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Montréal now ranks 10th in the 2025 edition of QS Best Student Cities.
Montréal is multicultural, multilingual and is widely referred to as Canada’s “cultural capital”. It performs well across four of the six indicators assessed, ranking within the top 50 for all of them except affordability.
Montréal is home to several of Canada's highest-ranking institutions, including McGill University (currently ranked 29th in the world and second in Canada) and the Université de Montréal (joint 159th in the world, seventh in Canada). The city is also a regular contender in lists of the world’s best places to live – and it seems students agree: the city is in fact ranked 15th for the student view ranking indicator.
Montréal is celebrated by students for its arts and culture, as well as for its friendliness and diversity, which is likely not to come as a surprise. As a French-speaking city in a largely English-speaking nation that has experienced mass immigration from across the world, Montréal is known for its multicultural makeup and inclusive ethos.
It’s also renowned for its laidback yet lively lifestyle, attractive boulevards, thriving creative industries, café culture, and eclectic range of arts venues, live performances and nightlife.
Montréal ranks well across all indicators compared with other top cities featured in the ranking. This is a significant feat for the Canadian city, considering other locations have serious advantages, such as great weather all-year-round.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Montréal offers a plethora of study opportunities across disciplines. With top ranked universities such as McGill University and over 50 colleges, the city enjoys a great reputation as a world class study destination.
Friendly student environment
Gaining 15th spot worldwide for student view and ranking in the top 20 for desirability, Montréal is clearly well regarded among students. In fact, the city offers a safe environment with great public transportation and unique neighbourhoods for students to explore and relax in. Plus, the city is highly diverse, with plenty of cultural festivals taking place throughout the year.
A mix of old and new
Montréal is a great mix of old and new. Walking down its streets, you'll be able to get a feel of its history while also benefitting from its vibrant city life, home to a wealth of bars, restaurants, clubs, shops. It's safe to say you'll never get bored in Montréal.
What is the cost of living in Montréal?
In terms of affordability, Montréal is the joint 75th most affordable city in the world, surpassing a few top ranked European cities as a cheap place for students to study.
According to Numbeo, a one bedroom apartment in the city center costs US$1,630 - 53 percent less than the average rent in London. Students can expect to spend US$869 in extra monthly costs.
Life & culture in Montréal
Ranking among the best in the world for student view and desirability, Montréal is a bustling cosmopolitan city, ideal for people looking to live a variety of experiences.
Named 'Canada's Cultural Capital' by Monocle, Montréal is the home of major cultural events all year round, such as jazz, film and comedy festivals. Moreover, thanks to its diverse population, Montrealers can enjoy cuisines from around the world on a daily basis, from the classic Canadian poutine to incredible seafood and ethnic flavours.
Ranked joint 32nd for employer activity, Montréal remains Quebec's centre of several sectors, including tech, finance, retail, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, transportation and commerce.
Depending on your educational background, there are dozens of local and global firms based in the area that you'll be able to apply to. Bear in mind, knowing both English and French is a plus!
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Study in Montréal
Keshala Jayawickrama
Updated Aug 05, 2024Save
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QS Best Student Cities ranking: 10th
Montréal now ranks 10th in the 2025 edition of QS Best Student Cities.
Montréal is multicultural, multilingual and is widely referred to as Canada’s “cultural capital”. It performs well across four of the six indicators assessed, ranking within the top 50 for all of them except affordability.
Montréal is home to several of Canada's highest-ranking institutions, including McGill University (currently ranked 29th in the world and second in Canada) and the Université de Montréal (joint 159th in the world, seventh in Canada). The city is also a regular contender in lists of the world’s best places to live – and it seems students agree: the city is in fact ranked 15th for the student view ranking indicator.
Montréal is celebrated by students for its arts and culture, as well as for its friendliness and diversity, which is likely not to come as a surprise. As a French-speaking city in a largely English-speaking nation that has experienced mass immigration from across the world, Montréal is known for its multicultural makeup and inclusive ethos.
It’s also renowned for its laidback yet lively lifestyle, attractive boulevards, thriving creative industries, café culture, and eclectic range of arts venues, live performances and nightlife.
What’s your favourite thing about studying in Montréal? Share your experience.
Internationally ranked universities in Montréal
More about Montréal
Montréal ranks well across all indicators compared with other top cities featured in the ranking. This is a significant feat for the Canadian city, considering other locations have serious advantages, such as great weather all-year-round.
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Number of universities ranked by QS
3
Highest-ranked institution
McGill University (29th in the world)
Population
4,342,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$18,400
Desirability rank
19th
Employer Activity rank
=32nd
Affordability rank
=75th
Student View rank
15th
Why study in Montréal?
World class education
Montréal offers a plethora of study opportunities across disciplines. With top ranked universities such as McGill University and over 50 colleges, the city enjoys a great reputation as a world class study destination.
Friendly student environment
Gaining 15th spot worldwide for student view and ranking in the top 20 for desirability, Montréal is clearly well regarded among students. In fact, the city offers a safe environment with great public transportation and unique neighbourhoods for students to explore and relax in. Plus, the city is highly diverse, with plenty of cultural festivals taking place throughout the year.
A mix of old and new
Montréal is a great mix of old and new. Walking down its streets, you'll be able to get a feel of its history while also benefitting from its vibrant city life, home to a wealth of bars, restaurants, clubs, shops. It's safe to say you'll never get bored in Montréal.
What is the cost of living in Montréal?
In terms of affordability, Montréal is the joint 75th most affordable city in the world, surpassing a few top ranked European cities as a cheap place for students to study.
According to Numbeo, a one bedroom apartment in the city center costs US$1,630 - 53 percent less than the average rent in London. Students can expect to spend US$869 in extra monthly costs.
Life & culture in Montréal
Ranking among the best in the world for student view and desirability, Montréal is a bustling cosmopolitan city, ideal for people looking to live a variety of experiences.
Named 'Canada's Cultural Capital' by Monocle, Montréal is the home of major cultural events all year round, such as jazz, film and comedy festivals. Moreover, thanks to its diverse population, Montrealers can enjoy cuisines from around the world on a daily basis, from the classic Canadian poutine to incredible seafood and ethnic flavours.
Testimonials
Careers in Montréal
Ranked joint 32nd for employer activity, Montréal remains Quebec's centre of several sectors, including tech, finance, retail, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, transportation and commerce.
Depending on your educational background, there are dozens of local and global firms based in the area that you'll be able to apply to. Bear in mind, knowing both English and French is a plus!
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