4 best international colleges in Montreal, Quebec 2026

• There are more than ten colleges in Montreal for international students to choose from, offering hundreds of programs and majors ranging from humanities to engineering.
• Many of the academic programs at the best international colleges in Montreal are among the world's top universities and rankings, which guarantees students a high-quality education.
• Montreal has the best research centers that support young talents among scientists: foreign students can create their own projects on the basis of these centers or join existing ones.
• Authorities and private investors regularly invest in the development of the educational sector: about one and a half billion dollars are invested in educational institutions annually, thanks to which foreign and local students have access to modern technologies and the best infrastructure conditions.
• Montreal is a bilingual city where both English and French are spoken. It is full of historical heritage sites and cultural attractions, so in their free time, international students can spend time outside academic campuses with benefit and interest.
• Affordable cost of education and life in the city as a whole, while the quality of life, healthcare and other areas in the city is at a high level.

Kevin McDonnell

Specialist in International Students of the University of Sussex

What advice would you give to potential students before applying to a university?

Be proactive and start your application early, ideally almost a year in advance. Seek recommendations from your teachers and academic advisors. The earlier you apply, the more time universities have to consider your application, and the more time you have to explore your options and make an informed decision.

• Bilinguals in Montreal are spoken not only in the urban environment, but also in the educational environment, so students can choose for themselves programs and courses in French, English or in two languages at once (bilingual).
• Many universities recommend pre-completing language preparation if a foreign applicant is not sure of the perfection of their French or English. Before enrolling in a particular course, a foreign student can participate in the university's welcome programs.
• Some international colleges in Montreal offer trial days on campus to international students so that they can personally assess the atmosphere and quality of learning.
• After admission, foreign students are not left alone in an unfamiliar country: the best international colleges in Montreal have personal programs for the support and adaptation of foreign students, group meetings and welcome parties, and often access to counseling services.
• During their studies, students of almost all specialties undergo mandatory internships in production facilities. This helps not only to master the theoretical material, but also to get an additional line in the resume for future employment.
• Many companies are already looking for future employees during the internship and, closer to graduation, invite them personally to work with them.
• Some universities may offer evening study programs to international students so that they can combine their education with work. However, please note: in order to legally work in Canada, foreign students with a student visa need to obtain an additional permit.

Foreign applicants can choose from dozens of universities with various programs and additional bonuses (for example, in the form of scholarships). Here are some good examples:

• Stanstead College: a private boarding school preparing students from 11 to 18 years old for future university admission is located near Montreal. It offers various studying programs and personal trajectories that will help students achieve their individual goals (for example, Advanced Placement).
• Herzing College: A private institution located in the city center is considered one of the best colleges in Montreal. The main focus of the studying is on preparing students for their future careers. The university's campus is picturesque, but students spend only academic time on it, there are no residences here for accommodating students. The studying is conducted in English or French, depending on the chosen course.
• Trebas Institute: a private Canadian educational center where both local and foreign students study. The main focus of the studying is practice orientation: students regularly participate in projects and work in teams. From the first years, students can benefit from career support, staff provide students with consultations and open events with employers.
• Cestar College, Longueuil: A private college located near Montreal. You can enroll here for a diploma program or courses, at the end of which you will receive certificates of advanced preparation or the acquisition of new professional competencies. On average, the cost of studying at Montreal International colleges is about CAD 13,000-20,000 per academic year.

To choose an international college in Montreal correctly, Smapse experts recommend the following plan::

• Make a list of your requirements and wishes.
• Contact our experts for a consultation, where you will tell us in detail what you want and expect from studying in Canada. Get a list of institution options that match your needs.
• Choose a few of them that seem most suitable to you.
• Make a request to our specialists so that they tell you about the requirements for entering these colleges.
• Together with our experts, collect all the necessary documents and send them to the selected studying centers.
• Wait for responses from Montreal's international colleges, choose a specific offer, and set off to conquer a new country!

Remember that foreigners are always required to have certificates from international language testing systems that confirm a sufficient level of knowledge of English/French.