Top 7 Colleges in Quebec for International Students in 2023



Colleges in Quebec are a powerhouse of culture and diversity, making it the perfect place for international students to begin their college journey. From its French heritage to European influences and indigenous roots, Quebec has something unique to offer each and every student.

Welcoming over 59,700 international learners annually, Quebec ranks third among Canadian provinces when it comes to foreign scholars. Its cutting-edge facilities, varied study programs, budget-friendly tuition fees and secure living environment make it an ideal destination for international students.

International students should also be aware of the Quebec Experience Program which offers a speedy pathway to permanent residency in Quebec. To qualify, one simply needs to have completed an education program – whether it be a master’s or doctorate degree – from any government-approved institution in this beautiful province.

With affordable tuition fees, amazing educational opportunities and dedicated staff, the province has it all for those looking for higher education abroad.



Why universities in Quebec are good for international students?


Québec is one of Canada’s most popular provinces. Québec city is one of the oldest cities in the province of Quebec and is famous for its large French-speaking population. Quebec’s most popular student cities include Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Rimouski, Outaouais, Chicoutimi, Trois-Rivières, Longueuil and Saguenay, among others.

Hailed as one of the most student-friendly parts of Canada, Québec is also popular for a large number of organisations from across a variety of fields. It is a very budget-friendly place, especially for international students, and it offers a good quality of living at affordable costs. Moreover, Québec is considered to be the culinary capital of Canada thanks to its multicultural influences and traditional cuisines.

Québec also has a number of top universities in Canada including McGill University, Université de Montréal, Concordia University, Universite de Quebec, Laval University, and others. Apart from the above-mentioned colleges of Quebec, some of the other popular and academically excellent colleges include Cégep Marie-Victorin, M College of Canada, Matrix College, College Ahuntsic, Marianapolis College, and others.

With a large number of places to visit, numerous festivals to partake in, and many outdoor activities for recreation, Québec offers a unique experience to international students.

How much does it cost to study in Quebec?


Canada is generally known for its quality education that is very affordable to students from all walks of life. In fact, Quebec is said to have the lowest cost of living in Canada. The average tuition fee ranges from CAD 15,000 to CAD 35,000 annually.

The average cost of living for an individual is around CAD 13,481 annually, excluding accommodation. This comes up to around CAD 1,200 a month. Students can expect to pay around CAD 350 to CAD 600 monthly as rent for accommodation.

The cost of basic utilities including electricity, internet, water, and others may come up to CAD 160 to CAD 200 a month. For transportation, students may expect to spend CAD 90 to CAD 120 a month. Students may expect to spend close to CAD 350 for food every month.

What are the scholarship options for universities in Quebec for international students?


Quebec universities offer generous scholarships and bursaries to international students. These are awarded based on academic performance, community service and financial need. Some of the scholarships offered to foreign scholars are:

Merit Scholarships from the Québec Government

The Merit Scholarship program is designed to incentivize the recruitment of top international candidates into higher education, college technical training and vocational programs. This initiative seeks to provide students with superb job and research opportunities, offering them a one-of-a-kind experience at their chosen institution. Recipients receive a scholarship, are exempted from the differential tuition fees paid by international students and get access to health insurance and hospitalization coverage provided by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)

Gaston-Miron bursary

University graduates (Cycles Two and Three) have the chance to earn a grant of C$5,000 by taking part in a research internship in Québec on literature and culture. It is an amazing opportunity for those striving to start or continue their academic journey. If students take part in a research internship, guided by an established member of the Center for Interuniversity Research on Quebec Literature and Culture (CRILCQ), then they will be rewarded with an additional scholarship worth $1,500.

MITACS Accelerate program

This program provides students who are pursuing a Masters’s and or pursuing a Ph.D. with long-term funding, a professional development opportunity, and an internship option to enhance their career prospects. As a part of this program, students can gain invaluable work experience and be compensated for it. Besides these, there are several university-specific scholarships available to students.

