Montreal Among Top Ten Cities for International Students in 2025

Montreal has earned a spot among the top ten best cities for international students according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities ranking for 2025. The city achieved an impressive overall score of 92.1 out of 100, placing 10th out of 150 cities evaluated. This recognition highlights Montreal’s appeal and quality as a destination for students from around the globe.

Why choose Quebec?

Embarking on a new journey in Quebec offers an array of unique benefits and opportunities. This guide aims to provide newcomers with essential information about the province’s distinctive French-speaking culture, vibrant community, and robust economy. Whether you’re still deciding where to settle in Canada or preparing for your move to Quebec, this guide will help you navigate various aspects of life in this remarkable province.

Benefits of Living in Quebec

Cultural Uniqueness

Quebec stands out as Canada’s only majority-French region. This Francophone province boasts a rich cultural heritage, characterized by its cuisine, festivals, and community events that celebrate the French language and traditions. For immigrants from French-speaking countries or those interested in becoming bilingual, Quebec presents a valuable opportunity to immerse in and embrace the French culture.

Economic Strength

Quebec’s economy is a significant contributor to Canada’s overall economic landscape, accounting for approximately one-fifth of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The province’s economic growth translates to a flourishing job market, offering numerous employment opportunities across various sectors.

Key Areas of Settlement in Quebec

Housing
Quebec, with a population exceeding 8.7 million, offers a vast housing market with over 3.7 million residential properties. Newcomers typically opt for renting initially, with rental costs varying based on family size and community. Major urban centers such as Montreal, Quebec City, and Sherbrooke provide diverse housing options. For current rental prices, refer to resources like the National Rent Report.

Commuting
Quebec’s public transit systems are well-developed, with a majority of residents in major urban areas living within 500 meters of a transit stop. Despite this, many prefer commuting by car, van, or truck. Public transportation networks like Société de Transport de Sherbrooke (STS), Réseau de Transport de la Capitale (RTC), and Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) serve the province’s largest cities. Newcomers can use their home country driver’s license for the first six months and are advised to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before acquiring a Quebec driver’s license.

Employment
The province’s top employment sectors include trade, healthcare, social assistance, and manufacturing. Quebec’s government offers various resources to assist newcomers in finding jobs, such as career planning and employment integration programs. Websites like the Quebec Government Job Portal and Employment Assistance Services provide valuable information and support.

Healthcare
Newcomers in Quebec are eligible for public healthcare coverage after a waiting period of up to three months. The provincial health card grants access to free public health services, with certain treatments and medications requiring out-of-pocket payments. Information on applying for a health card and understanding eligibility can be found on the Government of Quebec’s website.

Education
Quebec’s education system is comprehensive, offering free public education from kindergarten through high school. The province also boasts numerous Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) for post-secondary education. Newcomers can access resources to understand the Canadian education system, enroll their children in school, and explore post-secondary opportunities.

Weather
Quebec experiences four distinct seasons: cold winters, rainy springs, warm summers, and windy autumns. Newcomers should dress appropriately for each season, using layers in winter, rain-resistant gear in spring, breathable fabrics in summer, and wind-resistant clothing in autumn.

Emergency Services

Emergency services in Quebec are accessible by dialing 9-1-1 for police, fire, and ambulance services. Non-urgent health consultations can be done by calling 8-1-1.

Newcomer Services

Quebec offers numerous resources to help newcomers settle in, including Accompagnement Québec and the Government of Quebec’s online service provider search tool. Organizations like Actions interculturelles de développement et d’éducation (AIDE) inc. in Sherbrooke offer settlement services to assist immigrants.

Taxation
Quebec’s provincial sales tax is 14.975%, comprising a Goods and Services Tax (GST) and a Quebec Sales Tax (QST). Income taxes are variable, depending on annual earnings. More information about income tax and filing can be found on Revenu Quebec’s website.

Leisure and Activities

Quebec offers a plethora of activities for newcomers, from hiking in Mont-Tremblant to skiing in the winter. The province also celebrates various cultural heritage months and events, providing newcomers with opportunities to connect with their roots and explore Quebec’s diverse cultural landscape.

How to Study in Canada, Work, and Immigrate

Studying in Canada involves four main steps: choosing a study program, obtaining a Letter of Acceptance from a Canadian school, receiving a provincial attestation letter, and securing a study permit. Studying in Canada offers numerous opportunities to apply for permanent residence, enhancing the appeal for international students.

Benefits of Studying in Canada

Canada is a leading destination for over 800,000 international students due to its high-quality education, opportunities to work during and after studies, and pathways to permanent residence. The country is known for its safety, multicultural society, affordability, and inclusivity, welcoming students from nearly 200 countries each year.

About Canada’s Universities and Colleges

Canada has over 1,500 universities, colleges, and educational institutions authorized to welcome international students. These institutions, known as Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), provide high-quality education and support students in staying in Canada after graduation. Universities in Canada promote equity in education, ensuring that students receive quality education regardless of the institution they attend. Community colleges offer practical training to help students integrate into the labor market quickly.

New Changes to Study Permit Allocations

In 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a cap on the number of study permits issued, set at 360,000 for the year. This cap aims to maintain sustainable levels of international students, prevent program abuses, and ensure adequate housing for students. The cap does not affect masters or doctoral students, nor those in elementary or secondary levels. Study permit renewals are also unaffected. Provinces and territories will manage the allocation of study permits based on their student populations.

Study Pathways to Permanent Residence

International students who complete their education in Canada have several pathways to extend their stay and transition to permanent residence. Many federal and provincial immigration programs value Canadian education and work experience. Programs like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offer significant opportunities for international students. Quebec, with its unique immigration system, also provides pathways for students to gain permanent residence.

QS Ranking Highlights

Montreal’s top ten ranking is bolstered by its inclusion in key categories evaluated by QS, including student mix, desirability, employer activity, affordability, and student view. The city hosts prestigious institutions like McGill University and Concordia University, attracting around 40,000 international students annually from 150 countries.

Top Ten Cities in QS Ranking for 2025:

1. London
2. Tokyo
3. Seoul
4. Munich
5. Melbourne
6. Sydney
7. Paris
8. Zurich
9. Berlin
10. Montreal

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, ranked 11th, and Vancouver came in at 19th.

Detailed Category Scores

Student Mix: Evaluated the proportion of students in the city’s population and the inclusivity of the city. Montreal is home to a diverse student body from around the world.

Desirability: Considered safety, pollution levels, and the city’s attractiveness to students. Montreal scored 85.1 in this category.

Employer Activity: Measured the city’s attractiveness to employers looking to hire graduates. Toronto led Canadian cities with a score of 84.3, followed by Vancouver and Montreal.

Affordability: Montreal scored higher than Toronto and Vancouver, making it a more affordable option for students.

Student View: Based on student ratings for tolerance, diversity, transit, friendliness, nightlife, culture, and sustainability. Montreal scored 93.6 in this category.

Montreal’s strong performance across these categories solidifies its reputation as an excellent destination for international students, offering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment for academic and professional growth.