5 good reasons to study in Montreal

Each year, some 25,000 international students from 150 countries come to Montreal to study. This makes Montreal the city with the highest number of students per capita in North America.

Did you know that Montreal is home to several high-ranked universities and is ranked the number 1 city in Canada and number 6 in the world among the best cities to study? What are the other reasons that make Montreal a popular study abroad destination? Let’s find out.

1. Lower tuition fees for international students compared to other Canadian provinces

The tuition fees at Canadian universities are generally lower than university tuition fees in countries like the U.K, the US or Australia. The tuition fees for international students in Canada may vary based on the city or the degree program. But Montreal has one of the lowest tuition fees in Canada which comes to around USD 12,200 per year.

2. Lower cost of living

Added to the low tuition fees, the cost of living in Montreal is much less compared to cities like Toronto and Vancouver. The city offers affordable housing which is twice as affordable compared to other big cities in North America or Europe. According to Numbeo, a website that maintains a cost of the living database, a one-bedroom apartment in Montreal will cost around USD 975 per month. According to the website, the prices in Montreal are 24 %percent lower than Toronto.

3. Clear pathway to permanent immigration through the Quebec Experience program

International students who have completed a degree in a university in Montreal get access to the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ). The PEQ launched in 2010, is a popular immigration stream among international students which provides a fast-track process for permanent residence.  Students in Montreal, which is part of Quebec can apply for permanent residence under this program provided have resided in Quebec.

Students who have studied for a university degree or diploma need to have 12 months of Quebec work experience in jobs that fall within National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes 0, A, and B.

Students with a diploma of professional studies (DEP) will be required to have 18 months of work experience in NOC 0, A, B, and C level jobs in Quebec.

Students working in C level jobs are eligible under the new PEQ rules if their work experience is related to their study program. Work experience acquired as part of a mandatory internship will also be counted provided it is of a duration of three months.

4. Post-study work rights to students

International students at Montreal have access to the Post Graduate Work Permit which gives them permission to work in the country for up to three years after completing their studies.

The work experience gained through the PGWP proves to be a major advantage when they submit their federal or provincial immigration application for a PR visa. Under the Express Entry system, applicants who have studied in Canada will get additional points for their education and work experience in the country. This will add to their CRS score.

These students can also apply under the Canadian Experience Class program which recognizes the work experience gained in Canada in the PR visa application.

5. Strong economy of Montreal

Montreal has a strong and stable economy. The Quebec province has a strong job market and international students have job opportunities in cutting edge industries such as aerospace, big data, gaming, virtual reality, visual effects, healthcare, and fintech. This adds value to their career and opens up exciting opportunities. 

These are some reasons why Montreal is a hot destination for international students.