciplines.

UdeM is also one of North America’s largest university complexes, with the expansive Mount Royal campus and five regional branches housing its state-of-the-art facilities. Over 9,500 international students study at UdeM for its research and teaching reputation, as well as the attractive student life.

3. Concordia University

Concordia University is another top university in Quebec because it is an excellent English-language research university. It was founded in 1974 from a merger of Sir George Williams University and Loyola College. As such, the university came to offer multiple faculties, from the arts to engineering to business and much more. Today, it is recognized for its flexible teaching approach and commitment to solving societal issues through both knowledge and compassion.

The Concordia community is anchored towards the same values they uphold in academics, so students can find an open, caring, and engaging environment. In addition, international students will enjoy LEED-certified campus buildings, high-tech laboratories, research centers, public art installations, and a number of architectural heritage buildings on campus.

4. Université Laval

Founded in 1663, the Université Laval is the oldest university in Canada and the first in North America to teach higher education in the French language. It is named after François de Montmorency-Laval, Quebec’s first Roman Catholic bishop. While a classical university, Université Laval is one of the most innovative higher learning institutions in Canada. It is active with industry and technology partners and manages some of the most significant research and innovation centers in North America.

Its reputation in many fields precedes the university’s name, but Université Laval is also regarded for its international outlook. It welcomes around 7,000 international students from over 120 different countries who choose the progressive culture of the university.

5. Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

The Université du Québec à Montréal is a public French-language university. It was founded from a merger of a classical college, a fine arts school, and several smaller schools in Montreal. This top university in Quebec comprises six faculties in the arts, education, communication, sciences, social sciences, and political science and law. In addition, the university manages institutes and research centers for a variety of specializations, including fashion, languages, and environmental sciences.

Today, UQAM harbors nearly 4,000 international students from its overall student body of 40,000. The number increases every year as the university strengthens partnerships and international agreements with about 70 countries globally. With this strong international presence, UQAM is truly addressing global ethical, environmental, and social issues.

 

We hope that this article on the best universities in Quebec for international students was helpful. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Canada Programs for International Students.

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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