City: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Language: Primarily French-speaking (though some graduate programs may be bilingual or English-friendly)
Founded: 1878 (originally a branch of Université Laval)
Type: Public research university
Ranking: Among the top universities in Canada and consistently within the top 150-200 globally (varies slightly depending on the ranking system)
Students: Over 67,000 (including undergraduate and graduate)
International students: Over 10,000
Affiliations: Includes two affiliated schools:
Polytechnique Montréal (engineering school)
HEC Montréal (business school)
Offers more than 600 programs in almost every field: Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Law, Health Sciences, Humanities, Business, etc.
Known for strong research output, especially in:
Medicine and Health Sciences
Artificial Intelligence (Montreal is a global AI hub)
Neuroscience
Environmental Sciences
Law and Social Sciences
Very welcoming to international students
Some graduate programs are offered in English, but French proficiency is usually needed for most undergrad and many grad programs
Offers French language support and integration services
Pierre Elliott Trudeau (former Canadian Prime Minister)
Louise Arbour (former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights)
Guy Laliberté (founder of Cirque du Soleil)
Yannick Nézet-Séguin (world-renowned conductor)
Located on the northern slope of Mount Royal, with a large, beautiful main campus
Offers tons of student clubs, cultural events, and access to the vibrant life of Montreal—a bilingual, multicultural, student-friendly city
The Mila Institute (Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms), founded by AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio, is affiliated with UdeM and is one of the world’s leading AI research centers
Health Sciences: Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health
Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Environmental Science
Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology
Humanities: Philosophy, History, Literature, Languages
Engineering & IT (via Polytechnique Montréal): Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering
Business & Economics (via HEC Montréal): Marketing, Finance, International Business, Management, Data Science
Law: Bachelor of Law (LL.B.)
Arts & Design: Visual Arts, Music (via Faculty of Music)
Note: Most undergraduate programs are in French, so French proficiency is typically required.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Neuroscience
Biomedical Sciences
Public Health (some options in English)
International Studies
Law (LL.M.)
Economics
Computer Science
Data Science
Environmental Sustainability
Music and Performing Arts
More than 80 doctoral programs
Popular in fields like AI, Medicine, Law, Psychology, Linguistics, and Education
Medicine (MD)
Dentistry (DMD)
Pharmacy (PharmD)
Law (Bar prep)
Education
Clinical Psychology
Specialized Graduate Diplomas (DESS)
While UdeM is primarily French-speaking, some graduate-level programs are offered in English, especially in:
Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
Neuroscience
Biomedical Sciences
Public Health
Some MBA and business programs via HEC Montréal
UdeM also offers French language courses to help students improve or reach required proficiency levels.
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) – Biology |
3 years |
$14,000 – $17,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science – Computer Science |
3 years |
$14,500 – $18,000 |
|
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – Psychology |
3 years |
$13,500 – $16,500 |
|
Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) |
3 years |
$14,500 – $17,500 |
|
Bachelor in Political Science |
3 years |
$13,000 – $16,000 |
|
Bachelor of Science – Mathematics |
3 years |
$14,000 – $17,000 |
|
Bachelor in Economics |
3 years |
$13,500 – $16,500 |
|
Bachelor in Communication and Media Studies |
3 years |
$13,000 – $16,000 |
|
Bachelor in Sociology |
3 years |
$13,000 – $15,500 |
|
Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) |
4 years |
$12,000 – $14,000 |
|
Bachelor of Nursing (B.Sc. Nursing) |
3 years |
$15,000 – $18,000 |
|
Bachelor of Dentistry (Preparatory Program) |
1–2 years + DDS |
$17,000+ (for prep years) |
|
Bachelor of Pharmacy (Preparatory + Program) |
4 years total |
$17,000 – $20,000 |
|
Bachelor in Environmental Science |
3 years |
$14,000 – $17,000 |
|
Bachelor in Philosophy |
3 years |
$13,000 – $15,000 |
BHTM (Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management) in Canada
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Science (M.Sc.) – Computer Science |
2 years |
$15,000 – $18,000 |
|
Master of Science – Artificial Intelligence |
