Lana Oconnell
Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world for international students, regardless of their nationality or culture. The country ranks 10th on the 2021 Global Peace Index and is home to numerous nationalities and cultures. Canada sees more than 600,000 international admissions each year, with around 200,000 students coming from India alone. Montreal, Quebec's largest city, has ranked as one of the best cities in the world for international students, according to Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities for 2025. The city hosts 40,000 international students from 150 countries each year and offers a great quality of life, reputable education, and a vibrant nightlife. While the primary language in Quebec is French, many people live in Montreal with little to no French, and the city offers free French classes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety ranking in Canada | Quebec City has the lowest crime rate, according to the Crime Severity Index for cities with over 100,000 people. |
| Safety ranking globally | Canada is considered the 11th safest country in the world, according to the 2023 Global Peace Index. |
| Safety for international students | Canada is considered a safe country for international students, with universities and colleges having dedicated international and security departments to oversee student safety. |
| Number of international students | Montreal hosts 40,000 international students from 150 countries each year. |
| Desirability ranking | Montreal scored 85.1/100 in the desirability category, which includes safety, pollution levels, and popularity among students. |
| Overall ranking | Montreal ranked 10th out of 150 cities in the QS Best Student Cities for 2025. |
| Affordability | Montreal scored 41.6/100 in affordability, ranking higher than Toronto and Vancouver. |
| Cost of living | The estimated monthly cost of living in Montreal is $1,340, not including rent. |
| Rent | Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month. A 3-bedroom apartment ranges from $2,000 to $2,800 per month. |
| Language | Montreal is in the French-speaking province of Quebec, but many residents speak English, and there are free French classes available. |
| Work permit | International students need a work permit. |
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What You'll Learn
Montreal is affordable and inclusive
Montreal is a great choice for international students, offering affordability and inclusivity. Firstly, Montreal is considerably more affordable than other major Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. The cost of living is relatively low, with an estimated monthly cost of $1340, excluding rent. Rent prices are also lower than in other cities, with a one-bedroom apartment ranging from $1200 to $1600 per month. This makes Montreal an attractive option for students on a budget.
In addition to its affordability, Montreal is also highly inclusive. The city welcomes 40,000 international students from 150 countries each year, creating a diverse and vibrant community. The city scored highly in inclusivity, with its study environment deemed hospitable to students' cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and identities. Montreal is also bilingual, with English and French widely spoken, allowing individuals to navigate the city comfortably in either language.
Montreal's cultural scene is another testament to its inclusivity. The city boasts a rich cultural offering, including music festivals such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival, comedy festivals like Just For Laughs, and a thriving nightlife. The city is also known for its art shows, aesthetic bookstores, and libraries, catering to a wide range of interests.
Montreal's top universities, including McGill, Concordia, UQAM, and Université de Montréal, further enhance its inclusivity and reputation for quality education. These institutions attract students from diverse backgrounds and offer a range of cultural and academic experiences.
Overall, Montreal's affordability and inclusivity make it an ideal destination for international students seeking a vibrant, welcoming, and cost-effective place to pursue their studies. The city's diverse student population, cultural offerings, and reputable educational institutions contribute to its appeal as a top student destination.
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It's Canada's second-largest city
Canada is considered one of the safest countries for international students, no matter their culture or nation. It is ranked 11th on the 2023 Global Peace Index, which evaluates countries on safety and stability, domestic and international violence, and militarism.
Montreal, Canada's second-largest city, has ranked as one of the best cities in the world for international students, according to Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities for 2025. It is also considered North America's top student city, considering factors like overall class satisfaction and cultural environment. The city hosts 40,000 international students from 150 countries each year.
Montreal offers a great quality of life, reputable education, and an inclusive environment. It has beautiful architecture and a European atmosphere. The city is also considerably more affordable compared to other major cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Montreal is home to several highly esteemed universities, including McGill, Concordia, UQAM, and Université de Montréal, located in the city's heart. The city provides students with the advantage of exploring exciting cultures, art, music, sports, and urban city life. It is famous for its vibrant nightlife and endless entertainment options, including music festivals, art shows, and the Casino de Montréal, the largest casino in Canada.
While Montreal is a safe city, it is always important for international students to follow general safety guidelines and be alert and aware of their surroundings when exploring any new place.
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It's considered one of the best cities for international students
Montreal has ranked as one of the best cities in the world for international students according to Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities for 2025. The city scored 92.1 out of 100, placing 10th out of 150 cities worldwide.
There are several reasons why Montreal is considered one of the best cities for international students. Firstly, it is a very inclusive city, hosting 40,000 international students from 150 countries each year. The city also offers a great quality of life and reputable education at affordable prices. The monthly cost of living in Montreal is $1,340, not including rent, which is significantly more affordable than other Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Montreal is also known for its vibrant nightlife, music festivals, art shows, affordable dining options, and aesthetic bookstores and libraries. The city has a unique, European atmosphere and beautiful architecture, including the renowned McGill University, which is Canada's oldest university. Additionally, Montreal is the only city in Canada with its own F1 event, the Grand Prix Du Canada, which takes place in June and transforms the downtown core into a multi-day activity.
