The Quebec education system

Everything you need to know about studying in Quebec

Quebec is known for offering quality education and attracts thousands of students every year. In 2018, Quebec welcomed over 45,000 international students, a 37% increase in 5 years!

Prestigious universities, reduced tuition fees and a multicultural environment, come and discover why Quebec will be your next student destination!

What are the advantages of studying in Quebec?

The reputation of universities

The province of Quebec has few universities (about ten in total), but their reputation is well established:

• McGill – #35th in the world
• University of Montreal – #137th in the world
• Laval – #416 in the world

Quebec therefore attracts students from all over the world because of the quality of its institutions and its education system.

Reduced tuition fees for French-speaking Belgians (and French citizens)

Thanks to a historic agreement (“entente”) between the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and the Government of Quebec (which came into force on 20/08/2018) and Quebec, French-speaking Belgian students can benefit from reduced tuition fees throughout their studies.

“Under the agreement signed between the Government of Quebec and the Government of the French Community of Belgium regarding student mobility, undergraduate students (Bachelor's level⁾ can benefit from the Canadian non-resident rate in Quebec. Belgians enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral program^, on^the other hand, have access to the Quebec rate.”

Here is an overview of the costs to expect:

• Bachelor's degree: approximately 7000 EUR / year *
• Master's degree: approximately 2500 EUR per year

Therefore, studying in Quebec guarantees you a quality education at an unbeatable price!

Additional discount for high school graduates outside of Montreal starting in September 2023

A limited number of tuition fee reductions for bachelor's degree holders will be granted, starting in September 2023, to international students registered and selected by a university located outside the territory of the Greater Montreal Area. These students must be enrolled in a French-language program in employment sectors identified as priorities by the Government of Quebec, namely those of the Perspective Québec .

• information technologies;
• genius;
• health and social services;
• education;
• childcare services.

Thanks to this reduction, selected international students who meet the criteria will pay the same tuition fees as Quebec students. This measure will take effect in the Fall 2023 semester. More information on this topic can be found here.

Post-graduation job opportunities

Quebec is a very open destination for immigration, and it's quite easy to settle there permanently after your studies. It's a province that needs young people.

In Quebec, and indeed in Canada in general, it is possible to work legally for as long as one studied, up to a maximum of three years. Thus, a student who completes a Bachelor's degree can, upon graduation, work full-time for three years. Once this period is over, students generally meet the requirements to apply for permanent residency.
It should also be noted that Quebec has experienced a period of full employment for several years, with an unemployment rate of 5.4% in 2019.

Your studies in French, in English, or both!

Quebec is a historically French-speaking province; however, three universities offer all their courses in English:

• McGill University (Montreal)
• Concordia University (Montreal)
• Bishop's University (Sherbrooke)

It is therefore possible to combine a French-speaking environment and English-speaking studies by going to study in Quebec.

For all other universities, studies will be conducted in French; it is even possible to follow bilingual or trilingual programs within HEC Montréal (business school).

So, if your English level is not sufficient to consider 100% English-language studies or if the prospect of studying and living in a French-speaking environment reassures you, then Quebec is for you!

Universities and degrees in Quebec

There are about ten universities in Quebec that offer different degrees:

• Bachelor's degree: a three-year program, equivalent to a bachelor's degree
• Master's degree: a two-year program, equivalent to a Master's degree
• PhD / Doctorate

Note that in Quebec, unlike the rest of Canada, the Bachelor's degree takes 3 years and not 4 years, because French students automatically benefit from an exemption of credits for the first year of studies.

Each of Quebec's universities has its own history and areas of expertise: McGill is renowned for its programs in exact sciences and medical sciences, Concordia is known for its programs in Cinema and Business, Laval University for its programs in engineering, etc.

It is therefore very important to thoroughly research each of these institutions to ensure you make the best choice. This may seem difficult at first, but our advisors are here to help and guide you through this crucial step in your project.

How to apply in Quebec

Unlike the UK, Ireland, and other countries, there is no centralized admissions system (UCAS, CAO, etc.). Therefore, you will need to submit an application to each institution you wish to apply to.

Admission criteria in Quebec are based solely on grades obtained in 10th, 11th, and the first term of 12th grade. Each university has its own requirements depending on the program, so it is essential to strategically select the institutions you wish to apply to. Our specialized advisors are available to help you with this task and maximize your chances of admission by selecting the universities and programs that best match your goals and academic level.

In terms of documents, you will need to provide:

• Transcripts: second, first and first term of final year.
• Passport copy
• Full birth certificate
• English test (IELTS) for English-speaking institutions.

At the Master's level, letters of motivation and letters of recommendation will also be required.

In short, applying to universities in Quebec requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the university system and its institutions. If you are considering studying in Quebec and would like to discuss your plans with one of our advisors, please don't hesitate to contact us.