Canada City guide
Study in Montreal
Montreal is bilingual (French/English), with research universities and a vibrant cultural scene at costs that are usually more moderate than Toronto or Vancouver.
The STM metro covers the island; French is Quebec's official language, so many campus services at the UdeM operate in French first.
Mid-range costs
Study Permit (student visa)
Up to 20 hours/week while studying + up to 3 years post-graduation (PGWP)
You pay the institution directly — ApplySite adds no hidden student fees.
McGill, Université de Montréal (including HEC and Polytechnique) and Concordia concentrate a high-level academic offer. Québec's CEGEP system also provides technical pathways into university — underused by internationals, but useful if you already have some French.
Living in Montreal means choosing your language mix: you can study in English and still gain French day to day, or aim for francophone programs if your immigration plan values francophone streams. Transit (STM metro and buses) feels compact compared with other large Canadian cities.
Living costs are usually softer than Toronto, but winter is real — budget for a proper coat, boots and indoor commuting habits. Classic student areas include the Plateau, Mile End, Côte-des-Neiges and zones near Concordia/McGill.
The city is strong in AI, design, film, games and sciences. If you want graduate study or a European-feel North American campus city, Montreal often makes the shortlist.
ApplySite lets you compare English or French programs, filter by city and apply directly to the institution with no hidden platform fees.
City guide
Why students choose Montreal
- Bilingual city with relatively moderate costs
- Research universities and creative scene
- Strong base for French + English
Education
Types of institutions
Universities and higher education
Institutions with their own admissions in Montreal; check language of instruction and intake dates.
Colleges and vocational training
Applied one- to three-year diplomas, often with local placements.
Language schools
Intensive courses before academic study or to raise language scores.
Programs
What you can study in Montreal
Programs are published in stages at launch. Use the links below to explore the country catalog or speak with an advisor.
Catalog expanding at launch
Languages in Montreal
Language schools and intensive courses in Montreal to level up before college or university in Canada.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Undergraduate study in Montreal
Diplomas, technical degrees and pathways with Montreal institutions focused on local employability.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Postgraduate programs in Montreal
MBAs, master's and specializations on campus or hybrid with networking in Montreal's ecosystem.
See programs →Student life
International student associations, country meetups and campus sports fill out your network in Montreal during term one. Ask admissions about orientation — it often covers a local SIM, banking basics and library access.
Visa and paperwork
To study in Montreal you will typically need the Study Permit (student visa). Allow several weeks for documents, biometrics and any health checks required for your nationality. While enrolled, up to 20 hours/week while studying + up to 3 years post-graduation (PGWP) Immigration rules change — confirm on the official government site before you travel.
Guide to Canada →Immigration rules change. Information last updated May 2026 — check the official embassy or government site for your nationality.
Planning your budget
Cost of living in Montreal
Indicative monthly ranges for one person; rent varies sharply by neighbourhood.
Indicative figures only — not a quote from institutions. Last reviewed in May 2026. Verify rent, tuition and visa fees on official sources before you budget or apply.
Canada
Other cities in Canada
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while studying in Montreal?
With a valid study permit you can work up to 20 hours/week during classes and full-time in scheduled breaks.
How much does it cost to live in Montreal?
Housing is usually the largest expense. Use the cost table on this page as a guide; it varies by area and housing type in Montreal.
How do I apply to a program in Montreal?
On ApplySite you compare programs in Montreal, save favorites and submit your application directly to the institution with admissions tracking.
Do I pay ApplySite?
No. ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden student fees. Official costs (application, tuition, insurance if required) are paid directly to the institution under their published terms.
Are there hidden fees when I apply?
Browsing, comparing and submitting your application on ApplySite is free for students. Each school lists its fees; what you pay goes to the institution. We do not add undisclosed charges on top of those amounts.
Planning your move to Montreal?
Create your account, save institutions you like and send your application when programs go live. You pay the school directly — ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden fees.