Montreal Named Best City in the World for Students

CIC News
Published: February 16, 2017

(Pour lire cet article en français, cliquez ici.)

Montreal has replaced Paris, which had held the title for four years, as the best city in the world for international students. The ranking was released by QS Rankings, which conducts regular major surveys of students worldwide to find the top cities and countries for higher education across various categories. 

This survey questioned 18,000 students about the desirability of cities around the world. It also researched a number of factors, including the quality of universities, student facilities, cost of living, employment opportunities, and levels of tolerance and openness in order to reach its conclusion. In total, six categories were assessed: student mix, desirability, employer activity, affordability, student opinion, and the number of institutions in a city that place in the QS University Rankings.

Canada as a whole was well represented in the rankings, with Vancouver claiming the 10th spot and Toronto the 11th. Ottawa and Quebec City also placed in the top 100 cities worldwide, at positions 26 and 72, respectively. This data reinforces recent statistics showing that increasing numbers of individuals are looking to study in Canada, attracted by its high quality of life, world-class education system, and permanent immigration opportunities.

Why Montreal?

With a student population of almost 250,000, Montreal has the highest proportion of post-secondary students in any major Canadian city. The city hosts 11 universities, including two of Canada’s top English-language universities: McGill University and Concordia University. According to QS, McGill University is the top-ranked university in Canada.

The bilingual nature of the city’s education system is a major lure for many international students: there are plentiful opportunities to live and study in English and/or French. International students are also drawn to Montreal for its comparatively low costs of living, lively arts scene, and unique ambience that is often compared to a city in Europe. The city’s tolerant culture, diverse opportunities, and “vibrant clash of North American and European values” were also valued by students.

Quebec offers unique pathway to permanent residence

Another major lure of Montreal as a study destination for international students is the Quebec immigration system. The province has recently launched an initiative to retain international students in Montreal after graduation, and the policies are in place to support this. Quebec is the only province in Canada that does not require international graduates from an undergraduate or college study program to obtain a job offer or skilled work experience in order to apply for permanent immigration to Canada.

International students who graduate from an eligible program at a in Quebec may apply to the province for a Certificat de séléction du Québec — Quebec Selection Certificate, or CSQ — and, after receiving a CSQ, they may apply to the federal government for permanent resident status. For international graduates, there are two main routes towards obtaining a CSQ:

  • The Programme d’expérience québécoise (Quebec Experience Program, or PEQ) is a fast-track route to obtaining a CSQ for candidates who meet the selection criteria. If the application is complete and eligible, a CSQ is usually issued within 20 days. Eligibility criteria include an advanced-intermediate level of oral French, in addition to an eligible diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution. Interestingly, candidates do not need a job offer or skilled work experience in order to be eligible.
  • The Quebec Skilled Worker Program (Travailleurs qualifiés du Québec, or QSWP) is a popular option for international students who may be unable to meet the language requirement of the PEQ. Candidates are assessed on the basis of points awarded for civil status information, education and work history, language ability, and other factors. If candidates are otherwise eligible on the basis of their points evaluation, a job offer and skilled work experience may not be required.

Find out more about the differences between the PEQ and QSWP.

Learn more about studying in Quebec.

Toronto and Vancouver place high

Ontario and British Columbia are, by a large margin, the two most popular destination provinces in Canada for international students. The University of Toronto places second in the QS Ranking for overall top university in Canada, and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver places third.

As Canada’s largest city, Toronto can boast a level of diversity and opportunity that rivals that of other major cities worldwide. Its universities and colleges perform strongly year over year, and include well-known institutions such as the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, York University, Centennial College, and the Ontario College of Art and Design.

Vancouver is another top destination for international students, who are attracted by its mild climate, stunning coastal location, innovative job opportunities, and strong links to US and East Asia. In recent years, British Columbia has supported several initiatives to attract and support international students, including options for pursuing permanent residence after graduation.

To learn more about the immigration options available to international graduates in Canada, consult this comprehensive table.

Subscribe to the Canada Study News monthly newsletter for more updates on international education in Canada.

International students in Canada, as well as graduates on a Post-Graduation Work Permit, may also join the exclusive CanadaVisa Study Hub and discover their pathway to permanent residence.

To find out if you are eligible to immigrate to Canada permanently, fill out a free online assessment form.

© 2017 CICNews All Rights Reserved

 

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
BREAKING: Ontario announces distribution of allocation for international study permits in 2024
Ontario will be issuing 96% of its allocated study permits to public colleges and universities.
10 mistakes to avoid as a newcomer to Canada
Man and woman walking and laughing, enjoying a day out in the city on a sunny autumn day
Deadline to apply for PGWP moves for students of college programs with public-private curriculum licensing agreement
Some international graduates must apply for their PGWP before May 15 to remain eligible.
Five provinces issue provincial immigration invitations this week
woman and son sitting on red chairs and posing for photos at Mont Tremblant summit. Quebec. Canada.
Top Stories
BREAKING: Ontario announces distribution of allocation for international study permits in 2024
Canada to introduce a Renters Bill of Rights
HDFC Bank and TD Bank Group sign agreement to streamline education journey for Indian students in Canada
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Sponsor Content
HDFC Bank and TD Bank Group sign agreement to streamline education journey for Indian students in Canada
Two people in discussion
How to become a permanent resident in Canada?
A teacher and her students preparing for the IELTS.
Building A Resume for Job Hunting in Canada: Useful Tips to Build a Strong Resume
As you navigate the exciting path of job hunting, one of the important tools you will need is a well-crafted resume.
Watch the Webinar: CELPIP – Get the Facts and Chart Your Path to a High Score
Developed by Canadian language experts, the CELPIP Test is the only Canadian English language proficiency test for immigration and professional designation.
Link copied to clipboard