Type: Public, comprehensive research university
Established: 1974 (through the merger of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University)
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Main Campuses:
Sir George Williams Campus (downtown Montreal)
Loyola Campus (residential area, west end of Montreal)
Total Students: ~50,000 (including over 10,000 international students)
Language of Instruction: English (although it’s located in a French-speaking province)
Motto: "Real Education for the Real World"
One of Canada’s top-ranked comprehensive universities
Strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and experiential learning
Located in Montreal, ranked one of the best student cities in the world
Offers over 400 undergraduate and graduate programs
Highly international and diverse campus
Excellent opportunities in co-op, research, entrepreneurship, and artistic industries
John Molson School of Business (JMSB) – Top business school in Canada
Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science – Known for AI, software, and electrical engineering
Faculty of Arts and Science – Wide range of disciplines including psychology, journalism, political science
Faculty of Fine Arts – One of the largest and most respected in North America
School of Graduate Studies – Offers master’s and PhD programs in all major fields
Computer Science & Software Engineering
Business Administration (BBA, MBA, MSc)
Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
Psychology
Film Production & Fine Arts
Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
Marketing & Finance
Environmental Science and Urban Planning
Ranked among the top 10 comprehensive universities in Canada (Maclean’s)
Recognized globally in:
QS World Rankings: Top 500 globally
Times Higher Education: Top 600 globally
John Molson School of Business is AACSB-accredited and ranked among the best for MBA
Montreal is bilingual, affordable, and full of culture, art, music, and food
Students have access to festivals, nightlife, international cuisine, and more
Both campuses are connected by a shuttle service and easy access to public transit
Undergraduate (International): $18,000 – $23,000 USD per year
Graduate (International): $15,000 – $25,000 USD per year
Fees vary by program (business, engineering, and arts may differ)
On-campus residences available (mainly at Loyola Campus)
Off-campus housing options throughout Montreal
Average rent for a shared apartment: $500–$800 USD/month
Over 120 countries represented in the student body
Extensive support services for international students
Offers work opportunities on/off campus and post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility
Many programs offer internships, co-op, and real-world experience
BA in Psychology
BA in Political Science
BSc in Biology
BSc in Actuarial Mathematics
BA in Journalism
BA in Economics
BSc in Physics
BA in Sociology
BSc in Chemistry
MA in Public Policy and Administration
MSc in Chemistry or Biochemistry
MA in Psychology
PhD in Biology, Physics, Mathematics, etc.
Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) in:
Finance
Marketing
Human Resources
International Business
Supply Chain Operations
MBA (Full-time/Executive/MSc)
MSc in Finance or Marketing
Master of Supply Chain Management
Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (GDBA)
PhD in Business Administration (joint program with other Montreal universities)
BEng in:
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
BCompSc in:
Software Engineering
Computer Games
Data Science
MASc and MEng in Engineering fields
MSc in Computer Science
Master of Applied Computer Science (MACS)
PhD in Engineering or Computer Science
BFA in:
Film Production
Studio Arts
Art History
Design
Music
Theatre
Animation
MFA in Studio Arts, Design, and more
MA in Art History
PhD in Humanities (interdisciplinary with arts and cultural studies)
Offers Master’s (MA, MSc, MEng, MBA, MFA) and PhD programs across disciplines
Supports research-based, course-based, and professional programs
