Quebec is one of Canada's major destinations for higher education, with universities, cégeps, colleges and research institutions located in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay, Rimouski, Gatineau and other communities.
This ToQuebec student hub brings together practical information about universities, student housing, living costs, jobs, public transportation, food, healthcare, international-student requirements, study spaces and student life across Quebec.
Use the sections below to quickly find the information you need. Whether you are already studying in Quebec, preparing to move here or comparing universities and colleges, this page provides a starting point for your research.
Estimate your monthly and annual student budget in Quebec using your own housing, food, transport, insurance, education and leisure costs.
Calculate My BudgetExplore student loan repayment, taxes, deductions and estimated monthly financial impact.
Calculate Loan & TaxExplore universities and higher-education institutions across Quebec, including institutions in Quebec City, Montreal and other regions.
Browse UniversitiesCompare tuition and other study-related costs when evaluating universities and programs in Quebec.
Compare CostsCompare universities using available ranking and institutional information.
Compare UniversitiesSearch for employment opportunities across Quebec, including opportunities that may suit students and graduates.
Find JobsQuebec has a large and diverse higher-education system. Students can choose from universities, cégeps, colleges, vocational institutions and research organizations. The experience can be very different depending on whether you live in Montreal, Quebec City or another Quebec region.
One of the first decisions is choosing the right institution and city. Your program, language of instruction, tuition, housing costs, transportation needs and career plans can all affect the best location for you.
For international students, there are additional administrative requirements. Depending on the program and personal situation, students may need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), a Canadian study permit and appropriate health and hospitalization insurance.
Build your student budget before choosing accommodation. Include housing, food, transportation, tuition and fees, health insurance, phone, study materials, entertainment, travel and one-time moving costs.
Use the ToQuebec Student Cost of Living Calculator to create a personalized estimate.
Student costs vary considerably across Quebec. Housing is influenced by the city, neighbourhood and type of accommodation, while tuition depends on the institution, program, citizenship, residence status and other factors.
The Government of Quebec notes that education costs can vary according to the level of education, institution, program and the student's legal status, citizenship and place of residence. International students can also face different tuition arrangements from Quebec residents.
| Expense | What to consider |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Housing | Residence, room, shared apartment, studio, apartment, deposit and utilities. |
| 🍎 Food | Groceries, cafeterias, restaurants, take-away and food delivery. |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | Health and hospitalization insurance, prescriptions and other healthcare costs. |
| 🚆 Transport | Public transit passes, commuting, intercity travel and occasional trips. |
| 🎓 Education | Tuition, student fees, books, equipment, software and study materials. |
| 📱 Phone & Internet | Mobile plan, data and internet where applicable. |
| 🎉 Leisure | Sports, entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, hobbies and travel. |
| 🧳 One-Time Costs | Deposit, furniture, moving expenses, transportation and initial setup costs. |
Don't rely on one generic monthly figure. Enter your own expected expenses and calculate a personalized student budget.
Open Student Cost of Living Calculator →Finances are an important part of student life in Quebec. In addition to everyday expenses, students may need to consider tuition, financial assistance, scholarships, student loans, employment income and taxes.
Use the ToQuebec calculator to explore loan repayment, estimated taxes, deductions and the potential effect on monthly finances.
Open Student Loan & Tax CalculatorQuebec has universities in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay, Rimouski, Gatineau and other regions. The provincial government maintains an official list of Quebec university institutions.
Major comprehensive university in Quebec City and one of Quebec's principal universities.
Large French-language university in Montreal with programs across many academic disciplines.
Major research university in Montreal with a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Montreal university offering programs across arts, business, engineering, computer science and other fields.
French-language university in downtown Montreal and part of the Université du Québec network.
Engineering school in Montreal with undergraduate, graduate and research programs.
Business school in Montreal offering undergraduate, graduate and executive education.
Comprehensive university based in Sherbrooke with programs in many academic fields.
University in Trois-Rivières offering undergraduate and graduate programs.
University serving the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region.
University serving eastern Quebec with programs and research in several fields.
University serving the Outaouais region, including Gatineau.
Quebec's education system also includes cégeps, which provide pre-university and technical programs. In the Quebec City region, examples include Cégep de Sainte-Foy, Cégep Garneau, Cégep Limoilou and Cégep Champlain–St. Lawrence.