What are the best colleges in Quebec for international students?


Name Top Courses Tuition Eligibility Requirements
LaSalle College
  • Fashion DEC (Diploma)
  • Computer Science Technology – Video Game Programming DEC (Diploma)
CAD 49,500
CAD 38,250
  • Secondary School Diploma (DES)
  • Professional Studies Diploma (DEP)
  • Mathematics TS, SN Secondary IV or CST 5 or a Professional Studies Diploma
  • interrupted studies for at least 2 consecutive semesters, or one year
  • To hold an agreement between an employer and the College
  • To have completed at least one year in post-secondary studies.
Dawson College
  • 3D Animation & Computer Generated Imagery
  • Graphic Design
  • Professional Photography
  • Nursing
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
CAD 6,796 to
CAD 10,533 per semester
  • A Diploma of Secondary Studies (DES) or academic background judged equivalent to the DES.
  • Interview.
  • Letter of intent.
  • Recommendation forms.
  • English-language proficiency test scores.
  • Mathematics,

Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics,
Applied Science,
Technology (depending on the program that an applicant wants to get into).

John Abbott College
  • Diploma in Business Management
  • Engineering Technologies
  • Graphic and Web Design
  • Computer Science Technology
  • Nursing
The average is CAD 19,660
  • IELTS or TOEFL
  • Mathematics Cultural, Social and Technical Option
  • Science and Technology OR Applied Science and Technology
  • Environmental Science and Technology OR Science and the Environment
  • Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics Technical & Scientific Option or Mathematics Science Option
Vanier College
  • Computer

Science Technology

  • Business Administration
  • Animal Health Technology
  • Architectural Technology
  • Industrial Electronics
  • Professional Music

and Song Techniques

The average is CAD 15,000
  • Applicants interested in entering a Science program would need appropriate maths and science courses taken in Grades 11 and 12.
  • A certified cumulative transcript and a diploma or certificate is necessary.
  • IELTS or TOEFL scores.
  • Students with no knowledge of French need to take basic non-credit French courses.
  • A Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) issued by the Ministry of Immigration of Quebec.
  • A student permit.
  • Medical and hospital insurance.
O’Sullivan College of Quebec
  • ACS Paralegal Technology
  • DCS Network Management and IT Security (Computer Science Technology)
  • DCS in Accelerated Paralegal Technology
The average is CAD 11,700
  • English language proficiency test scores (IELTS or TOEFL)
  • Study permit
  • Post-secondary transcripts
  • High-school transcripts
Rosemont College
  • Theatre Production
  • Professional Techniques in Music and Song
CAD 16,500
CAD 16,500
  • The application to College de Rosemont must be made through SRAM (Service regional d’admission du Montreal metropolitain).
  • One requires a Quebec acceptance certificate.
  • A study permit
  • English-language proficiency test scores
  • Post-secondary transcripts
TAV College
  • Mobile Application Programming | AEC
  • Internet Marketing | AEC
  • International Trade | AEC
  • Health Science | DEC
  • Pure and Applied Science | DEC
CAD 2,800 to CAD 4,500
  • Completed schooling equivalent to high school diploma issued by Quebec Ministry of Education
  • In case one hasn’t completed high school, their prior schooling must show that the applicant is capable of undertaking college studies
  • International students must complete the TAV College English Language Admission Test for language proficiency
  • English language proficiency test scores

1. LaSalle College


Established in 1959, LaSalle is a private institution that offers professional, college, and pre-university training.

Why is it good to study here?

LaSalle college offers over 60 programs at their five specialty schools that include

  • Fashion, Arts and Design
  • VFX and Game Design
  • Social Sciences and Education
  • Hotel Management and Tourism
  • Business and Technologies

It has one of the largest fashion schools in Canada. LaSalle encourages students to showcase their creativity and innovation. It is also one of the largest bilingual colleges in North America, meaning students can choose to learn either in French or English.

