Bonjour Montréal!
Ranked #1 in Canada and among the top student cities of the world,1 Montreal is affordable, safe, multilingual, and bursting with culture. There’s always something new to see and explore, even if you’re a Montrealer!
1 Source: QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023
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Symbolizing Montreal’s connection to the world, a public artwork by Quebecois artist Claude Cormier frames McGill’s scenic green campus in the downtown core.
A vibrant lifestyle second to none
Boasting amazing restaurants, nightlife, and a lively arts and music scene, our globally acclaimed city will inspire you. Students from all over Quebec come to Montreal for an international experience within their home province.
Things to do year-round
Regardless of the season, there’s always something exciting to do here. You can spend time outside playing sports in winter or hanging out on terrasses and picnicking in parks when the weather warms up. McGill’s Downtown Campus is only steps away from quintessential cafés, snack bars, art galleries, museums, and popular neighbourhoods such as Old Port, China Town, and Le Plateau-Mont-Royal. Here, you’ll enjoy a captivating student experience close to home.
A city filled with opportunity
Montreal is a hub for creativity and innovation. Talented minds from all over the world come here to join booming industries such as aerospace, tech, artificial intelligence, video games and digital arts. No matter what sector you’re interested in, the possibilities to explore and thrive are endless!
© @jfsavaria
- Tourisme Montréal
Your ‘to do’ list
Ready to write the first chapter of your McGill story? Our checklist will guide you through everything from finding a place to live, to registering for courses and choosing extracurriculars.
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Calculate your costs
Check out our Cost Guide for an estimate of what you can expect to pay for one academic year (from September to the end of April) as an undergraduate student at McGill. The Fee Calculator breaks down tuition and fees by residency status, degree and program. Read about McGill’s Guaranteed Tuition Model.
Plan your finances
As a Quebec student attending university in the province, you have access to different sources of financial support to fund your studies. Several programs are available to pay for your tuition and living costs, including non-repayable bursaries.
Government Aid
• Quebec Student Financial Assistance: All Quebec students are encouraged to apply to Quebec’s loans and bursaries program. Funding provided by the government can cover part of your tuition and living costs, and the bursary portion does not need to be paid back. Calculate the amount of funding you can receive.
• Quebec Perspective Scholarship Program: In addition to Quebec’s Student Financial Assistance program, Quebec students enrolled full time in eligible programs can receive scholarships (which are non-repayable). At the university level, students can receive up to $2,500 for each successfully completed term.
McGill Scholarships and Student Aid
McGill is committed to supporting bright undergraduates coming from Quebec, across Canada and around the world. This year, we expect to make $7.6M in entrance bursary offers through our Financial Aid Program. The average offer exceeds the cost of tuition for Quebec students paying the in-province tuition rate.
If you are eligible and will use Quebec’s Student Financial Assistance program during your studies at McGill, you are a strong candidate to receive an entrance bursary.
Funding for specific groups at McGill
There are many other funding opportunities available, in addition to McGill’s core financial aid and awards. Explore funding for athletes, Indigenous students, students with disabilities, children of war veterans, youth in care and Muslim Students
Apply for an Entrance Bursary
To be considered for the Entrance Bursary Program, applicants must enroll in a fulltime degree program and demonstrate financial need. The application becomes available on Minerva upon notification of admission to the University (via the Admissions Status page on Minerva).
Apply on Minerva: select the Financial Aid/ Awards tab > Financial Aid Menu >
Apply for a McGill Entrance Bursary > Apply to Entrance Bursary Program > Complete then submit your application.
We strongly recommend applying within 30 days from the date of formal acceptance to the University as funding for this program is limited and offered on a rolling basis until resources are exhausted. The application officially closes on June 30.
Note: To request aid after your first year of studies, you can apply for McGill’s In-Course Bursaries and Loans Program as financial need arises.