Concordia offers:
Postgraduate diplomas (e.g., Business, Environment)
Certificate programs in areas like Project Management, Digital Marketing, and AI
Short-term language and professional courses (including English for academic purposes)
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
---|---|---|
Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) – Business Admin |
4 years |
~$18,000 – $20,000 |
Bachelor of Computer Science (BCompSc) |
4 years |
~$19,500 – $21,000 |
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) – All Disciplines |
4 years |
~$21,000 – $23,000 |
Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Psychology, Political Science |
3–4 years |
~$17,000 – $19,000 |
Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
3–4 years |
~$18,500 – $20,000 |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) – Film, Studio Arts, Music |
4 years |
~$17,500 – $19,500 |
Bachelor of Design (BDes) – Design |
4 years |
~$18,000 – $19,500 |
Bachelor of Journalism (BA Journalism) |
4 years |
~$18,000 – $19,000 |
Bachelor of Human Relations (BA) |
3–4 years |
~$17,500 |
Bachelor of Actuarial Mathematics (BSc) |
3–4 years |
~$18,500 – $20,000 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
---|---|---|
MBA (Master of Business Administration) |
16–24 months |
~$25,000 – $28,000 |
MSc in Management (Finance, Marketing, etc.) |
2 years |
~$17,500 – $20,000 |
Master of Applied Computer Science (MACS) |
2 years |
~$21,000 – $23,000 |
MASc in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering |
2 years (thesis) |
~$17,000 – $18,500 |
MEng in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering |
2 years (course) |
~$20,000 – $22,000 |
MSc in Computer Science |
2 years |
~$18,500 – $20,500 |
MA in Psychology, Sociology, Political Science |
2 years |
~$16,500 – $18,000 |
MSc in Biology or Chemistry |
2 years |
~$17,000 – $18,500 |
MFA in Studio Arts, Film Production |
2–3 years |
~$17,500 – $19,000 |
MDes in Design |
2 years |
~$17,500 – $18,500 |
Master of Environmental Assessment (MEnv) |
2 years |
~$18,000 – $19,500 |
Master of Engineering in Information Systems Security |
2 years |
~$22,000 – $23,000 |
PhD Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
---|---|---|
PhD in Computer Science |
4 – 5 years |
~$9,500 – $11,000 |
PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering |
4 – 5 years |
~$9,500 – $11,000 |
PhD in Mechanical, Civil, or Industrial Engineering |
4 – 5 years |
~$9,500 – $11,000 |
PhD in Business Administration (JMSB) |
4 – 5 years |
~$10,500 – $12,000 |
PhD in Psychology |
5 – 6 years |
~$9,500 – $11,000 |
PhD in Biology or Chemistry |
4 – 5 years |
~$9,500 – $11,000 |
PhD in Mathematics or Physics |
4 – 5 years |
~$9,500 – $11,000 |
PhD in Film and Moving Image Studies |
4 – 5 years |
~$9,500 – $10,500 |
PhD in Art History |
4 – 5 years |
~$9,500 – $10,500 |
PhD in Sociology, Political Science, or Humanities |
4 – 5 years |
~$9,500 – $10,500 |
PhD in Environmental Science |
4 – 5 years |
~$9,500 – $11,000 |
PhD in Engineering – Information Systems Security |
4 – 5 years |
~$10,500 – $11,500 |
Concordia University is one of Canada’s most international and inclusive universities, located in Montreal, Quebec — one of the world’s top student cities. It hosts over 10,000 international students from more than 120 countries, making it a global hub for education, culture, and innovation.
Concordia offers over 400 undergraduate and graduate programs across:
John Molson School of Business (JMSB) – Top-ranked for business and MBA
Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science – Strong in software, AI, cybersecurity
Faculty of Arts and Science – Psychology, Political Science, Environmental Science
Faculty of Fine Arts – One of the largest in North America
School of Graduate Studies – Offers thesis and non-thesis Master’s and PhDs
Programs are taught in English, and students are not required to speak French (though learning it is a great bonus while living in Montreal).