Furthermore, Montreal is a bilingual city, with half the population speaking French and the other half speaking English. While it is not necessary to know French to live in Montreal, knowing some basic French can enhance your experience and open up more social and job opportunities.
In terms of safety, Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world for international students, regardless of their culture or nationality. Canadian universities have dedicated international and security departments to oversee international student safety, and the country has a responsible police department. Montreal, in particular, offers a safe biking experience with its extensive network of bike lanes, separating cyclists from vehicle traffic.
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It's home to four highly esteemed universities
Montreal is Canada's second-largest city, known for its beautiful architecture and European atmosphere. It is also considered the most enjoyable place to live as a student in Canada. The city has a lot to offer in terms of nightlife, sports, culture, art, and the opportunity to socialise with students from diverse backgrounds.
Montreal is home to several prestigious universities, including McGill University, which ranks #1 in Montreal and 39th in the world's most international universities. The University of Montreal, also known as UdeM, is a public institution with roots tracing back to 1878. It is affiliated with Polytechnique Montréal, an engineering school, and HEC Montréal, a business school. Concordia University is another highly regarded academic institution in the city, attracting a large number of international students.
These universities offer a wide range of academic programmes, with some unique specialisations. For example, Polytechnique Montréal is known for its engineering focus, offering courses not available elsewhere in the city. McGill University excels in a variety of disciplines, including natural sciences, social studies and humanities, arts, languages, and literature. The University of Montreal covers a broad spectrum of fields, including social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, arts, and humanities.
Montreal provides an affordable and inclusive environment for international students, with a lower cost of living compared to other major cities. The city also offers a safe and vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by its diverse cultural landscape. Its bilingual nature, with a mix of English and French-speaking populations, adds to its uniqueness and provides students with a broader range of social and job opportunities.
In conclusion, Montreal's esteemed universities, vibrant student life, cultural diversity, and safe environment make it an attractive destination for international students seeking a well-rounded educational experience.
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It has vibrant nightlife
Montreal, Canada's second-largest city, is known for its vibrant nightlife. The city, which enjoys a four-season climate, has a diverse nightlife scene, from laid-back dinner spots to energetic clubs. Montreal's nightlife is centred on the island from which the city gets its name.
One of the main nightlife areas in Montreal is Boulevard St. Laurent, which is known for its clubs, restaurants, and bars. The area is particularly popular with young professionals. Another popular nightlife spot is downtown Montreal, which offers easy access to many districts, including Rue St. Catherine, which features a lively array of restaurants, bars, and clubs. Downtown is also where most of the city's festivals take place.
Montreal's LGBTQ+-friendly spots, such as the village, are also part of the city's vibrant nightlife scene. The city also has a mellow, friendly neighbourhood in Monkland Village, Little Italy, which is famous for its side bars and mouth-watering Italian cuisine, and Rue St. Jacques, which is known for its off-beat experience.
Montreal's nightlife also includes microbreweries, jazz bars, rooftop terraces, and live music venues. The city is known for its local bands, with many places playing local music almost every night. Some notable venues include Quai des Brumes, which focuses on Francophone artists playing indie rock and folk; L’Escogriffe, a rock-oriented venue with local and touring bands; and La Rockette, an upstairs dance club specialising in rockabilly, classic rock, and pop from the 1950s to 1980s.
Montreal's Old Port is home to a club, restaurant, and bar located on the Clock Tower pier. During the day, visitors can enjoy a bite to eat and drinks outdoors, and at night, they can dance on the complex's three floors. Le Mal Nécessaire, a swanky tiki-inspired lounge, is another popular spot in Chinatown, known for its tropical drinks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Montreal is considered a safe city for international students. Canada is one of the safest countries in the world for international students, and Montreal is one of the best cities in the world for international students, according to Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities for 2025.
Universities and colleges in Canada have set departments for international students and security to oversee international student safety. Canada also has a responsible police department. If you suspect any wrongdoing, you can call 911 for the police, ambulance, or fire department.
No, it is not necessary to know French before moving to Montreal. Montreal is a bilingual city, and while it is respectful to know some French, as it is a French province, many people live there with only basic French skills or none at all. Knowing both English and French can open up more social and job opportunities. There are also free French classes available through the province.
Montreal is Canada's second-largest city and is more affordable than cities like Toronto and Vancouver. It has beautiful architecture and a European atmosphere. The city scored 85.1 in a survey that measured inclusivity and desirability. Montreal is also considered North America's top student city by QS Best Student Cities Rankings.
Montreal is an inclusive city with a great quality of life and reputable educational institutions. The city has a vibrant nightlife and is known for its art shows, music festivals, dining options, and aesthetic bookstores and libraries. It also has a vast bike lane network, making it safe for cyclists to get around.
