In short
Concordia University is a large public research university in Montreal, Canada, recognized for business, engineering, communications, and fine arts, offering experiential learning across two vibrant urban campuses. It provides a diverse and international student community with affordable living costs and strong co-op education options.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1974
- Students
- 50,000
- International students
- 11,000
- Acceptance rate
- 65%
- Tuition (intl)
- €18–24k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Location
- Canada
Concordia University is a large public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, formed in 1974 from the merger of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University. With around 50,000 students across two campuses, it is one of Canada's biggest universities and is recognized for business, engineering, communications and fine arts. Concordia emphasizes experiential learning, co-op education and innovation.
Why study here
- Renowned John Molson School of Business and Gina Cody School of Engineering
- Strong co-operative education and work-integrated learning options
- Two campuses in vibrant, affordable and multicultural Montreal
- Highly international and diverse student community
- Focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and applied research
Student life
Concordia offers a dynamic urban campus experience with hundreds of student clubs and associations, varsity Stingers athletics, and a thriving arts and startup scene. The downtown Sir George Williams Campus puts students in the heart of Montreal, while the Loyola Campus offers a greener setting. Montreal's festivals, food, affordability and bilingual culture make for an exceptional student city.
Fees
InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition is approximately CAD 27,000-32,000 per year depending on the programme.
HomeQuebec resident tuition is roughly CAD 4,000-5,000 per year; other Canadian students pay more.
LivingLiving costs in Montreal are around CAD 13,000-16,000 per year, among the lowest of Canada's major cities.
Mandatory fees and health insurance apply for international students. Figures vary by programme and year.
Admissions
Secondary/post-secondary credentialsCompletion of required academic qualifications for the chosen programme
ApplicationApply through the Concordia online application portal
TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all institutions previously attended
IELTS6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 per band)
TOEFL iBT90 overall
Rankings
QS World University RankingsRanked in the global top ~350
Times Higher EducationListed among the world's leading universities
University scholarships
Concordia International Tuition Award of ExcellencePartial to full tuition support
Entrance and Faculty ScholarshipsVaries by merit
Accreditation
Publicly funded, degree-granting university recognized by the Government of Quebec and a member of Universities Canada; the John Molson School of Business holds AACSB accreditation.
For international students
CanadaStudent visa & funds
International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.
Working while you study
Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.
After you graduate
Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.
English tests
- IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
- TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuaryMay
Typical living cost
€1,250/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada
Scholarships
for Canada
full fundingUniversity of Toronto
Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship
For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.
full
Funding
€200k
Max
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of British Columbia
International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award
For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingWestern University
Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)
Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.
full
Funding
€47k
Max
Feb 14, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversity of Ottawa
University of Ottawa International English Scholarships
Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.
partial
Funding
€46k
Max
Apr 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingCanadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.
full
Funding
€34k
Max
Nov 4, 2026
Deadline
full fundingCIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)
For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.
full
Funding
€27k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at Concordia University?
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International undergraduate tuition at Concordia is approximately CAD 27,000-32,000 per year, varying by program. Mandatory fees and health insurance also apply.
What are the living costs for students in Montreal?
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Living costs in Montreal are estimated to be around CAD 13,000-16,000 per year, which are among the lowest for major Canadian cities.
What are Concordia University's international rankings?
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Concordia University is ranked in the global top ~350 by QS World University Rankings and is listed among the world's leading universities by Times Higher Education.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
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For IELTS, a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each band is required. For TOEFL iBT, a minimum overall score of 90 is needed.
What academic qualifications are needed for admission?
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Applicants need to have completed the required academic qualifications for their chosen program and submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
Does Concordia University offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, Concordia offers the Concordia International Tuition Award of Excellence for partial to full tuition support, as well as Entrance and Faculty Scholarships that vary by merit.
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