High school diploma with strong grades
English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 90+)
Some programs (e.g., Fine Arts, Engineering) may require portfolios or additional math/science prerequisites
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
Minimum GPA (usually 3.0/4.0)
IELTS/TOEFL
Statement of Purpose, CV, reference letters
Some programs require GRE/GMAT (e.g., MBA)
Bachelor’s degrees: $17,000 – $23,000 USD per year
Master’s programs: $18,000 – $25,000 USD per year
PhD programs: ~$9,500 – $11,000 USD per year (often funded)
Entrance Scholarships for high-achieving undergraduate students
Graduate Fellowships, TA/RA positions, and research funding for Master’s/PhD students
External scholarships like Vanier, OGS, and FRQNT available for eligible students
Work on-campus or off-campus (up to 20 hours/week during terms, full-time in breaks)
Co-op/internship programs in business, engineering, and computing
Eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — up to 3 years
Pathways to Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry (CEC) or Quebec programs
On-campus residences and off-campus housing available
Average off-campus rent: $500–$800 USD/month
Montreal is more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver
A lively, bilingual city with a strong student culture, nightlife, and public transportation
Concordia has a dedicated International Students Office (ISO) offering:
Orientation programs
Immigration advising
Health insurance guidance (mandatory Quebec health plan)
Social events, language exchanges, and cultural clubs
Mental health and academic support
200+ student clubs and societies
Events like Frosh Week, career fairs, cultural nights, and more
Facilities include libraries, gyms, innovation labs, and study lounges
Campus shuttle between the downtown (Sir George Williams) and Loyola campus
Affordable tuition and cost of living
High-quality, English-language education in a French-speaking province
Global recognition, especially in business, engineering, and fine arts
Work and immigration-friendly policies
Dynamic student life in one of the world’s best student cities
Visit the Concordia website:
Explore over 400 programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
Review program-specific requirements and application deadlines
Check whether your program starts in Fall (Sept), Winter (Jan), or Summer (May)
Apply via Concordia’s portal:
https://www.concordia.ca/admissions/undergraduate/apply.html
Apply via Graduate Admissions Portal:
https://www.concordia.ca/sgs/apply.html
Pay a non-refundable application fee:
~$100 CAD for undergraduate programs
~$100 CAD for graduate programs
High school transcripts or secondary school results (translated if not in English/French)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo)
Copy of passport
Portfolio or audition (for Fine Arts programs)
Additional math/science courses (for Engineering/CS)
Bachelor’s degree transcripts
Statement of Purpose / Letter of Intent
Letters of Recommendation (usually 2–3)
English test scores
Resume or CV
GRE/GMAT (for select programs like MBA)
Supervisor match (for research-based Master’s or PhD programs)
Admissions review usually takes 4–10 weeks after document submission
You’ll receive an Offer of Admission by email or through your application portal if accepted
Accept your offer online through the student portal
Pay the admission deposit (typically around $1,000–$2,500 CAD) to confirm your spot
Apply for housing (if needed)
Use your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to apply for a Canadian study permit via:
Documents required:
Offer letter
Proof of funds
Passport
Tuition payment receipt
Statement of purpose
Immigration medical (if applicable)
Concordia offers three academic intakes:
Most programs available
Priority for scholarships, co-op, and residence
Best for first-year international students
Available for many undergraduate and graduate programs
Slightly fewer course offerings than Fall
Limited programs (usually graduate-level or specific short-term courses)
Not common for undergraduates
Always check specific program pages to confirm intake availability.
High school diploma or equivalent (12 years of schooling)
Strong academic performance in required subjects (math/science for STEM, etc.)
Program-specific prerequisites (e.g., calculus for engineering, portfolio for fine arts)
Test |
Minimum Required Score |
---|---|
IELTS |
6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) |
TOEFL iBT |
90 overall (min. 20 in each section) |
Duolingo |
120+ |
Some programs (e.g., Journalism, Education) may require higher scores or additional writing samples.
