Concordia University

Concordia University is a dynamic public research university in the heart of Montreal, Quebec — one of Canada’s most culturally vibrant and affordable major cities. Formed in 1974 through the merger of Loyola College (1896) and Sir George Williams University (1848), Concordia has grown into an institution of over 46,000 students, including nearly 10,000 international students from around 150 countries. Ranked #465 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 9th nationally by Maclean’s, Concordia is especially known for Engineering and Computer Science, the John Molson School of Business, and one of Canada’s strongest Fine Arts programs. For international students, the appeal is clear: per-credit tuition that is transparent and relatively moderate, a famously welcoming and diverse campus culture, and Montreal’s low cost of living paired with its European character and bilingual environment. Whether you are an aspiring engineer, filmmaker, entrepreneur, or business leader, Concordia’s applied, career-connected education offers a distinctive path.

Concordia University Rankings 2026

• QS World University Rankings 2026: #465 globally (17th in Canada)
• Times Higher Education World Rankings 2026: 601–800 band
• Maclean’s Comprehensive Universities: 9th in Canada
• QS Sustainability Rankings 2026: Top 200 globally
• ARWU (Shanghai) — Civil Engineering: Top 38 globally, #1 in Canada (BCEE department)
• US News Best Global Universities: approximately #755 (2025 edition; trend noted as declining)
• Distinction: Previously named the top university under 50 years old in North America

While Concordia’s overall QS position has softened in recent years (from the low 400s), its subject-level strengths — particularly in engineering disciplines and fine arts — remain strong, and employers in Montreal’s aerospace, gaming, AI, and finance sectors recruit heavily from its graduates.

Popular Programs at Concordia University

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Computer Science (BCompSc), Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science — 4 years (120 credits). Options in Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Computer Engineering. International tuition approximately CAD 1,285/credit → ~CAD 38,550/year at 30 credits. Co-op available.
• Bachelor of Commerce (BComm), John Molson School of Business — 4 years. Majors in Finance, Marketing, Accountancy, Business Technology Management, and International Business. International tuition approximately CAD 1,400/credit → ~CAD 42,000/year. Case competitions and co-op streams.
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) — Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Aerospace — 4 years. CEAB-accredited. International tuition approximately CAD 1,285/credit → ~CAD 38,550/year. Renowned co-op program with 2,000+ employer partners.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) — 3–4 years. Studio Arts, Film Production, Design, Art History, Contemporary Dance, Theatre. One of Canada’s largest and most respected fine arts faculties. International tuition approximately CAD 1,160/credit (Arts and Science rate) → ~CAD 34,800/year. Portfolio required.
• Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science (various) — 3–4 years. Psychology, Economics, Political Science, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics. International tuition approximately CAD 1,160/credit → ~CAD 34,800/year.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing — 3 years. Competitive entry, clinical placements across Montreal’s hospital network. International tuition approximately CAD 1,160/credit → ~CAD 34,800/year.

Postgraduate Programs

• Master of Engineering (MEng), various specializations — 1–2 years, course-based. Environmental, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software Engineering. No thesis supervisor required, simplifying admission. International tuition approximately CAD 15,000–25,000/year (indicative).
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), John Molson — 16 months–2 years. Full-time and part-time options. International tuition approximately CAD 40,000–55,000 for the full program (indicative).
• Master of Computer Science (MCompSc) — 2 years (thesis or course-based). Strong AI and machine-learning research groups. International tuition approximately CAD 15,000–28,000/year (indicative).
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) — Studio Arts, Film Production — 2 years. Internationally recognized faculty and the renowned Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema. Tuition indicative ~CAD 12,000–20,000/year.
• Master of Arts in Economics / Political Science / Psychology — 1–2 years. Research and course-based streams. International tuition approximately CAD 12,000–22,000/year (indicative).
• PhD programs (various) — 3–4 years. Funded packages typical in Engineering, Computer Science, and Sciences; Doctoral Graduate Fellowships of CAD 14,000/year for 4 years reported for strong candidates.

Concordia University Admission Requirements 2026

Undergraduate Admission

• Academic: Recognized senior secondary qualification. Concordia assesses grades holistically; competitive programs (Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Nursing) require higher averages.
• India (CBSE/ISC): Approximately 70–75% in Class 12 for most programs; Engineering and Computer Science typically expect 75–80%+ with strong Mathematics and Physics.
• Bangladesh (HSC): Strong HSC results expected (GPA 4.5+/5.0 for competitive programs); admissions assessed case-by-case — contact the admissions office for guidance.
• IB Diploma: Minimum 26–30 points depending on program; Higher Level Mathematics often required for Engineering/CS.
• A-Levels: Typically BCC–ABB depending on program.
• Portfolio/audition: Required for Fine Arts studio programs, Film Production, Design, Music, and Theatre.
• Application fee: Approximately CAD 100–120 (indicative).