LaSalle boasts of having a small class size and a very amicable atmosphere. However, LaSalle does not offer courses in fundamental sciences including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Fees

A bachelor’s degree from LaSalle college costs around CAD 99,000. The average cost of a diploma at LaSalle college is around CAD 33,000 to CAD 58,000. An application fee of CAD 50 and an assessment fee of CAD 100 is applicable to all courses.

Eligibility

Depending on the program that one chooses at LaSalle college, the eligibility requirements vary. However, some of the common requirements to enroll at one of the diploma courses at LaSalle include,

  • Secondary School Diploma (DES)
  • Professional Studies Diploma (DEP)
  • Mathematics TS, SN Secondary IV or CST 5 or a Professional Studies Diploma
  • Equivalent Education
  • Applicants must be high school graduates or possess a recognized high school equivalency (General Education Diploma).
  • Application and enrollment forms need to be duly filled and submitted
  • English language proficiency scores.
  • A 250-word essay for degree program applicants; 500-word essay for applicants to the Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design.

Courses offered

LaSalle offers over 60 programs in five schools. Some of the most popular courses students can apply to at LaSalle include

  • Computer Science Technology – Video Game Programming | DEC
  • Media Studies | AEC
  • Hotel Management Techniques | DEC
  • Fashion | DEC
  • Bachelor of Applied Design in Graphic Design
  • Game and Level Design | AEC
  • Business Management | DEC
  • Mobile and Web Application Development for Mobile Devices in Information Technology | AEC

2. Dawson College


Established in 1968, Dawson College is one of Quebéc’s most sought-after colleges for pre-university and three-year programs. A college diploma is awarded to all students who complete any of the two programs offered by Dawson College.

Why is it good to study here?

Dawson College offers a variety of programs across streams including

  • Creative and applied arts, science
  • Medical studies and engineering
  • Social science and business technologies.

Dawson is also the largest CEGEP in Quebéc, making it a popular choice for international students. The college offers around 27 programs that include 22 technical programs and 5 pre-university programs.

The college is popular in Quebéc for programs in disciplines such as healthcare, engineering, commerce and psychology. Dawson also offers a variety of certifications in courses including Jewish studies, Hellenic studies and others.

Although Dawson offers many programs, certifications, and opportunities for students to participate in various activities, the college does not offer on-campus residence to students. Thus, most students have to spend beyond a certain amount from their budgets to secure a place to stay outside of campus.

Fees

The general application fee is CAD 30. International students are required to CAD 50 as application documents analysis. The tuition fee for international students ranges between CAD 6,796 to CAD 10,533 per semester. This includes the fee for pre-university as well as technical programs.

Eligibility

Based on the program that an applicant chooses, the requirements vary. Some of the common eligibility requirements across different pre-university programs include,

  • IELTS or TOEFL score.
  • An overall average of at least 80%.
  • A minimum of 85% in at least two of the Secondary V science prerequisite courses (for science courses).
  • Video submission.
  • Strong grades in English, History, and the Social Sciences (for arts-related courses)

Some of the common eligibility requirements across different technical programs include,

  • A Diploma of Secondary Studies (DES) or academic background is judged equivalent to the DES.
  • Interview.
  • Letter of intent.
  • Recommendation forms.
  • English-language proficiency test scores.
  • Mathematics, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Science, Technology (depending on the program that an applicant wants to get into).

Courses offered

Some of the most popular courses offered at Dawson College include

  • 3D Animation & Computer Generated Imagery
  • Graphic Design
  • Professional Photography
  • Computer Science Technology
  • Nursing
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology

3. John Abbott College


John Abbott college was founded in 1971. It offers a wide range of pre-university and career programs to students from all over the world. The college currently caters to over 6,000 students.

Why is it good to study here?