Use the ToQuebec university directory and comparison tools to investigate higher-education options.
Browse Quebec Universities → Compare University Costs → Compare University Rankings →Finding accommodation is one of the most important tasks for students moving to Quebec. Housing availability and prices vary considerably between cities, so students should search according to their specific university or college location.
Student residences can have limited capacity. Université Laval, for example, recommends applying for residence as soon as students have confirmation of their place, while Cégeps du Québec notes that residence places are limited and students should apply directly to the institution.
Official Université Laval housing and residence information for students studying in Quebec City.
Visit WebsiteInformation about student residences and private housing options near Quebec cégeps.
Visit WebsiteStudent residences associated with the Université du Québec network in several Quebec cities.
Visit WebsiteMajor Quebec real-estate platform where students can search for rental properties and apartments.
Visit WebsiteClassified marketplace where rooms, shared accommodation and rental properties may be advertised.
Visit WebsiteRental-property platform covering cities across Canada, including Quebec.
Visit WebsiteBe cautious if a person asks you to transfer money before you have verified the property, landlord and rental agreement. Be particularly careful with properties advertised at unusually low prices or with requests for immediate payment.
There is no single location that suits every student. Your choice will depend on your institution, program, budget, language, preferred lifestyle and tolerance for commuting.
| Student destination | Why students may consider it |
|---|---|
| Montreal | Large university population, multiple universities, extensive public transit and a diverse urban environment. |
| Quebec City | Home to Université Laval, several cégeps and a major French-speaking student community. |
| Sherbrooke | University city with Université de Sherbrooke and a large student population. |
| Trois-Rivières | Home to Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and several educational institutions. |
| Gatineau | Student destination in the Outaouais region, close to Ottawa. |
| Saguenay | Regional university centre served by Université du Québec à Chicoutimi. |
| Rimouski | Regional university city and home to Université du Québec à Rimouski. |
| Other Quebec communities | Many colleges, vocational institutions, universities and specialized programs are available outside the largest cities. |
When comparing accommodation, calculate the complete cost rather than looking only at monthly rent. A lower rent farther from campus may involve additional transportation costs and commuting time.
Students in Quebec can look for part-time employment, summer jobs, internships, working-student positions, research opportunities, tutoring and other work. The Government of Quebec operates Québec emploi, where job seekers can search for full-time, part-time, seasonal, student and internship opportunities.
Québec Emploi is the Government of Quebec's free online employment service. Students can filter job offers by region, employment type, training level and offer type, including student jobs and internships.
International students have additional immigration conditions to consider. The Government of Quebec states that studies must remain the student's main activity and that different rules apply to on-campus employment, internships and off-campus work. Always verify the current federal and Quebec requirements before starting employment.
Explore the ToQuebec jobs section for employment opportunities across the province.
Search Quebec Jobs →Public transportation is an important part of student life, especially for students who live outside walking distance of campus. Quebec has separate public transit agencies serving different metropolitan and regional areas.
Public transit network serving Quebec City and surrounding areas, including student fare options.
Visit WebsitePublic transportation network serving Montreal with metro and bus services.
Visit WebsiteRegional public transit network serving areas around Montreal.
Visit WebsitePublic transit network serving Longueuil and the South Shore of Montreal.
Visit WebsitePassenger rail service connecting Quebec communities with other parts of Canada.
Visit WebsiteThe Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) provides student fare options, including Student+ status for eligible full-time students and an OPUS photo card. Current fares and eligibility should be checked directly with RTC because prices and conditions can change.
Before buying a pass, compare the journeys you expect to make during a typical month with the available student and regular fares.
Food can become a significant part of a student budget. Cooking at home, comparing grocery prices, using university or cégep cafeterias and looking for surplus-food offers can help students manage spending.
App for purchasing surplus food from participating restaurants, bakeries and shops.
Visit WebsiteDiscount-oriented grocery chain with stores across Quebec.
Visit WebsiteQuebec supermarket chain offering groceries and budget-oriented shopping options.
Visit WebsiteLarge retailer with grocery departments in many Quebec communities.
Visit WebsiteGrocery chain with stores throughout Quebec, including many neighbourhood locations.