Postgraduate Admission

• Academic: Recognized bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of approximately 2.70/4.30 (Concordia scale) — roughly 63–65%+ — for most master’s programs; competitive programs expect 3.0+/4.30.
• India: Bachelor’s degree with approximately 60–65%+ (CGPA ~6.0–6.5/10) for course-based master’s; research programs expect higher.
• MEng (course-based): Engineering bachelor’s with high standing; no thesis supervisor needed — this streamlines the process significantly.
• Research master’s/PhD: Supervisor agreement typically required before admission.
• GMAT/GRE: Required for MBA (waivers possible with strong professional experience); generally not required for MEng.

Note: Third-party sources estimate Concordia’s acceptance rate around 70–78% overall, though competitive programs admit at much lower rates. Treat as indicative.

English Language Requirements

IELTS is not strictly mandatory — Duolingo, PTE, and TOEFL are accepted alternatives. Some programs (Journalism, Education, certain Business streams) require IELTS 7.0. French-language programs may require DELF/TEF instead.

Concordia University Tuition Fees for International Students (2026)

Concordia charges per-credit tuition, which makes costs transparent and predictable. A full-time year is typically 30 credits. Indicative 2026–27 rates:

Sources: admitkard.com, shiksha.com. Tuition only — budget separately for compulsory fees (~CAD 1,500–2,500/year), health insurance, books, and living costs. Confirm exact rates on Concordia’s official tuition pages.

Cost of Living in Montreal (2026)

Montreal is famously one of North America’s most affordable major cities — a huge advantage over Toronto and Vancouver. Collegedunia estimates off-campus annual living costs at approximately CAD 17,296.

Money-saving tips: Montreal’s Plateau, Côte-des-Neiges, and NDG neighborhoods offer student-friendly rents near both campuses; the STM student OPUS pass is excellent value; winter clothing from thrift stores (Renaissance, Village des Valeurs) saves hundreds; and the city’s legendary food scene includes many affordable student haunts.

Part-time work: Up to 24 hours/week off-campus during semesters; full-time during breaks. Montreal’s bilingual job market rewards French speakers — even conversational French dramatically expands job options in retail, hospitality, and services.

Concordia University Scholarships for International Students

• Presidential Scholarship: Concordia’s most prestigious undergraduate award — nomination-based (teacher/principal nominates via a package to fundingyoureducation@concordia.ca). Requires first-time university entry, full-time study, and international fee status. IELTS 7.0+ typical among recipients.
• International Tuition Award of Excellence: Reduces tuition to the Quebec-resident rate — a value of approximately CAD 39,000+ over a degree. Highly competitive, for top international entrants.
• Entrance Scholarships (automatic consideration): Merit-based awards of approximately CAD 10,000 for strong incoming students.
• Undergraduate Scholarships and Awards Committee awards: 115–148+ awards listed by shiksha across faculties; many require no separate application beyond admission.
• Doctoral Graduate Fellowships: CAD 14,000/year for 4 years for strong PhD candidates, plus departmental research assistantships.
• In-course scholarships: Continuing students with high GPAs can earn renewable awards each year.

How to maximize your chances: Apply early (fall of the year before entry), ask a teacher who knows you well about Presidential nomination in September–October, maintain the highest possible final-year grades, and complete the entrance-bursary application even if you expect automatic consideration. For graduate funding, contact supervisors early and highlight research fit.

Campus and Facilities

Concordia has two campuses in Montreal, connected by a free shuttle:

• Sir George Williams (SGW) Campus: Downtown Montreal, steps from the metro. Home to the John Molson School of Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Fine Arts. The EV Building (Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex) is an architectural landmark.
• Loyola Campus: A leafy, historic campus in Montreal’s west end, home to many Arts and Science programs, athletics facilities, and the Loyola Chapel.
• Libraries: The Webster Library (downtown) and Vanier Library (Loyola) offer millions of volumes, 24-hour exam-period access, and technology sandbox spaces.
• District 3 Innovation Hub: One of Canada’s top university startup incubators — students launch real companies with mentorship and seed support.
• Performative and creative spaces: The Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, and extensive studio facilities for fine arts students.
• Athletics: The Stingers compete in RSEQ/U Sports; the Loyola campus hosts the Concordia Stingers stadium and fitness facilities.

Accommodation Options

• On-campus residences: The Grey Nuns Residence (downtown, historic, ~400+ students) and Hingston Hall / Jesuit Residence (Loyola). Costs approximately CAD 800–1,200/month including utilities; meal plans optional at Grey Nuns.
• Off-campus: Montreal’s rental market is student-friendly. Shared apartments near SGW (downtown, Guy-Concordia metro area) run ~CAD 600–950/month per person; near Loyola (NDG) slightly less. Quebec leases typically run July 1–June 30 — plan accordingly.
• Homestay: Available for students wanting a local family experience, ~CAD 900–1,200/month with meals.