The CEGEP programs that are offered at John Abbott have two components – general education and concentration courses. The subjects that are common to all programs are

  • English
  • Humanities
  • French
  • Physical Education
  • Complementary

The pre-university courses are offered in 9 disciplines. The career programs are offered in 14 disciplines and run for a duration of 3 years each.

Fees

The tuition fees for international students range between CAD 6600 – CAD 10,300 per semester. All students are expected to pay CAD 162 per semester. This covers educational support, student association, student activities and registration fees.

The annual cost for pre-university programs is CAD 13,616. Additional expenses include,

  • School books, supplies, and lab fees: CAD 300 – CAD 800
  • Housing: CAD 2,000 – CAD 4,000
  • Food: CAD 1,800 – CAD 2,500
  • Transportation: CAD 200 – CAD 800
  • Clothing: CAD 400 – CAD 800
  • Personal, miscellaneous items: CAD 300 – CAD 500

The average cost of studying career programs at John Abbott College comes up to CAD 19,660 while accommodation costs CAD 6,500.

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria vary according to the different programs. Some of the common eligibility requirements include,

  • IELTS or TOEFL
  • Mathematics Cultural, Social and Technical Option
  • Science and Technology OR Applied Science and Technology
  • Environmental Science and Technology OR Science and the Environment
  • Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics Technical & Scientific Option or Mathematics Science Option

Courses offered

Some of the top courses offered by John Abbott College include,

  • Diploma in Business Management
  • Engineering Technologies
  • Graphic and Web Design
  • Computer Science Technology
  • Nursing

4. Vanier College


Established in 1970, Vanier College is a publicly funded CEGEP English language-based school in Montreal. The college offers both full-time pre-university and technical career programs. The technical programs at the college lead to a Diploma of College Studies (DCS).

Why is it good to study here?

Vanier College has 5 faculties that offer more than 35 programs. The programs are generally offered in either French or English.

Vanier College offers a variety of internship opportunities and scholarships to international students. In order to improve the student experience, Vanier organises various cultural, and social activities.

Fees

The registration fee is CAD 20. The auxiliary service fee is CAD 110. Vanier College Students’ Association fee is CAD 20. CAD 38.05 is the tuition fee for students. Additionally, international students have an international student fee of CAD 6796 to CAD 10,533. The average tuition fee is CAD 15,000. The average cost of living is CAD 3,324.

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements change based on the course that applicants opt for. Some of the common eligibility requirements include,

  • Applicants interested in entering a Science program would need appropriate maths and science courses taken in Grades 11 and 12.
  • A certified cumulative transcript and a diploma or certificate is necessary.
  • IELTS or TOEFL scores.
  • Students with no knowledge of French need to take basic non-credit French courses.
  • A Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) issued by the Ministry of Immigration of Quebec.
  • A student permit.
  • Medical and hospital insurance.

Courses offered

The most popular specialisations offered by Vanier College include,

  • Accounting
  • Business
  • Computing and IT
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Marketing, Media, and Communication

The most popular courses of Vanier College include,

  • Computer Science Technology
  • Business Administration
  • Animal Health Technology
  • Architectural Technology
  • Industrial Electronics
  • Professional Music and Song Techniques

5. O'Sullivan College of Quebec


O’Sullivan is a private college located in Montreal. Established in 1916, O’Sullivan college offers around 10 programs in different disciplines which lead to AS and DEC. The college is bilingual and encourages students to learn French and English through courses that are taught in both languages.

Why is it good to study here?

Located in the heart of Montreal, it has access to many organisations that offer internships and job opportunities to students. Moreover, the location helps students to experience the best of Canada’s multicultural environment to its fullest.

O’Sullivan College is well known for its academic excellence. They focus on providing a robust one-to-one interaction between students and teachers for effective learning outcomes. The college offers several scholarships to students.

Fees

The average living expenses for an international student studying at O’Sullivan college is CAD 14,000. The application fee is CAD 100. The average tuition fee at O’Sullivan college is CAD 11,700.

