Study and live in Montréal
Want to study in Montréal? Compare university and higher education options, campuses, accommodation and your budget with support from Nómadas.
By Nómadas editorial team · Updated on
Context for your decision
What is it like to live and study in Montréal?
Montréal offers the possibility of studying English, French or a pathway involving both, depending on the school and programme. Do not leave the language choice until later: it affects your course, everyday life and next steps.
Downtown, Plateau-Mont-Royal, Mile End and the historic centre offer different atmospheres. The metro can help organise your routine, but the walk to the station and winter conditions matter too.
It may suit you if you are interested in French, Québec’s culture and a city with different language environments to explore.
Compare your study options →
Choose with clear goals
What you can study in Montréal
University and postgraduate study
Start with your subject area, academic requirements and admission language. Compare the duration, qualification, campus and total programme cost.
Other higher education
Check the qualification each college or institution offers, its requirements and how it fits your background. Institutions and programmes do not all have the same immigration conditions.
Language preparation
English or French can help you reach the entry level. A language course does not guarantee admission, employment or permission to work off campus.
| Your goal | What to compare | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Study for a degree or postgraduate qualification | Qualification, campus and curriculum | Admission, language and annual cost |
| Consider working after graduation | Specific institution and programme | PGWP eligibility and current IRCC requirements |
| Improve your language skills | Entry level and academic goal | Admission and work permission separately |
Plan the steps
Requirements for studying in Montréal
STEP 01
Course and admission
Confirm acceptance by the school and that the programme fits your level, goal and dates. Keep the acceptance letter and cost breakdown.
STEP 02
Study authorisation
Check with IRCC whether you need a study permit and which documents apply to your nationality, programme and duration. Also confirm entry requirements.
STEP 03
Funds and insurance
Prepare the required financial evidence and suitable health cover. Your living budget and the amount required for immigration purposes are different things.
STEP 04
Arrival and accommodation
Coordinate key collection and transport suited to your arrival time. In winter, keep your coat within reach for the first journey, not at the bottom of your luggage.
Check the official requirements for Canada and continue planning with our guide to studying in Canada.
Plan in Canadian dollars · CAD
How much does it cost to study and live in Montréal?
The total depends on your programme, accommodation and duration. Compare the full cost and payment schedule; request a proposal for your dates and campus.
Higher education tuition
Depends on programme and academic year
Request a quote for the specific qualification: international tuition, compulsory fees, insurance, materials, deposit and payment schedule. A weekly English-course price does not represent the cost of a degree or postgraduate programme.
Accommodation and meals
Depends on the arrangement
Confirm what rent includes, especially heating and electricity. For homestay, ask about meals and the language normally spoken at home without assuming every family offers the same experience.
Utilities and phone
Check what is included
Check electricity, heating, water, internet and mobile data. If they are included in your accommodation, do not count them twice.
Transport
Depends on your route
If your accommodation is off the island or you cross into another zone, check the correct ticket. Do not buy a pass simply because it carries Montréal’s name.
Everyday life
Your weekly spending
Separate groceries, eating out, laundry and leisure. In a homestay, confirm which meals are covered each day of the week.
Arrival and unexpected expenses
A separate fund
Include flights, insurance, fees, transfers, accommodation deposits and initial expenses. Keep a buffer available before travelling.
Guidance for preparing your quote, reviewed on 15 October 2026: IRCC · preparing and choosing an institution. We do not publish a university fee without identifying the qualification and academic year. Ask the institution for the confirmed amount.
Separate study and work permission
Working while studying in Montréal
Studying only English or French does not authorise off-campus work. Other eligible programmes allow up to 24 hours per week during classes if you meet all IRCC and permit requirements.
Permission to work does not guarantee a job. Prepare your initial budget without relying on income you do not yet have.
See official work conditions →Campus first, address second
How to choose accommodation in Montréal
Confirm what rent includes, especially heating and electricity. For homestay, ask about meals and the language normally spoken at home without assuming every family offers the same experience.
01
Locate your campus
Compare exact addresses and class timetables.
02
Try the journey
Check both journeys on a class day, including walks and transfers.
03
Read the contract
Confirm the deposit, duration, bills, visitors and cancellation terms.
04
Verify the offer
Verify the accommodation, identity and terms before transferring money.
Compare areas as well as prices
Neighbourhoods and areas of Montréal
01 · AREA
Centre-ville
Downtown concentrates shopping and cultural activities. Check how close it is to campus and the metro line you need.
02 · AREA
Plateau-Mont-Royal
Known for residential streets, shops and cultural life. Compare the exact address and walking time to the station.
03 · AREA
Mile End
Cafés and independent businesses form part of its neighbourhood atmosphere. Visit and check your daily journey before booking.
04 · AREA
Vieux-Montréal
The historic centre offers architecture and walks around the old port. A tourist experience alone does not tell you what living there would be like.
These are starting points for comparing journeys and lifestyles, not a ranking of neighbourhoods by safety or price.
