Quebec is a province in Canada known for being the country’s primary French-speaking province. However, many bilingual and English-speaking universities are in the area for students who want to pursue studies outside of French. The place provides high-quality education at reasonable tuition prices. Its residents often pay less tuition than out-of-province domestic students.
Students can apply for grants and loans through Canadian and Quebec government websites. It is also important to remember that any student can apply for scholarships, which are best located on the university’s official website. These options, if granted, can cut down your tuition fees exponentially.
Nevertheless, it can help an international student choose a school that offers lower study costs. That’s why this article will look at the cheap universities in Quebec, so read carefully below.
Affordable Schools in Quebec for International Students
1. Concordia University
Established in 1974 and located in Montréal, QC, Concordia University is a public research university. Its programs are predominantly taught in English, and its overall student population is approximately over 45,000. According to the QS World Rankings 2024, it was ranked 17th in Canada.
Over 300 undergraduate programs are available through Concordia’s four main faculties, which include the Faculty of Arts and Science, the Faculty of Fine Arts, the John Molson Business School, and the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Business.
2. Bishop’s University
Founded in 1843, Bishop’s University, or Université Bishop’s is located in Sherbrooke, QC. Programs at this institution are predominantly instructed in the English language. Bishop’s University is known for being an undergraduate-only level institution. Programs and degrees are offered through five academic divisions: the Williams School of Business, the School of Education, the Division of Humanities, the Division of Social Sciences, and the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
This cheap university in Quebec has an overall population of approximately 2,900 students.
3. Université du Québec à Montréal
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: around CA$26,245/year (Undergraduate) | around CA$4,315/year (Graduate)
With seven locations in Quebec, the University of Quebec is a public institution established in 1968. The University of Quebec Montréal (UQAM), a predominantly French-language institution, is the largest of the University of Quebec system. Its Programs are offered through seven faculties, including the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Communication, Faculty of Political Science and Law, Faculty of Sciences, School of Management Sciences, and the Faculty of Social Sciences.
4. McGill University
Next on our list of cheap universities in Quebec is McGill University, established in 1821. It is a bilingual public research university located in Montréal, QC. McGill offers over 300 programs primarily through its five main faculties: arts, science, medicine, management, and engineering.
This renowned university predominantly offers its instruction in English but also has French language options. According to the 2024 QS World Rankings, McGill ranks 2nd in Canada and 30th globally. Among all Canadian research schools, it has the highest percentage of international students at 30%, hailing from over 150 nations.
5. Vanier College
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: around CA$6,119 – $9,486/semester
Established in 1970 as a General and Vocational College, or CEGEP, Vanier College is a public and predominantly English-language institution in Montréal, QC. Diploma programs offered here include arts, engineering, business studies, and applied sciences, with many more options included.
CEGEP is a school system exclusive to Quebec. Hence, it offers two-year pre-university programs and three-year technical field programs. Pre-university programs are best suited for those who have recently graduated high school and are preparing for institutional education. In contrast, technical field programs are best suited for those planning to begin their careers immediately.
6. University of Montréal
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: around CA$14,992/quarter (Undergraduate) | around CA$10,159.95/year (Graduate)
The University of Montréal was founded in 1878 and is a public institution in Montréal, QC. This predominantly French-language school offers more than 650 undergraduate and graduate programs, so if you decide to pursue an education in the French language, you have many options.
The overall population of this cheap university in Quebec is approximately 44,883, 72% of whom are undergraduate students. It has one of the highest graduate student enrollment rates in Canada, at 28%.
7. Université Laval
Université Laval is a public, primarily French-language research institution founded in 1663. Its faculties include the arts, medicine, nursing, religious studies, architecture, and agriculture. It has over 17 faculties and schools and over 350 programs for students. With 64% of its area dedicated to trees and greenery and home to the world’s most extensive teaching and research forest, Forêt Montmorency, the campus is a hive of cultural, athletic, and social activity.
Quebec is a province that houses many lower-cost institutions in the country, including the above options and more, offering many accessible options for students across the globe. Fees may be subject to future change per the institution’s rules and standards, so consult official university websites for the most accurate fees depending on your situation and the year you are applying.
We hope this article on cheap universities in Quebec was helpful. Make sure also to explore our Canada Page and check out the Open Courses for more information about studying in this North American country!