2 years |
$15,500 – $19,000 |
|
Master of Public Health (MPH) |
2 years |
$14,000 – $17,500 |
|
Master in Neuroscience |
2 years |
$14,000 – $17,000 |
|
Master in Biomedical Sciences |
2 years |
$14,000 – $17,000 |
|
Master of Laws (LL.M.) |
1–2 years |
$14,000 – $16,500 |
|
Master in Psychology |
2 years |
$13,500 – $16,000 |
|
Master in Economics |
2 years |
$13,500 – $16,500 |
|
Master in Data Science |
2 years |
$15,000 – $18,000 |
|
Master in Sociology |
2 years |
$13,000 – $15,500 |
|
Master in Education |
2 years |
$13,000 – $15,000 |
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA)* |
1 year |
$33,000 – $36,000 total |
|
Master in International Studies |
2 years |
$13,500 – $16,000 |
|
Master in Environmental Science |
2 years |
$14,000 – $17,000 |
|
Master in Music (M.Mus.) |
2 years |
$12,000 – $14,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees (USD/year) |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD in Computer Science |
4 years |
$9,000 – $11,000 |
|
PhD in Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning |
4 years |
$9,500 – $12,000 |
|
PhD in Neuroscience |
4 years |
$9,000 – $11,500 |
|
PhD in Biomedical Sciences |
4 years |
$9,000 – $11,500 |
|
PhD in Psychology |
4 years |
$8,500 – $10,500 |
|
PhD in Public Health |
4 years |
$9,000 – $11,000 |
|
PhD in Law |
4 years |
$9,000 – $11,000 |
|
PhD in Sociology |
4 years |
$8,500 – $10,500 |
|
PhD in Education Sciences |
4 years |
$8,500 – $10,500 |
|
PhD in Mathematics |
4 years |
$9,000 – $11,000 |
|
PhD in Economics |
4 years |
$9,000 – $11,500 |
|
PhD in Environmental Sciences |
4 years |
$9,000 – $11,500 |
|
PhD in Philosophy |
4 years |
$8,000 – $10,000 |
|
PhD in Music (Research or Composition) |
4 years |
$8,000 – $9,500 |
The University of Montreal is one of Canada’s top-ranked universities, located in Montreal, Quebec—a vibrant, multicultural city. UdeM is a French-language institution, but it is also home to a growing number of programs and research opportunities available to English-speaking international students, especially at the graduate level.
Top 3 university in Canada by research output
Among the top 150 universities in the world
Located in Montreal, one of the best student cities globally
Diverse student body with over 10,000 international students from more than 150 countries
Home to leading research institutes like MILA (Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms) in Artificial Intelligence
Offers tuition exemption scholarships for international students
Offers 600+ programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels
Fields include:
Health sciences
Engineering (via Polytechnique Montréal)
Business (via HEC Montréal)
Computer science and AI
Law
Social sciences and humanities
Arts, education, and music
Most undergraduate programs are taught in French
Many Master’s and PhD programs can be completed in English, particularly in:
Computer Science
AI / Machine Learning
Biomedical Sciences
Public Health
Neuroscience
Data Science
For most undergraduate programs, students must prove proficiency in French (B2 level or higher)
For graduate programs in English, students may need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores
UdeM also offers French language support programs and a French immersion program for students who want to improve before starting their studies.
Tuition for international students varies:
Undergraduate: around $13,000–$18,000 USD/year
Master’s: around $13,000–$19,000 USD/year
PhD: around $9,000–$12,000 USD/year
UdeM offers a Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship which significantly reduces costs for international students in eligible programs.
Additional scholarships and graduate research funding are available, especially at the Master’s and PhD levels.
Montreal is a bilingual city (French and English) with a rich culture, vibrant arts scene, and friendly atmosphere.
UdeM’s campus is located on the slopes of Mount Royal, surrounded by parks and just minutes from downtown.
The city has a low cost of living compared to other major North American cities.
Public transportation is excellent, and students get discounted metro and bus passes.
UdeM has a dedicated International Student Office (Bureau des étudiants internationaux – BEI) to help with:
Study permits and visa guidance
Housing support
Health insurance
Orientation programs
Career services
Applications are done online through UdeM’s portal
Required documents typically include:
Academic transcripts
Proof of language proficiency
Statement of purpose / CV (for graduate programs)
Letters of recommendation (for some programs)
Visit the official UdeM programs page:
https://admission.umontreal.ca/programs/
Browse through undergraduate (bachelor's), master's, or PhD programs.