Accept your offer of admission
Let us know you’re coming before the deadline given in your letter of acceptance through Minerva > Application Status > Application > Accept this offer. You’ll have to make a deposit by credit card. If you don’t respond by the deadline, your place may be given to the next person on the waiting list – so be sure to confirm on time!
Apply for your CAQ & Study Permit
If you have been studying in Quebec as an international student, you should consult the International Students Already in Canada site to ensure that you have the correct mandatory immigration documents, including a new CAQ and valid Study Permit. You are encouraged to apply for your immigration documents as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance. You’ll need to submit these to McGill as part of your
legal documents (see “Send us your legal documents” for more information).
Note: Citizens and permanent residents of Canada do not need to apply for a CAQ or Study Permit.
Find a place to live
Whether you’re looking for a quiet apartment or a vibrant dorm community, we’ve got you covered! Our Residences community is there to help you transition to living away from home and offer you a respectful and supportive living environment. They’ll do all they can to help you thrive socially and academically.
If on-campus living is not for you, the Off-Campus Housing Office can guide you to find an apartment to live in on your own or with roommates. Living alone and renting for the first time might feel slightly overwhelming. Make sure you read the Good Neighbour Guide with relevant information about searching for an apartment in Montreal.
Register for courses via Minerva
BEFORE course registration opens:
• Review the requirements for your program and plan your course selection
• If you have questions about what courses to register for, contact an advisor from your faculty. CEGEP students typically receive up to 30 credits of advanced standing for CEGEP courses.
Registration dates:
CEGEP students
• Scholarship recipients: June 5
• All other CEGEP students: June 7
Quebec Grade 12 students
• Scholarship recipients (ALL): June 12
• Students admitted into year U1: June 14
• Students admitted into year U0 in Arts (including Social Work and Religious Studies), BA & Sc., Education, Management, and Music: June 15
• Students admitted into year U0 in Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Engineering (including Architecture), Nursing, Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Science: June 16
Note: You must register for at least one course by August 14 to avoid paying a late registration fee. Have questions about registration? Contact the First Year Office.
Send us your legal documents
Usually, no documents are required if you are coming to McGill directly from a Quebec CEGEP. After you’ve registered for courses, be sure to check that your status is correct in Minerva under Student>Student Accounts>View Tuition and Legal Status (be sure to select your starting term from the drop down menu). If it is not correct, refer to the Legal Documents website to learn which documents to provide and how to submit them
Send us your final marks
We need to receive your final official transcript, including your final marks and the confirmation of your graduation.
• DEC: No documents needed. We will receive your transcript electronically.
• Students earning a Grade 12 high school diploma, or a Baccalauréat Français, must ensure that their school sends this information to McGill.
Discover your community
During Orientation Week, in late August, you’ll have a chance to meet new friends, get a taste of university life, and learn more about your new school and city. University-wide orientation: Discover McGill and First-Year Success Series Workshops.
Orientations for specific student populations: Off-Campus Connects (OCX), First-Generation Welcome Reception & Orientation, Francophone Student Orientation.
Faculty and non-faculty froshes
Visit the First Year website for more details!
Find your next challenge
McGill students are determined, passionate, and always ready for a new adventure. We have over 300 clubs, student groups, athletic teams and volunteer opportunities for you to discover.
Engage at McGill is your guide to getting involved on campus.
Learn by doing. Because some knowledge can only be gained through experience. We can help you study in another country, find an internship to kick-start your career, or both! Explore McGill’s Study Abroad, Internship and Research programs.
Review important fall semester dates
Residence move-in TBD Orientation AUG 21 - 25
First day of classes AUG 30
Canadian Thanksgiving (university is closed) OCT 9
Fall study break OCT 6 - 11
Last day of classes Fall 2023 DEC 5
Exam period DEC 7 - 21
Holiday Break DEC 24 - JAN 2
First day of Winter 2024 semester JAN 4
© Alice Gao - Tourisme Montréal
© Marie Deschene - Tourisme Montréal
© Laurène Tinel - Tourisme Montréal
© Daph & Nico - Tourisme Montréal