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements change based on the course that applicants opt for. Some of the common eligibility requirements include,

  • English language proficiency test scores (IELTS or TOEFL)
  • Study permit
  • Post-secondary transcripts
  • High-school transcripts

Courses offered

Since it is a small private institution, the college offers 10 programs to its students. A few of the most popular programs offered by O’Sullivan include,

  • ACS Paralegal Technology
  • DCS Network Management and IT Security (Computer Science Technology)
  • DCS in Accelerated Paralegal Technology

6. Rosemont College


Collège de Rosemont is a private higher education institution that offers pre-university and technical programs to students from all over the world. Most of the technical programs offered by the college last between 10 months to 3 years.

Why is it good to study here?

Most of the technical programs offered by the College de Rosemont are aimed at getting students ready for the industry as quickly as possible. The college offers a variety of programs across fields including,

  • Administration
  • Arts and Artisanry
  • Computer Science
  • Design, Graphic Communications, and Architecture
  • Electronics
  • Theatre, Dance, and Music

The college offers programs that can lead to a pre-university DCS, DCS, and ACS. While the ACS is designed to allow students to join the job market directly after graduation, the DCS helps students choose between university education and the job market.

The maximum number of students per classroom is 30, allowing students to have better interactions with the faculty. Moreover, students can opt to study either in French or English languages. However, the college does not offer scholarships to international students.

Fees

The average tuition fee at College de Rosemont ranges from CAD 13,592 and CAD 21,066. Hospital and health insurance comes up to CAD 732. Living expenses for an international student could be CAD 12,500. The Quebec certificate of acceptance costs CAD 120 while the Canadian resident permit could cost around CAD 235.

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements change based on the course that applicants opt for. Some of the common eligibility requirements include,

  • The application to College de Rosemont must be made through SRAM (Service régional d’admission du Montréal métropolitain).
  • One requires a Quebec acceptance certificate.
  • A study permit
  • English-language proficiency test scores
  • Post-secondary transcripts

Courses offered

The top courses offered by College de Rosemont include,

  • Theatre Production
  • Professional Techniques in Music and Song

7. TAV College


TAV college is a private, subsidised, and not-for-profit college that was established in 1989. Located in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Montréal, the college offers pre-university as well as technical programs of study to students from all over the world.

Why is it good to study here?

TAV College focuses on excellence in teaching and in raising the bar of academic distinction. The college aims to help individuals to realise their full potential and prepare them to be industry-ready as quickly as possible.

TAV college offers many programs in various fields including,

  • Science
  • Social Science
  • Media Communications
  • Special Care Counselling
  • Administration and Computing

Fees

The application fee is CAD 30 and the registration fee is CAD 60 per semester. The average cost of living is CAD 13,500. The average tuition fee is CAD 2,800 to CAD 4,500.

Eligibility

  • In order to apply to the DEC or AEC programs, one must satisfy the following eligibility requirements.
  • Completed schooling equivalent to high school diploma issued by Quebec Ministry of Education
  • In case one hasn’t completed high school, their prior schooling must show that the applicant is capable of undertaking college studies
  • International students must complete the TAV College English Language Admission Test for language proficiency
  • English language proficiency test scores

Courses offered

Some of the top courses offered by TAV college include,

  • Mobile Application Programming | AEC
  • Internet Marketing | AEC
  • International Trade | AEC
  • Health Science | DEC
  • Pure and Applied Science | DEC

How to apply to colleges in Quebec?


Explore courses and start your journey here.

Getting Started

To move forward with us, and apply to some of the best colleges in Quebec, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform! 🚀 Once you’re logged in to your platform, onboard with us by giving us some initial information! ✅

Once you’ve done this, visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships team closest to you and choose a slot that works well for you for an e-meet with our team 🤙🏻🥳

Let’s shape your future together 🌍😊

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Date added
21.02.2023

Filed under:

Global Ed

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