Visit WebsiteQuebec has university libraries, cégep libraries, public libraries and major research collections. Libraries can provide books, research databases, computers, quiet study areas and group-work facilities.
Public library network in Quebec City with numerous branches and study resources.
Visit WebsiteAcademic library resources, research tools and study facilities for Université Laval students.
Visit WebsiteBibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, with major collections and public research resources.
Visit WebsiteAcademic library network serving McGill students and researchers.
Visit WebsiteThe Bibliothèque de Québec currently operates a network of 26 libraries, while the Université Laval Library provides academic research and study resources for students and researchers.
Quebec attracts international students from many countries. Moving to Quebec for university or college can involve additional immigration, financial, health insurance and administrative requirements.
Many international students studying in Quebec for more than six months need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and a Canadian study permit.
International students should understand the immigration, university and local administrative steps that apply to their situation.
Health and hospitalization insurance is an important requirement for many international students, with RAMQ eligibility depending on nationality and circumstances.
A Canadian bank account can make it easier to manage rent, bills, tuition, everyday purchases and employment income.
Compare Canadian and Quebec mobile plans, prepaid options, data allowances and student offers.
French is the official language of Quebec. Learning practical French can make everyday administration, employment and social life easier.
For a study program lasting more than six months, foreign nationals generally need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies and a study permit issued by the Government of Canada. There are specific exceptions, so students should check the official requirements for their individual situation.
Immigration, residence, employment and health-insurance rules can depend on your nationality, program, institution and immigration status. Official requirements can also change. Always verify current information with the Government of Quebec, the Government of Canada, RAMQ and your educational institution before making important decisions.
Health insurance is an important part of studying in Quebec. Eligibility depends on your situation, and international students should not assume that every foreign student automatically qualifies for the Quebec Health Insurance Plan.
RAMQ states that foreign students from countries with social-security agreements with Quebec may be eligible under specific conditions. Its current list includes Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Sweden.
RAMQ notes that eligibility depends on status and that foreign students from countries without a qualifying social-security agreement may not be eligible for the public plan. Students should verify their individual circumstances rather than assuming coverage.
Student budgets can improve when you actively look for student pricing and lower-cost alternatives. Eligibility and discounts differ by institution, city and provider.
Always check current terms directly with the provider because prices, eligibility and discounts can change.
Student life in Quebec extends beyond lectures and exams. Major student cities offer sports, festivals, cultural institutions, restaurants, cafés, outdoor activities, student associations and seasonal events.
Explore parks, hiking routes, rivers, lakes, forests and outdoor destinations throughout Quebec.
Quebec offers skiing, skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and other winter activities.
Explore museums, theatres, concerts, festivals, galleries and cultural institutions.
Follow festivals, university events, concerts and seasonal activities across Quebec.
Find university sports, gyms, clubs, recreational facilities and outdoor activities.
Explore restaurants, cafés, live music, bars and evening activities in Quebec's major student cities.
Once you have settled into your accommodation and educational institution, several practical services become part of everyday student life.
| Need | What to investigate |
|---|---|
| 🛒 Groceries | Supermarkets, discount stores, local shops and markets. |
| 🏦 Banking | Canadian bank account, payment cards and digital banking. |
| 📱 Mobile | Canadian mobile plans and prepaid options. |
| 🚆 Transport | Local transit agency, student passes and intercity travel. |
| 🩺 Healthcare | Health insurance, clinics, doctors and pharmacies. |
| 📮 Postal Services | Canada Post services and parcel collection. |
| ♻️ Recycling | Municipal recycling and waste-collection rules. |
| 🏠 Housing | Lease, utilities, tenant responsibilities and maintenance. |
| 🇫🇷 French | Everyday communication, administration, education and employment. |
Before moving to Quebec, estimate each category instead of looking only at rent.
Enter your expected figures into the Quebec Student Cost of Living Calculator and adjust them as you learn more about your actual expenses.
A successful move is easier when you divide the process into stages.
Some international graduates may wish to remain in Quebec after completing their studies. Immigration options can depend on the study program, institution, graduation date, immigration status and the rules in force at the time of application.
