Study in Montreal

Canada is a country full of diverse people, cultures, languages, and food, and there is probably no better place to start experiencing this than Montreal. With a rich history dating back to the 17th century, Montreal boasts stunning architecture, world-class museums, and a vibrant arts scene. 

The city is also a hub for research and innovation, with numerous universities and research institutions contributing to advancements in various fields. These factors, combined with its welcoming atmosphere and relatively affordable standard of living, make it an ideal choice for international students looking to experience the Canadian education system. 

If you’re an international student considering studying in Montreal, here’s everything you need to know about the city and how to make your dream a reality, from the scholarships available to student visa requirements and even the opportunities that await you after graduation.

Montreal is home to some of Canada's top-ranking universities, contributing significantly to the city's reputation as a global education hub for international students.  Here’s more information about the top Canadian universities in Montreal: 

*Global and national ranking based on 2025 QS World University Rankings.

These universities are renowned for their comprehensive academic programmes and research contributions. McGill University, for instance, is a world leader in Medicine and Health Sciences, with cutting-edge research facilities and a strong focus on clinical training.

Meanwhile, the University of Montreal excels in Engineering and Technology, offering specialised programmes in fields like aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence. Concordia University is known for its strengths in Business and Management, providing students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the global marketplace.

All three universities offer a wide range of programmes for international students embarking on their studies in Montreal, ensuring a diverse and enriching academic experience. 

Montreal is a great city for international students looking to study abroad in Canada, with a multitude of benefits such as:

Multicultural environment 

Montreal's multicultural environment stems from its rich history as a meeting point for various cultures and its ongoing attraction for immigrants from around the world. This diversity creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for students from across the world, allowing them to study here and connect with people from different backgrounds and expand their global perspectives. While Singapore is also multicultural, Montreal offers the opportunity for students to be exposed to both North American and European cultural elements. 

Bilingual opportunities

As a predominantly French-speaking city, studying in Montreal offers a unique opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in the French language and culture, a trait that sets it apart from studying in Singapore. However, English is also widely spoken, making it easy for students to navigate daily life and communicate with locals. This bilingual environment provides valuable language learning opportunities and enhances career prospects in both Canadian and international markets. 

Thriving arts and cultural scene 

Montreal boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, with numerous festivals, museums, art galleries, and music venues. The city is renowned for its vibrant street art, historic architecture, and diverse culinary offerings. With many cool places to visit and things to see, the city makes a living here as a student a unique cultural experience. 

If you’re an international student in Montreal, you can find a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help make the cost of studying more affordable. ​​There are federal scholarships funded by the Canadian government, such as the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme, which is available to ASEAN member states, including Singapore. There are also provincial scholarships that have specific regional requirements and benefits. These scholarships can cover a range of expenses, from tuition fees to accommodation, making a living in Montreal as a student significantly more affordable. 

Individual universities also offer scholarships to attract and support talented international students. For example, McGill University offers merit-based entrance scholarships to first-time university students entering a full-time undergraduate degree programme. Certain faculties at McGill offer their own faculty-specific entrance scholarships. Similarly, the University of Montreal has an exemption scholarship programme that offers exemption from the tuition fees normally charged to international students.    

However, it is important to note that each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements and application process, often requiring academic records, personal statements, and proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS scores. Therefore, it is advised that you start your research early to maximise your chances of securing the financial support needed for your studies in Montreal, regardless of the educational institute you are aiming for. 

Applying for a student visa to study in Montreal is a straightforward process, provided you understand the Canadian student visa requirements, have all your documents in order and begin your application early. To start, you’ll need a letter of acceptance from the designated learning institution (DLI) you’ll be attending and a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL). You'll also need proof of identity and proof of financial support.

You must apply online on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) site. You also need a valid credit or debit card because the application will cost CA $150. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need to give your biometrics for this permit at VFS Global in Singapore. If you need to give biometrics, pay the biometrics fee when you apply. Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for medical exams, police certificates, language testing, and services at a visa application centre if you use one. For the latest visa information and requirements, always consult the official IRCC site. 

Living in Montreal as an international student is usually quite easy and manageable when it comes to budgeting, but it’s important to understand the average cost of living in this city to ensure you can comfortably manage your finances and make the most of your time studying here. Compared to Singapore, accommodation and healthcare costs in Montreal are more affordable, while tuition fees and other essential expenses remain comparable. Montreal’s efficient public transportation system is similar to Singapore’s MRT network in terms of cost and reliability. Here’s an outline of the living expenses you can expect to incur: 

• Tuition fees: The average annual cost of tuition fees for international students in Montreal is CA$20,000. However, this can differ significantly depending on the university and programme you choose. 