Tips: Start searching in March–April for September; never wire money for unseen apartments; Quebec’s rental board (TAL) strongly protects tenants — know your rights; and consider the Loyola-area for quieter, cheaper options with shuttle access downtown. International students should also note that Quebec leases require no security deposit beyond the first month’s rent by law — anyone asking for more is not following provincial rules.

Application Deadlines and Intakes 2026

Study-permit processing takes 8–12+ weeks — apply for admission at least 6 months ahead. MEng Fall 2026 international deadline was March 1, 2026 (closed); Winter 2027 and Fall 2027 remain open.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Choose your program and verify prerequisites, portfolio requirements, and deadlines.
2. Check country-specific requirements (CBSE/ISC, HSC, IB, A-Levels).
3. Apply online through Concordia’s application portal (fee ~CAD 100–120).
4. Submit documents: transcripts, English test scores, passport, portfolio/audition materials if required.
5. Discuss Presidential Scholarship nomination with a teacher early if eligible.
6. Accept your offer and obtain your Concordia student ID.
7. Apply for residence or begin the off-campus housing search.
8. Apply for CAQ (Quebec Acceptance Certificate) — required for study in Quebec before the federal study permit.
9. Apply for your Canadian study permit via IRCC with CAQ, letter of acceptance, and proof of funds.

Canada Student Visa — Key Points

• CAQ first: Quebec requires a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec before you can apply for a federal study permit. Apply as soon as you accept your offer — CAQ processing takes several weeks.
• Study permit: Apply via IRCC after receiving your CAQ and letter of acceptance.
• Proof of funds (2026): Minimum CAD 20,635 for living expenses plus first-year tuition and travel.
• Work rights: Up to 24 hours/week off-campus during semesters; full-time during scheduled breaks.
• PGWP: Up to 3 years of open work rights after completing an eligible 2+ year program.
• Quebec immigration: Graduates may explore the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) — Graduate stream, which has historically offered a relatively fast route to Quebec selection (CSQ), though criteria change; verify current rules.

Immigration rules change frequently — verify on the official IRCC and Quebec immigration websites.

Research Excellence

Concordia’s research profile is strongest in engineering and applied sciences: the Gina Cody School’s work in aerospace, sustainable infrastructure, and cybersecurity; the Applied AI Institute and data-science groups; and the Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics. The university’s District 3 incubator bridges research and entrepreneurship, while Fine Arts research-creation (film, design, digital arts) earns international recognition. Annual research funding exceeds CAD 60 million across disciplines.

Notable Alumni

Concordia alumni include business leaders, filmmakers, and public figures: Academy Award-associated film talent from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, executives across Montreal’s aerospace and finance sectors, and authors and artists of national standing. The university’s alumni network is particularly dense in Montreal — a genuine career asset for graduates who stay in Quebec.

Why International Students Choose Concordia

• Transparent per-credit pricing with no surprises — you can calculate your exact degree cost upfront.
• Montreal lifestyle: Festivals year-round (Jazz Fest, Just for Laughs, Osheaga), a UNESCO City of Design, and a food culture rivaling much larger cities — at student prices.
• Bilingual edge: Daily exposure to French (even for English-program students) builds a resume differentiator; free/low-cost French courses are available.
• Co-op powerhouse: One of Canada’s largest co-op programs, especially in Engineering and Computer Science, with paid work terms at 2,000+ employers.
• Diversity: Nearly 10,000 international students and a campus culture famous for inclusivity — newcomers report feeling at home quickly.
• District 3: Aspiring founders get incubator access most universities can’t match.
• Career services: The CAPS (Career and Placement Services) office runs job fairs each semester with 100+ employers, plus one-on-one coaching, mock interviews, and a job portal exclusive to Concordia students and recent alumni. Engineering and business students report strong on-campus recruiting from Montreal’s aerospace, gaming, and finance employers.

Comparison Table: Concordia vs Peers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Concordia University ranked in 2026?

Concordia is ranked #465 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 (17th in Canada), in the 601–800 band of the THE World University Rankings, and 9th in Canada by Maclean’s. Its Civil Engineering department ranks top 38 globally (ARWU) and #1 in Canada.

How much is tuition for international students at Concordia?

Per-credit rates for 2026–27: ~CAD 970 (certificates), ~CAD 1,160 (Arts/Science), ~CAD 1,285 (Engineering/CS), ~CAD 1,400 (Business). A full-time 30-credit year totals roughly CAD 29,000–42,000 depending on faculty, tuition only.

What IELTS score does Concordia require?

IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 for most undergraduate programs; graduate programs typically require 6.5–7.0. TOEFL iBT 90 (UG) / 95 (PG) and Duolingo 120 are accepted alternatives.

