10 best universities in Montreal, Quebec 2026

• Almost all academic programs at Montreal universities are focused on practical learning: students undergo internships in addition to theoretical lectures, develop professional competencies and gain primary experience. In some cases, local companies may offer a student a vacant position closer to graduation from the University of Montreal and employ them after graduation.
• Local universities practice student exchange programs from different cities and countries, so foreign students will have the opportunity to visit other parts of the world and assess and compare the educational system in the two countries.
• The best universities in Montreal are taught by leading experts from various fields. Many local scientists and professors have international cooperation experience and a good reputation in scientific circles at the global level.
• Tuition fees at Montreal universities are relatively lower than in many major cities in Canada, Europe, and the United States.
• Living in Montreal itself is much more profitable than in similar cities in neighboring countries.
• Due to the active influx of international students, Montreal has become a real multinational center of attraction for foreign students in recent years. Thanks to this, students have the opportunity for cultural exchange: they communicate in their free time, organize thematic events, and talk about their traditions in certain discipli

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

• Academic programs at universities in Montreal are conducted in one of two languages — English and French — or both at once. At the same time, the main focus is still on French-language programs. But even if a student gets a degree in an English-language course, French may be useful to him later when applying for a job.
• The academic year at local universities is usually divided into 2 semesters: autumn and spring. The first lasts from September to December, and the second from January to April. Summer sessions are also available at selected universities in Montreal.
• During their studies, students complete a variety of written work: from essays and term papers to final tests, in addition, group projects and research are among the forms of practical preparation.
• In general, studying at Canadian universities assumes that the student takes most of the responsibility for his education on himself, at universities in Montreal, independence and determination are encouraged. Therefore, foreign applicants need to be prepared for intensive academic workloads. The courses have a list of compulsory subjects and electives, so students can create their own schedule that complies with their goals and interests.
• All university campuses in Montreal are regularly updated and upgraded, so students have access to the best infrastructure facilities, which include libraries, laboratories, online platforms, gyms, recreation rooms, residential residences, etc.
• The best universities in Montreal do not abandon foreign students to their fate after enrolling in a course: psychologists, career consultants, mentoring programs, and support systems operate at universities that help foreigners adapt to new realities faster and easier.
• Teachers communicate with students not only on the topic of classes — they answer their questions on everyday topics, give feedback on their academic performance, and can additionally explain complex topics.

One of the leading and popular Canadian universities, McGill University and Université de Montréal, are located in Montreal. Here are the main advantages of the best universities in Montreal from the point of view of international students:

• McGill University: All programs are conducted in English, students can choose from approximately 11 faculties and 13 higher schools, there are 12 Nobel Prize laureates among the graduates, the infrastructure includes 13 libraries, students have access to their own MUHC medical center.
• Université de Montréal: There are English—language program options, but most of them are in French, students have access to high-tech laboratories and extensive databases, the university cooperates with many large companies, offering internships to students, and consultants help foreigners with visa issues.

Tuition fees at Montreal universities vary, ranging on average from CAD 15,000 to 30,000 per academic year.

The basic requirements of universities in Montreal for foreign applicants include:

• Providing a secondary school certificate (preferably with a high GPA),
• Providing a certificate confirming a high language level after passing international tests, such as TFI, TCF, IELTS and TOEFL,
• Writing a motivational essay or letter,
• Collecting letters of recommendation from former teachers and school administrators,
• Preparation of a portfolio of achievements, both academic and creative, sports, and others,
• Payment of the registration fee, and confirmation of the financial viability of the student or his guardians.

More precisely, the admission requirements and conditions depend on the chosen university in Montreal. You can find out about them through Smapse specialists — ask for a free consultation.