• Accommodation: In Montreal, accommodation options vary from on-campus residences to private rentals and shared apartments. On average, student accommodation in this city can cost between CA$400 and CA$800 per month, while regular accommodation options can range from CA$800 to CA$1,500 per month. 

• Food: It's recommended to budget around CA$300 per month for groceries and occasional meals out. 

• Travel: You can expect to spend approximately CA$100 per month on public transport. 

• Healthcare: It's advisable to budget around CA$700 per year for health insurance. 

• Phone: Setting up phone services will typically cost around CA$50 per month. 

• Others: It's a good idea to budget around CA$150 per month for other expenses such as social activities, personal items, and entertainment. 

While the overall cost of living for students in this city is affordable, budgeting is essential to manage these costs effectively. Students are strongly encouraged to set up a weekly budget for essentials such as groceries, transport, and personal expenses to help stay on track. You can also consider taking part in on-campus activities for entertainment and exploring student discounts at shops and restaurants to further reduce costs. Additionally, you may be able to seek guidance from your school, as certain institutes may have financial management resources to help students budget effectively. 

The province of Quebec has reciprocity agreements with selected countries, which sometimes enable international students from these countries to register for free basic health insurance through Quebec’s Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).  International students from Singapore studying in Quebec are not covered by a reciprocity agreement, and will need to purchase the group health insurance plan offered by your educational institution. If, for any reason, you are not eligible for RAMQ or your school’s group health insurance plan, you must purchase private health insurance for the duration of your time in Canada.    

On campus, universities may also have a range of health and support services, such as health clinics, counselling, peer support groups, and academic assistance, helping you manage both your well-being and studies. Being familiar with these services will make it easier to access the care and assistance you need. You can usually find information on your school's website or from the student help desk. 

Students studying abroad in Montreal can seek employment while studying to support their studies and gain valuable life experience. Popular student jobs often include roles in tech, hospitality, and the arts, as well as on-campus job opportunities like research assistants, library assistants, and teaching assistants. Students can usually find these opportunities through online websites or their university’s job boards. 

While on a Canadian student visa, you can generally work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during regular school terms or semesters. If your programme doesn't have scheduled breaks, the same hours apply. However, your study permit might specifically say that you're not allowed to work off-campus, so it's important to double-check that before you start looking for a job. It's also important to note that you need a social insurance number (SIN) to work in Canada, even part-time. You can apply for a SIN once you arrive in Canada. 

Montreal boasts a thriving economy with numerous in-demand sectors that provide fresh university graduates with a wealth of opportunities. The city is a leader in growing industries like IT, particularly in artificial intelligence, ranking first in Canada for university research funding in this field. The life sciences sector is also booming, with over 55,000 jobs in private companies in Québec. Clean technology is another area of growth, with 150 companies and approximately 6,200 jobs in Quebec. 

For international students, Canada offers excellent post-study work options. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can be a pathway to permanent residency. It is also important to note that while English is widely spoken in Montreal, having basic French language skills may enhance your job prospects after graduation.

Canada is a dream destination for many international students, offering a high quality of life, diverse culture, and excellent educational opportunities. While cities like Vancouver and Toronto are popular choices, Montreal offers a unique experience. It's known for its European charm, vibrant arts scene, and multicultural atmosphere.  Compared to Vancouver and Toronto, Montreal also boasts a more affordable cost of living, with lower expenses for accommodation, transportation, and everyday essentials like groceries and dining out at shops and restaurants. 

Montreal's unique blend of cultures creates a dynamic and exciting environment for students. The city is a melting pot of different nationalities and backgrounds, offering a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, and cuisines. This cultural diversity enriches the student experience and fosters a sense of global citizenship. 

Ultimately, the perfect city depends on your individual preferences and educational priorities. However, living in Montreal as a student promises a vibrant and enriching experience, combining academic excellence with a diverse and affordable lifestyle.

Ready to embark on your academic journey in the Great White North? Whether you're looking to study abroad in Montreal, or embark on your studies in Ottawa or studies in Toronto, IDP Singapore is here to make your Canadian dream a reality. We provide personalised support every step of the way — from selecting the right university and course to assisting with IELTS preparation and navigating the visa application process. Contact us today to get started!