Bachelor’s degree (usually 4 years) from a recognized institution
Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0 or equivalent (varies by program)
Research experience or academic background relevant to the field
Supervisor approval for thesis-based programs (Master’s/PhD)
Test |
Minimum Required Score |
---|---|
IELTS |
6.5 – 7.0 (depending on program) |
TOEFL iBT |
90 – 100 |
Duolingo |
120+ (accepted in most programs) |
Statement of Purpose / Letter of Intent
CV or Resume
2–3 Letters of Recommendation
Portfolio (for Fine Arts & Design)
GMAT/GRE (only for select programs like MBA, MSc in Management)
Ranking Source |
Category |
Concordia Ranking |
---|---|---|
QS World University Rankings |
Global University Ranking |
#551–600 globally |
QS World University Rankings |
Graduate Employability Ranking |
Top 500 globally |
U.S. News & World Report |
Best Global Universities |
#653 globally |
U.S. News & World Report |
Best Global Universities in Canada |
#22 in Canada |
Times Higher Education (THE) |
World University Ranking |
#601–800 globally |
THE Impact Rankings |
Global Sustainability (SDG Impact) |
Top 200 globally |
Maclean’s (Canada) |
Comprehensive Universities (Canada) |
Top 10 in Canada |
Scholarship Name |
Level |
Eligibility |
Amount (USD approx.) |
---|---|---|---|
Concordia International Entrance Scholarship |
Undergraduate |
Automatically awarded to top-performing students |
~$2,000 – $4,000 |
Concordia Presidential Scholarship |
Undergraduate |
Exceptional academic merit, leadership, community work |
Full tuition, books, fees, residence |
Concordia Merit Scholarship |
Undergraduate |
Academic excellence (80%+ avg) |
~$1,500 – $3,000 |
Concordia International Tuition Award of Excellence |
Graduate (Master’s/PhD) |
Top-ranked new international students |
Covers differential tuition (~$15,000+ value) |
Concordia Doctoral Fellowship |
PhD |
Research-based PhD students |
~$14,000 – $18,000/year |
Entrance Awards (Graduate) |
Graduate |
Academic merit, available across many departments |
~$3,000 – $5,000 |
Teaching/Research Assistantships (TA/RA) |
Graduate (Thesis) |
Thesis-based programs; by supervisor/department |
~$5,000 – $15,000+ |
External Awards (Vanier, FRQNT, NSERC, etc.) |
Graduate (PhD) |
Nationally competitive research funding |
Up to $38,000/year |
In-Course Awards |
All levels |
Based on academic performance after admission |
~$1,000 – $2,500 |
Facility Type |
Description |
Estimated Cost/Year (USD) |
---|---|---|
Grey Nuns Residence (Downtown) |
Historic residence for undergraduates; private rooms, shared kitchens/bathrooms |
~$6,000 – $8,000 |
Loyola Campus Residence (Jesuit/HA) |
Suite-style or traditional dorms; shared or private rooms |
~$5,500 – $7,500 |
Off-Campus Housing |
Shared apartments or private rentals near campus |
~$6,000 – $10,000+ |
Meal Plans (Optional) |
Used with residence kitchens or campus dining |
~$2,500 – $4,000 |
Summer Housing |
Short-term accommodation for summer term |
~$600 – $800/month |
Utilities & Internet (Off-campus) |
Often separate in private rentals |
~$100 – $150/month |
Concordia is known for blending academic learning with real-world application. Classes are interactive, professors are approachable, and many programs offer co-op, internships, or research opportunities. Students are encouraged to engage in hands-on learning, whether it's working in labs, contributing to design projects, or participating in community-based research.
There’s also plenty of academic support available, including writing centers, tutoring, workshops, and study spaces across both campuses.
Concordia has two main campuses in Montreal:
Sir George Williams Campus is in the heart of downtown — fast-paced, urban, and always buzzing.
Loyola Campus is quieter, greener, and more residential — perfect for students who prefer a calm environment.
A free shuttle bus runs between both campuses, making it easy to enjoy the best of both worlds.
One of Concordia’s biggest strengths is its diversity. With students from over 120 countries, you’ll feel part of a truly global community. There are numerous cultural clubs, language exchange programs, and events that celebrate international heritage.
The university also has strong support systems for marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ students, BIPOC students, and newcomers to Canada.
Concordia has 200+ student clubs and associations — academic, cultural, social, political, environmental, and more. Whether you're into tech, art, gaming, dance, or volunteering, you’ll find a community to join.