Getting around the city
STM and metropolitan transport
STM operates buses and the metro in Montréal. OPUS is a medium for transit fares; the ticket you need depends on the zones and modes used on your journey.
Official routes, fares and notices →Your daily journey
A tip for Montréal
If your accommodation is off the island or you cross into another zone, check the correct ticket. Do not buy a pass simply because it carries Montréal’s name.
- 01Accommodation address
- 02Actual start and finish times
- 03Campus, transfers and return journey
A packing tip
Climate in Montréal: prepare your trip
Winters are cold, and snow can become part of your daily journey. Summer changes the temperature and street life. Consider warm clothing, footwear and proximity to transport when planning your stay.
Summer
June–August
16–25 °C
Autumn
September–November
6–13 °C
Winter
December–February
−11–−3 °C
Spring
March–May
2–11 °C
Seasonal guidance: average monthly lows and highs from WeatherSpark, converted to °C and rounded. These are neither extremes nor a forecast.
Source: WeatherSpark · climate comparison of Canadian cities →
One city, different plans
Life after class in Montréal
01 · LOCAL LIFE
Cafés and neighbourhood culture
Plateau and Mile End are starting points for exploring shops, cultural spaces and different ways of experiencing the city.
02 · LOCAL LIFE
Port walks
Vieux-Montréal and the old port let you explore urban history and the riverfront.
03 · LOCAL LIFE
Activities in every season
The city changes between summer activities and winter plans. Check the current programme instead of relying on an old guide.
Ideas for your free time
Things to do in Montréal and nearby
Mont Royal
An urban walk to discover the park and its views. Adapt your footwear and route to the day’s conditions.
Vieux-Montréal
Explore the historic centre at your own pace and combine the walk with a cultural visit.
A trip around Québec
If you leave Montréal, choose your destination according to your available time and check transport, accommodation and weather.
Plan trips around your days off, weather and transport. Check access and reservations with Tourisme Montréal · neighbourhoods.
Useful steps before travelling
Your arrival in Montréal
Keep essentials handy
Keep travel documents, your accommodation address and the school’s contact details available offline.
Arrange your first night
Coordinate key collection and transport suited to your arrival time. In winter, keep your coat within reach for the first journey, not at the bottom of your luggage.
Try the route in advance
Before your first day, check how to get to campus and where to buy essentials. Ask about your school’s welcome activities.
Keep researching
Montréal or another city in Canada?
Start with the general guide to Canada and compare these cities based on your studies and lifestyle.
Studying in Toronto
It may suit you if you want an urban experience with varied neighbourhoods, cultural activities and opportunities to practise English in everyday life.
Explore the guide →Studying in Vancouver
It may suit you if you want to study English and enjoy coastal walks and nature alongside city life.
Explore the guide →Studying in Calgary
Calgary may suit you if you are looking for a city in Alberta and want to spend some of your free time in nature.
Explore the guide →Read more about Montréal
This guide helps you choose a city and organise your studies. These articles in Spanish cover specific topics in more detail; check the dates of their references before budgeting.
Clear answers
Frequently asked questions about Montréal
Which language do I need to study at a university in Montréal?
It depends on the institution and programme. Confirm the teaching language and accepted admission test; French can also be useful for everyday life in Québec.
What is the CAQ for studying in Québec?
It is a provincial authorisation that may be required alongside the federal permit. Check the programme’s full duration and exceptions with the Government of Québec.
Is it better to live near the metro?
It can make daily life easier, particularly in winter. Compare the line, walking distance and transfers needed to reach your school.
Can I work while studying in Montréal?
A language course alone does not authorise off-campus work. Read the Work section and the official conditions applicable to your programme.
How do I calculate my budget for Montréal?
Add course fees, accommodation, everyday expenses and arrival costs in CAD. Always compare the same number of weeks and check included meals, utilities and supplements. Do not rely on a future job to pay for the trip.
Is advice from Nómadas free?
Yes, Nómadas advice is free for students. School, accommodation, insurance, flights and fees have separate costs. Request a proposal detailing each item.
Your next step
Would you like to study in Montréal?
Tell us your language level, dates and what you would like to study. We help you compare available options and organise the cost of your experience.
Sources and editorial review
How we prepared this guide
Nómadas editorial team · Reviewed on 15 October 2026. We checked requirements with the authorities and local information with operators and providers. The schools mentioned illustrate available courses and public fees; programme availability is confirmed in your proposal. Photos show the city or surroundings identified in their descriptions.
- IRCC · French and Express Entry outside Quebec ↗
- IRCC · study permit ↗
- IRCC · off-campus work ↗
- Government of Quebec · authorisations and CAQ ↗
- IRCC · designated institutions and PGWP eligibility ↗
- IRCC · preparing and choosing an institution ↗
- STM and metropolitan transport ↗
- Tourisme Montréal · neighbourhoods ↗
- WeatherSpark · climate comparison of Canadian cities ↗