Check the language of instruction – most undergraduate programs are in French, while some graduate programs are available in English.
High school diploma or equivalent (with required subjects depending on the program)
Proof of French proficiency (usually B2 level or higher)
Some programs require additional documents like a portfolio or entrance exam (e.g. Music, Architecture)
Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s); Master’s degree (for PhD)
Minimum GPA requirement (usually around 3.0/4.0 or equivalent)
Proof of language proficiency:
French for most programs
English for programs offered in English (TOEFL iBT 86+ or IELTS 6.5+)
CV/resume, Statement of Purpose
Letters of recommendation (usually 2)
Research proposal (for some research-based programs)
Go to the official admission portal:
https://admission.umontreal.ca/apply/
Create an account and fill out the application form
Upload all required documents in PDF format
Pay the application fee (approx. CAD 113, about USD 85)
Deadlines:
Fall intake (September): Apply by February 1
Winter intake (January): Apply by September 1 (fewer programs available)
Some graduate programs may have specific deadlines or accept applications year-round
After submitting, you’ll get access to the Centre étudiant (student portal) to:
Check application status
Submit any missing documents
Receive your admission decision
If admitted, follow the instructions to accept your admission offer
Pay any deposits if required
Start planning for visa, housing, and travel
Use your letter of admission to apply for a Canadian study permit online via IRCC (Immigration Canada)
UdeM will also require you to submit proof of legal immigration status to confirm your enrollment
Arrange for housing (on-campus residence or off-campus options)
Purchase mandatory health insurance (Blue Cross for international students)
Attend orientation sessions by the Bureau des étudiants internationaux (BEI)
Start French language courses if needed
UdeM offers three main intakes, but availability varies by program level:
Most popular and widely available
Almost all undergraduate and graduate programs accept applications
Application Deadline: February 1 (can vary slightly for some programs)
Limited number of programs available (mostly graduate-level)
Application Deadline: September 1 (previous year)
Rare, only for select programs, often at the graduate or research level
High school diploma or equivalent from a recognized institution
Must meet specific course prerequisites depending on the chosen program (e.g., math, biology, chemistry, etc.)
A strong academic record (equivalent GPA of around 75% or above is ideal)
French proficiency is mandatory for most undergrad programs
Must demonstrate B2 level French (can be proven via tests like TFI, TCF, TEF, DELF/DALF, etc.)
If your French isn’t strong yet, UdeM offers language preparation programs
Master’s Programs:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Minimum GPA of around 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent, about 75%)
PhD Programs:
A Master’s degree in a related discipline
Solid research experience and academic background
Statement of Purpose
Academic CV/resume
2–3 Letters of Recommendation
Language Test Scores (French or English)
Research proposal (for research-based programs)
French: Most programs require French (B2 level)
English: Some Master’s and PhD programs are offered in English
You’ll need to submit TOEFL (iBT score of 86+) or IELTS (band 6.5+)
If you're interested in a French-taught program but your level is below B2, UdeM offers:
French Immersion Program
Conditional admission (you improve your French before starting your degree)
Ranking System |
Category |
Rank |
|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Global Universities |
#116 |
|
QS Subject Rankings |
Life Sciences & Medicine |
Top 100 |
|
QS Subject Rankings |
Computer Science & Information Systems |
Top 150 |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Global Universities |
#151 |
|
U.S. News – Best in Canada |
National (Canada) |
#4–5 |
|
U.S. News Subject Rankings |
Neuroscience & Behavior |
Top 100 |
|
U.S. News Subject Rankings |
Artificial Intelligence |
Top 100 |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Benefits (Per Year, in USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
UdeM Exemption Scholarship |
All international students admitted to undergrad, master’s, or PhD |
Partial tuition fee exemption; varies by level (see below) |
|
Faculty/Departmental Scholarships |
High-achieving students in specific faculties (e.g. Medicine, Engineering, Law) |
$2,000 – $10,000+ |
|
Graduate Research Assistantships |
Master’s or PhD students involved in research projects |
$10,000 – $20,000+ (stipend) |
|