Major events throughout the year include:
Frosh Week for first-year students
Cultural nights and film screenings
Job and career fairs
TEDxConcordia, hackathons, and design competitions
Concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions
Concordia is home to the Concordia Stingers, with varsity teams in football, basketball, hockey, and more. If you’re more into fitness and recreation than competitive sports, you can access:
Gym and fitness centers on both campuses
Fitness classes (yoga, Zumba, martial arts)
Indoor tracks, pools, and workout spaces
Intramural leagues and sports clubs
Student health is taken seriously at Concordia. Services include:
On-campus health clinics and mental health counseling
Peer support networks
Meditation and wellness workshops
LGBTQ+ and BIPOC wellness initiatives
The Career and Planning Services (CAPS) team helps students find part-time jobs, internships, co-op placements, and full-time opportunities after graduation. Services include:
Resume building
Mock interviews
Career coaching
Networking events and employer meetups
Many students also participate in on-campus employment or volunteer programs to build their résumé.
Montreal is consistently ranked one of the best student cities in the world. Why?
It’s affordable (especially compared to Toronto or Vancouver)
It’s multicultural, bilingual, and full of life
There’s something for everyone — music festivals, coffee shops, museums, night markets, and hiking spots
It’s also very safe, student-friendly, and full of culture
Concordia is one of Canada’s leaders in co-op education. Many undergraduate and graduate programs offer paid, full-time work terms in fields such as:
Engineering
Computer Science & IT
Business (Finance, Marketing, HR)
Environmental Science
Journalism & Communication
Fine Arts (limited programs)
Key Benefits:
Earn while you learn
Gain industry experience before graduation
Build a professional network
Improve chances of getting hired quickly after graduating
The Career and Planning Services (CAPS) team at Concordia offers:
Resume and cover letter workshops
Job search coaching and mock interviews
Career fairs and employer events
Access to job portals and on-campus hiring
Networking opportunities with alumni and companies
They also host international student–focused workshops to support career success and immigration-related work questions.
As an international student at Concordia, you can:
Work on campus without a separate permit
Work off campus up to 20 hours/week during the semester and full-time during breaks
Participate in co-op and internships
Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for up to 3 years after completing your degree
Concordia graduates are well-regarded in the job market. Many find work within 3 to 6 months of graduation, especially those from co-op programs. Fields with high employability include:
Software Development & IT
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.)
Business & Finance
Marketing & Communications
Environmental Consulting
Design, Animation, and Creative Media
Academic & Research Fields (for graduate students)
Ubisoft
Bombardier
Bell Canada
IBM
TD Bank
CAE
National Bank
SAP
Amazon
Various government and public sector employers
Strong co-op programs enhance job readiness
Career services and events provide tools and connections
International students can work during and after their studies
Graduates find roles in Canada’s top companies and globally
Estimated Acceptance Rate: ~70%–80%
Programs in Arts, Science, and Business tend to have higher acceptance rates.
Programs in Engineering, Computer Science, and Fine Arts (with portfolios) can be more competitive.
Estimated Acceptance Rate: ~40%–60%
Acceptance depends on:
Academic performance (GPA)
Statement of Purpose
Letters of recommendation
Research experience (for thesis-based programs)
Supervisor availability (for PhD)
Concordia is very welcoming to international students, who make up over 20% of the student population.
Admission is competitive in graduate and high-demand programs, but applicants with strong academic backgrounds and English proficiency have a good chance.
Address:
1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West
Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8
Canada
Focus: Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Arts & Science
Features:
John Molson School of Business
EV (Engineering & Visual Arts) Building
Libraries, fitness centres, labs, student hubs
Urban setting with direct access to the metro (Guy-Concordia station)
Address:
7141 Sherbrooke Street West
Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6
Canada
Focus: Arts and Science, Fine Arts, Residence Life
Features:
Green, spacious, traditional campus
Loyola Chapel, science labs, communications studios
Student residences and athletic facilities