The University of Montreal (Université de Montréal, abbreviated as UdeM) was founded in 1878 and is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is the largest French-language university in the world. As a core member of the U15 consortium of Canadian research universities, UdeM ranked 168th globally and 7th in Canada in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, enjoying a global reputation for academic excellence. Is it possible to earn a Canadian university degree without language test scores?
Authoritative Rankings and Academic Standing
UdeM is the top-funded research university in Quebec and third in Canada, boasting 13 faculties and two leading affiliated institutions—HEC Montréal and Polytechnique Montréal. In the field of artificial intelligence, the university collaborates closely with the Mila research center, ranking 10th globally in AI, and is home to Turing Award winner Yoshua Bengio.
Overview of Popular Programs
| Field of Study | Program Name | Degree Level | Affiliated School | International Tuition (CAD/year) | Language Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence/Computer Science | Computer Science (Major) | Undergraduate | Faculty of Arts and Sciences | $15,602/semester | French |
| Computer Engineering | Master’s | HEC Montréal | $30,800 | English/French | |
| Business and Management | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Master’s | HEC Montréal | $27,414 | English/French |
| Data Science and Business Analytics | Master’s | HEC Montréal | $16,750 | English | |
| Engineering | Biomedical Engineering | Master’s | École Polytechnique de Montréal | $35,994 | French |
| Life Sciences | Doctor of Sports Science | Doctorate | Medical School | $9,972/semester | French |
Note: Tuition fees are estimates; please refer to the university’s official website for exact figures.
Internationalization and French Language Advantages
UdeM has over 67,000 students, including more than 10,000 international students from over 140 countries and regions. The university offers more than 600 undergraduate and graduate programs, with French as the primary language of instruction, though some master’s programs are taught in English. For students who do not meet the French language proficiency requirements, the university offers a 4-month intensive French course (cost: CAD $3,500) to help students meet admission requirements.
Value for Money and Immigration Advantages
UdeM is renowned for its exceptional value for money. Tuition for international undergraduate students is approximately CAD 20,000–35,000 per year, significantly lower than at the University of Toronto (CAD 45,000–60,000 per year) and UBC (CAD 35,000–55,000 per year). Montreal has the lowest cost of living among Canada’s three major cities, approximately 30–40% lower than Toronto.
Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects, with master’s graduates in science fields earning an average annual salary of $94,000 CAD, and MBA graduates earning approximately $91,000 CAD. Through the PEQ Experience-Based Immigration program, Quebec graduates who achieve a B2 level of French proficiency can apply directly for Canadian permanent residency without a job offer, with a success rate exceeding 90%.
Whether you are seeking world-class AI education or hoping to achieve your immigration goals through a cost-effective study abroad experience, the University of Montreal stands out as an ideal choice for students worldwide thanks to its rich French cultural heritage, top-tier academic excellence, and favorable immigration policies.