Doctoral Merit Scholarship (PBEEE/Quebec) |
International PhD students with exceptional academic records |
$25,000/year (renewable for 3 years) |
|
Mitacs Globalink Research Award |
Graduate students in research-based programs |
$6,000 for short-term research abroad |
|
Université de Montréal Foundation Awards |
Merit- or need-based for students in financial need |
Amount varies |
|
International Internship Scholarships |
Students doing internships abroad or field work |
$2,000 – $5,000 |
Study Level |
Annual Tuition After Scholarship (Approx. USD) |
|---|---|
|
Undergraduate |
$7,000 – $9,000 (instead of $14,000–$18,000) |
|
Master’s (non-thesis) |
$9,000 – $10,500 |
|
Master’s (with thesis) |
Similar to Canadian tuition (~$4,000 – $5,000) |
|
PhD |
Similar to Canadian tuition (~$3,000 – $4,000) |
Accommodation Type |
Location |
Facilities Included |
Estimated Cost (USD/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
On-Campus Residence (ZUM) |
Main campus (ZUM – Les Studios Hotel) |
Fully furnished rooms, private bathroom, shared kitchen, Wi-Fi, laundry |
$500 – $700 |
|
On-Campus Residence (Pavillon 601) |
Near MIL campus |
Furnished studios, kitchenettes, utilities included, high-speed internet |
$550 – $750 |
|
Off-Campus Shared Apartment |
Around Côte-des-Neiges / Outremont |
Private room in shared flat, utilities often extra |
$500 – $800 |
|
Private Studio Apartment |
Near campus or downtown Montreal |
Kitchen, private bathroom, utilities included (varies) |
$700 – $1,200 |
|
Homestay (with local family) |
Montreal neighborhoods |
Private room, meals included (optional), good for language immersion |
$750 – $1,000 |
Facility |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Libraries |
15+ libraries across faculties with study zones and digital resources |
|
Fitness & Sports Complex |
CEPSUM (gyms, swimming pool, track, rock climbing, fitness classes) |
|
Student Cafeterias & Dining |
Cafeterias, food courts, cafés on campus |
|
Student Services |
Mental health, academic advising, career center, international student support |
|
Free Wi-Fi & Study Spaces |
Available throughout campus buildings |
|
Public Transport Access |
Direct access to metro (Université-de-Montréal station), student transit pass available |
The main campus is perched on the slopes of Mount Royal, giving it a peaceful, green setting just minutes from the city buzz. It has a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere, with students from all over the world. UdeM has over 67,000 students, including 10,000+ international students, so you’ll find a diverse, multilingual community here.
There are cafés, study lounges, modern libraries, and lots of outdoor spots to relax or meet friends. Whether you're studying at the main campus or at one of the satellite campuses like MIL or Polytechnique, you'll find well-equipped facilities everywhere.
UdeM is known for being welcoming to international students. There’s a full support system through the Bureau des étudiants internationaux (BEI) which helps with:
Immigration & study permits
Housing support
Cultural integration and events
Health insurance and well-being resources
You’ll also find plenty of international student meetups, cultural nights, and language exchange programs (great for practicing French or English).
There’s something for everyone. The university has 100+ student clubs and associations, including:
Academic and professional societies
Sports and fitness groups
Cultural clubs (e.g., Latin American, African, Middle Eastern student associations)
Arts and performance groups (theater, music, dance)
There are film screenings, guest lectures, hackathons, festivals, and regular student events all year. The Montréal Student Games and Interfaculty Games are big on campus!
UdeM students get access to CEPSUM, the massive on-campus fitness center. It includes:
Gym and training rooms
Olympic-sized swimming pool
Indoor track
Climbing wall
Sports courts (basketball, badminton, squash)
There are also fitness classes, intramural leagues, and recreational activities like yoga, Zumba, and martial arts.
Montreal is a student-friendly, affordable city with a vibrant mix of cultures. You can explore:
Cafés, markets, music festivals, and nightlife in places like Plateau, Mile End, or Downtown
Art museums, film festivals, and food trucks
Year-round events like Igloofest, Jazz Fest, and Just for Laughs
Public transit is cheap and reliable, and students get a discounted metro/bus pass. You can also bike around the city thanks to Montréal’s many bike paths and BIXI bike rentals.
Since UdeM is a French-language university, life on campus leans toward French, but many people also speak English — especially in the city. It’s a great place to become bilingual or improve your French.
