4 best international colleges in Montreal, Quebec 2025

Quebec's education system features a unique stage of mandatory education, encompassing primary, middle school, and university levels. Montreal houses an average of 50 public professional and community colleges. Additionally, 24 private institutions in Montreal offer 2-year programs to prepare students for university admission and 3-year programs for technical training, culminating in a Diploma of Collegiate Education (DEC). Some provide shorter technical training programs leading to a College Education Certificate (AEC).

To enter a university, a Diploma of Collegiate Education is typically required. Successful completion of a university entrance preparation program opens the door to higher education. Students pursuing technical education primarily prepare for the workforce but may also meet university admission requirements. College administration is overseen by an administrative council comprising teachers, students, and the local community. Below, we present the top three Montreal colleges.

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.

1. La Salle College International

Established in 1959, this institution offers programs in various specialties, including:

• Business administration
• Computer technology (including computer graphics)
• Fashion design
• Tourism
• Hotel business (hotel management)
• Food industry

Instruction is available in both English and French, with renowned Canadian specialists as instructors. The college also has a branch in Vancouver.

2. Dawson College

Founded in 1969 and named after William Dawson, the head of McGill University, this institution serves as a preparatory stage for university entry or as a source of valuable employment-focused specialties. Programs include:

• Fine arts
• Linguistics
• Literature
• Sociology
• Computer science
• Medicine
• Journalism
• Photography
• Theater arts

3. Marianopolis College

A private institution within the CEGEP system, Marianopolis College has been operating since 1908. It offers a diverse range of specialties, including:

• Various branches of science and technology
• Art
• Linguistics and literature
• Music
• Sociology
• Commerce
• Legal studies
• International relations

In Montreal, numerous colleges provide specialized vocational courses, technical education, and preparatory programs for university. The cost of attending these institutions as an international student varies significantly based on the college and program chosen. Below is a brief overview of Montreal colleges and their respective tuition rates for international learners:

• Dawson College: Being the largest English-speaking CEGEP (Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel) in Quebec, Dawson College boasts an extensive array of academic options. For international students in the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition expenses typically range from CAD 6,000 to CAD 14,000 per year, influenced by the program of study. Additional costs to consider include application fees, student service fees, and the price of textbooks.
• Vanier College: As another key English-language CEGEP located in Montreal, Vanier College delivers a variety of pre-university and career-oriented technical programs. International students can anticipate tuition costs between CAD 6,000 and CAD 15,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year, not including expenses related to books, materials, and student services.
• LaSalle College: Renowned for its focus on career-oriented education, LaSalle College provides a variety of diploma programs and pre-university courses. Tuition fees for international students generally range between CAD 13,000 and CAD 15,000 annually for most programs, with some specialized programs for higher costs.
• Widely recognized for its career-focused approach to learning, LaSalle College offers a diverse selection of diploma programs and preparatory university courses. International students can anticipate annual tuition expenses of approximately CAD 13,000 to CAD 15,000 for the majority of programs; however, specialized courses may incur higher costs.
• Herzing College Montreal: A private vocational institution, Herzing College delivers programs in the fields like business, technology, and healthcare. Tuition costs for international students typically fluctuate from CAD 12,000 to CAD 20,000 each year, depending on the specific program.
• John Abbott College: John Abbott College, a CEGEP institution, provides a range of pre-university and technical courses, all taught in English. International learners can expect tuition fees spanning CAD 6,000 to CAD 14,000 per academic year, varying according to the program chosen. Students should also factor in extra expenses for textbooks, materials, and student services.

These tuition costs are approximate and may vary. Beyond tuition, international students must plan for costs associated with housing, food, transportation, health coverage, and personal spending. Moreover, certain colleges might impose supplementary fees for particular amenities or services.