A total of 59,700 international students study in Quebec, listing it third among Canadian provinces with the most international students. Educational institutions in Quebec welcome over 25,000 international students every year. Students come to study in Quebec for the modern facilities, various study programs, low tuition rates, peaceful living environment, and internationally recognized diplomas.Â
Newcomers to Quebec are struck by the rich mix of French, European, and Indigenous cultures. Although many locals are fluent in French and English, Quebec’s official language is French.Â
Study at University of Fredricton
The University of Fredericton (UFred) is a private institution established in 2005 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, that offers online, high-quality, and affordable education for students from all across ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and the world
Reasons to Study Abroad in Quebec, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø
As one of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s safest urban centers, Quebec offers an exceptional quality of life and an affordable cost of living.Â
Here are a few reasons to study abroad in Quebec:
Affordable Education
Compared to industrialized provinces like Ontario, tuition fees in Quebec are 20% to 25% lower at $6,000 to $7,000 a semester, depending on the university. Quebec is one of the most affordable education destinations for students studying abroad, as Canadian tuition fees are already lower than those in other popular study-abroad destinations like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Culturally Unique
The province is home to a vibrant live music scene and boundary-breaking art culture. With more than 400 cultural events held throughout the year, Quebec hosts the world’s largest winter festival, Carnaval du Québec, and the summer musical extravaganza Festival d’été de Québec. Many international students are enrolling in top Quebec universities and colleges because it is well-known for being where students feel welcome.
Quebec Experience Program
Quebec’s Government encourages foreign workers and international students to stay permanently in the province after post-secondary education. Two categories of applicants can obtain permanent residence through the Quebec Experience Program. After completing a period of qualified work or approved studies, international students and temporary foreign workers can apply for permanent residence in Quebec.
List of Universities
Quebec is home to many top-ranked and globally recognized universities.Â
Here is a list of universities in Quebec, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø:
Laval University
The oldest French-language university in North America, Laval University, founded in 1663, is a cornerstone of Quebec City. More than 47,000 students attend the university, which has 220 student organizations. The university has a large, “American-style” campus with 60% green space and wooded areas. The university is internationally recognized for science, engineering, and sustainability development.
University of Montreal
The University of Montreal is affiliated with Polytechnique Montreal, HEC Montreal, an engineering and business school. There are over 70,000 students across campus and programs. Courses and programs at the Université de Montréal lead to officially recognized higher education degrees, including bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorates.
McGill University
A leading university worldwide, McGill University is one of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s most prestigious universities. More than 150 countries are represented among the university’s international students, representing nearly 30% of the total population. Among the top world university ranking systems, McGill University is ranked in numerous global university rankings.
Concordia University
Concordia University, located in Montreal, among the world’s top ten student cities (QS 2022), offers small classes, accessible professors, and affordable tuition. Concordia enrolls approximately 45,915 students; they split their time between its downtown Montreal campus and its residential neighborhood campus. The university offers endless opportunities with over 400 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs.Â
Top Student Cities
Quebec ranks just outside the top 50 for student mix despite its size and diversity.Â
Here are some of the top student cities in Quebec, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø:
Quebec City
UNESCO has designated Québec City as a World Heritage Site for its rich history and European charm. In addition to offering a high quality of life and affordable cost of living, the city is among ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s safest urban centers. The spectacular natural surroundings of Québec complement the city’s cultural and economic vitality.
Montreal
Among the top destinations for international students worldwide, Montreal was named the most desirable Canadian city for students. Based on QS World University Rankings, Montreal scores 88/100 for the quality of its universities. Montreal lists three universities in global university rankings, including McGill, Concordia University, and the University of Montreal.
Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke is rich in cultural diversity, thanks to the more than 130 ethnic communities that call it home. It is the first “merged city” in Quebec to adopt an immigration policy that welcomes and integrates newcomers. With over 15,000 citizens of immigrant origin, 50% of whom are refugees, Sherbrooke is Quebec’s third-largest immigration center.
Accommodation Options
As an international student, your institution can help you find the best on-campus and off-campus accommodation options. However, some accommodation types include:
- On-campus. Many Canadian schools offer dormitories, residence halls, and student townhouses. As an international student, you might find making friends and saving money easier by living on campus in your first and second years of study. The average cost for on-campus accommodation is CAD 4000-8000 per semester.
- Off-campus. The option of renting an apartment or a single room off-campus is convenient if you want to stay with your friends or live alone. You can find an apartment close to your university, and if you share it with friends, the living costs will be cheaper. The average cost for off-campus accommodation is CAD 800-1300 per month.
- Homestays. Homestays are a safe option when living alone for the first time. Staying with a family is affordable and allows you to experience Canadian hospitality and culture first-hand. The average cost for homestay accommodation is CAD 275 a week.
Cost of Living
In Quebec, without rent, a single person’s monthly expenses are around $1,081. Here are some other average living costs:
Item/City | Quebec City | Sherbrooke | Montreal |
Accommodation | $800.00 – $1,200 per month | $500.00 – $900.00 per month | $1,195 – $1,700 per month |
Utilities | $57.30 – $159.38 per month | $95.93 – $531.25 per month | $70.00 – $200.00 per month |
Groceries | $01.00 – $26.43 | $01.00 – $24.23 | $01.00 – $40.00 |
Clothing | $25.00 – $60.00 | $30.00 – $80.00 | $25.00 – $75.00Â |
Restaurants | $18.00 – $30.00 per meal | $11.00 – $50.00 per meal | $15.00 – $40.00 per month |
Entertainment | $20.00 – $75.00 per month | $20.00 – $40.00 per month | $13.00 – $100.00 per month |
Transportation | $81.00 – $89.75 per month | $40.00 – $82.50 per month | $90.00 – $100.00 per month |
Places to Visit
With its lush Laurentian mixed forest and mountains, Quebec is the perfect getaway destination for outdoor enthusiasts.Â
Here are a few places to visit in Quebec, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø:Â
- Notre-Dame Basilica. The city’s oldest church and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Old Montréal. The church was founded in 1656, and the stained-glass windows and ornate wood carvings are a majestic sight.
- La Citadel de Québec. It sits on top of Cap Diamant and has defended Quebec City since 1832. It’s a military museum and an active military post and serves as quarter for all ranks and the summer home of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s Governor General.Â
- Montreal Botanical Gardens. Home to 20 outdoor gardens, including the Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden, and the First Nation Garden. Among the specimens in the exhibition are orchids, bonsai, penjing, cacti, cycads, and others.
- Place Royale. Québec City was founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain in Place Royale. The area retains a large collection of 17th and 18th-century buildings that are a small sample of Old Quebec.