There are language exchange meetups, tutoring, and French support services for international students.
UdeM offers robust career development support through its Bureau du développement professionnel (Career Development Office), which helps students with:
Resume and cover letter writing
Job search strategies
Internship and co-op opportunities
Career counseling
Workshops, networking events, and employer meetups
Each faculty also has its own career services office, tailored to field-specific careers (e.g., medicine, engineering, law, business).
While UdeM does not guarantee campus placements like some universities in India or Asia, it strongly supports students in finding internships, research assistantships, and job opportunities through employer partnerships and co-op programs.
80%+ of UdeM graduates find employment within 6 months of graduation (varies by faculty and field).
Students in STEM, health sciences, and AI often get job offers even before graduation thanks to Montreal's growing job market in these sectors.
Information Technology and AI – Companies like Google, Meta (Facebook), IBM, and Ubisoft hire from UdeM and its affiliated research centers like MILA (AI research institute).
Healthcare – Hospitals, research labs, and health ministries recruit heavily from UdeM’s medicine, nursing, and public health programs.
Engineering – Through Polytechnique Montréal, students are placed in companies like Bombardier, Hydro-Québec, and SNC-Lavalin.
Business and Management – HEC Montréal (UdeM’s business school) has high post-graduation employment rates, especially in finance, marketing, and data analytics.
Government & Public Sector – Especially for law, public policy, and international relations graduates.
Many programs at UdeM, especially at the graduate level, offer internship or co-op options.
These internships are often paid and are a great way for international students to gain Canadian work experience.
Fields like computer science, public health, engineering, and biomedical sciences offer strong research and industry placement options.
International students are eligible for part-time work during studies (up to 20 hours/week) and full-time during scheduled breaks.
After graduation, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), valid for up to 3 years.
Many UdeM grads go on to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada via programs like Express Entry or Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
UdeM is a founding member of the MILA AI Institute, led by AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio. Graduates from this program often land top jobs in global AI companies.
HEC Montréal MBA and Master's grads have 95%+ employment rate within 3 months.
While UdeM doesn't offer traditional "placements" like in some countries, it offers excellent support, connections, and opportunities that lead to strong employment outcomes—especially in AI, healthcare, engineering, and public policy.
University of Montreal – Acceptance Rate
General acceptance rate: 40% to 50%
Varies by program and faculty – competitive programs (like Medicine, Law, or Pharmacy) have much lower acceptance rates, while others (like Arts or Social Sciences) may be more flexible.
Highly competitive programs: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law, Engineering
Moderately selective: Computer Science, Psychology, Economics, Public Health
Less competitive: Humanities, Languages, some Social Sciences
Strong GPA and academic background relevant to the chosen field
Research experience for graduate programs
For most undergraduate programs: French proficiency (B2 level or higher) is required
For some graduate programs: English is accepted, but a strong TOEFL/IELTS score is often required
Statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, CV, and test scores (for grad programs) carry significant weight
UdeM is very international-student friendly
The university receives a high number of international applications, especially for graduate-level programs in AI, Computer Science, Public Health, and Biomedical Sciences
International students with strong academic records and research potential stand a good chance, especially for Master’s and PhD programs
Address: 2900 Édouard-Montpetit Blvd, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1J4, Canada
Location: On the northern slope of Mount Royal, in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood
Vibe: Lush, green, and elevated — surrounded by nature but just minutes from downtown Montreal
Metro Access: Direct access via Université-de-Montréal Metro Station (Blue Line)
Province: Quebec
Language: Mostly French-speaking, but bilingual (French & English) city overall
Known for: Culture, arts, food, festivals, affordability, and student-friendliness
Population: Over 4 million in the greater Montreal area
Student City Ranking: Often ranked among the top student cities in the world
Focus: Science, research, and innovation (especially in fields like physics, chemistry, biology, AI)
Modern facilities with cutting-edge labs and collaborative spaces
Address: 1375 Avenue Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montreal, QC H2V 0B3
Engineering school affiliated with UdeM
Located next to the main campus
Offers programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, software, and aerospace engineering
Business school affiliated with UdeM
Located just a few minutes from the main UdeM campus
Known for its bilingual (French-English) and trilingual (French-English-Spanish) business programs