The Government of Quebec notes that graduates who want to work in Quebec may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit issued by the Government of Canada, subject to the applicable conditions. The rules have changed in recent years, so graduates should check the current federal and Quebec requirements before planning their next step.
ToQuebec is building a collection of tools designed to help students research, compare and plan their life in Quebec.
Estimate your monthly and annual student budget in Quebec using your own housing, food, transport, insurance, education and leisure costs.
Open ToolExplore student loan repayment, taxes, deductions and estimated monthly financial impact.
Open ToolExplore universities and higher-education institutions across Quebec, including institutions in Quebec City, Montreal and other regions.
Open ToolCompare tuition and other study-related costs when evaluating universities and programs in Quebec.
Open ToolCompare universities using available ranking and institutional information.
Open ToolSearch for employment opportunities across Quebec, including opportunities that may suit students and graduates.
Open ToolStudents can also use the wider ToQuebec website to explore Quebec maps, services, jobs, universities, businesses, events, transportation and practical information.
Quebec has universities, cégeps, colleges, research institutions, public libraries, public transportation, cultural activities and student communities across several cities. Major student destinations include Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay, Rimouski and Gatineau.
The amount depends heavily on the city, accommodation, lifestyle, food, transportation, tuition, insurance and other expenses. Montreal and Quebec City have different housing markets, while costs can also vary substantially between other Quebec regions. Use a personalized budget rather than relying on one province-wide average.
Students can investigate university and cégep residences, shared apartments, private rentals and rental-property platforms. Université Laval and Cégeps du Québec provide official information about student housing, while platforms such as Centris, Kijiji and Rentals.ca can also be investigated.
Availability varies by city, institution, neighbourhood and time of year. Student residences can have limited capacity, so it is useful to begin searching early and to consider both campus residences and private accommodation.
Students can rent a private room in a shared apartment or house and share facilities such as the kitchen and bathroom with other residents. Sharing accommodation can reduce housing costs compared with renting an entire apartment.
Quebec has many universities, including Université Laval, Université de Montréal, McGill University, Concordia University, UQAM, Polytechnique Montréal, HEC Montréal, Université de Sherbrooke and institutions in the Université du Québec network.
Yes. Quebec welcomes international students, but foreign nationals must meet the immigration and study requirements that apply to their program and circumstances. For programs lasting more than six months, a CAQ for studies and a Canadian study permit are generally required, subject to exceptions.
For a study program of more than six months, foreign students generally need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for studies as well as a Canadian study permit. There are exceptions, so students should verify the current rules for their specific situation.
International students may be able to work during their studies under specific conditions. Quebec states that studying must remain the student's main activity and that different rules apply to on-campus work, internships and off-campus work. Students should verify their current eligibility and conditions before working.
Health insurance eligibility depends on immigration status, nationality and other circumstances. Quebec has social-security agreements with certain countries, and some international students may qualify for the Quebec Health Insurance Plan. Others may need coverage through their educational institution or private insurance.
Major Quebec cities have public transit systems. Quebec City is served by RTC, Montreal by STM, the Montreal region by networks including exo and RTL, and other cities have their own transit agencies. Student fares and eligibility vary by network and institution.
Students can use university libraries, cégep libraries, public libraries and other academic study spaces. Examples include the Université Laval Library, Bibliothèque de Québec, BAnQ and university libraries in Montreal.
Students can consider shared accommodation, cooking at home, comparing supermarket prices, using student cafeterias, checking student discounts, using public transportation and planning entertainment expenses.
Students should investigate admission, tuition, CAQ and study-permit requirements where applicable, accommodation, financial capacity, health and hospitalization insurance, transportation, important documents and arrival procedures before travelling.
French is the official language of Quebec and is important for everyday life and many workplaces. The language requirements of universities and individual programs vary, and some institutions offer programs in English. Students should check the language of instruction and employment requirements for their specific situation.
Start with your institution, accommodation and budget. Then use the ToQuebec student resources to research housing, jobs, transportation, food, study spaces, health insurance and everyday life.
If you are an international student, also check the current CAQ, study-permit, insurance and employment requirements that apply to your specific situation.
The most useful first step is to calculate your expected monthly expenses.
Calculate Your Quebec Student Budget → Explore Universities → Find Quebec Jobs →