Does Concordia offer scholarships to international students?

Yes — the nomination-based Presidential Scholarship, the International Tuition Award of Excellence (reducing fees to Quebec rates, worth ~CAD 39,000+), automatic merit entrance awards (~CAD 10,000), and 115+ faculty awards. Doctoral fellowships of CAD 14,000/year are available for PhD students.

Do I need French to study at Concordia?

No — Concordia is an English-language university and most programs are taught entirely in English. However, learning French greatly expands part-time job options and daily life in Montreal, and the university offers French courses.

What is the CAQ and do I need one?

The Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) is Quebec’s approval for temporary stay, required before applying for a federal study permit. All international students studying in Quebec need one — apply immediately after accepting your offer.

What is the cost of living in Montreal for students?

Approximately CAD 17,296/year off-campus (collegedunia estimate) — roughly CAD 8,000–12,000 less per year than Toronto or Vancouver. Shared apartments run ~CAD 600–950/month per person.

Is Concordia good for Computer Science and Engineering?

Yes — the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science is Concordia’s flagship, with CEAB-accredited engineering degrees, a massive co-op network (2,000+ employers), and strong AI research. Civil Engineering ranks #1 in Canada (ARWU). Graduates are heavily recruited by Montreal’s aerospace, gaming, and tech employers including Ubisoft, CAE, Bombardier, and Ericsson.

Can international students work while studying at Concordia?

Yes — up to 24 hours/week off-campus during semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks, with a valid study permit and full-time enrollment. Co-op work terms are paid and integrated into many programs.

What are the application deadlines for Fall 2026?

Many programs closed March 1, 2026 for Fall 2026; Winter 2027 (deadline ~July 1, 2026) and Fall 2027 remain open. Presidential Scholarship nominations are due in early February. Always confirm on the official admissions pages.

Final Thoughts

Concordia University offers international students something rare in Canadian higher education: a major-city university experience in one of North America’s most affordable and culturally rich cities, with transparent per-credit tuition, a co-op network that rivals much larger institutions, and standout programs in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and Fine Arts. The QS #465 overall rank understates its subject-level strengths and its extraordinary student experience reputation. If you want Montreal’s festivals, bilingual edge, and startup energy — without big-city costs — Concordia deserves serious consideration. Verify current fees, deadlines, and CAQ/study-permit requirements on the official Concordia and government websites before applying.

For students torn between Montreal’s universities, the choice often comes down to language and program fit: McGill offers higher global prestige and research intensity at higher tuition, while Concordia offers stronger co-op integration, a more applied curriculum, and a campus culture many students describe as warmer and more collaborative. Both benefit from Montreal’s affordability and the Quebec immigration pathways — visit both campuses virtually before deciding.

A Closer Look: The Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science

Named after Gina Cody — the first woman to earn a PhD in building engineering in Canada — this is Concordia’s academic flagship and a major draw for international STEM students:

• Programs: BEng in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Aerospace, and Software Engineering; BCompSc in Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Computer Engineering; plus interdisciplinary options.
• Co-op: One of Canada’s largest engineering co-op programs. Students alternate study terms with paid work terms at 2,000+ employers including Bombardier, CAE, Ubisoft, Ericsson, Hydro-Québec, and federal labs. Typical co-op earnings help offset tuition significantly.
• Research: Strengths in aerospace (Concordia is embedded in Montreal’s aerospace cluster — the world’s third-largest), sustainable infrastructure, cybersecurity, and AI. The BCEE (Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering) department’s ARWU top-38 global / #1 Canada standing reflects genuine research weight.
• Facilities: The EV Building houses advanced labs for structures, fluids, materials, and robotics; the district’s aerospace facilities are minutes away.
• Admissions note: Engineering and CS are among Concordia’s most competitive undergraduate streams — Indian applicants should target 78%+ in Class 12 with strong Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

A Closer Look: John Molson School of Business

The John Molson School of Business (JMSB) is one of Canada’s most internationally diverse business schools:

• BComm majors: Accountancy, Finance, Marketing, Management, Business Technology Management, International Business, and Economics — with case-competition culture (JMSB teams regularly win national competitions like JDC Central).
• MBA: 16-month to 2-year options, with a strong finance and business-analytics orientation; downtown location puts students beside Montreal’s financial district.
• Career outcomes: Montreal’s status as a financial and fintech hub (National Bank, Desjardins, CGI, plus Big Four offices) means strong internship pipelines.
• Tuition context: At ~CAD 42,000/year international, JMSB is priced below Toronto-area business schools while offering comparable accreditation and recruiting access.

Montreal: A Student City Like No Other

Choosing Concordia means choosing Montreal — and the city is half the value proposition:

• Affordability: Consistently ranked among the world’s most affordable top student cities (QS Best Student Cities). Rents run 40–50% below Toronto and Vancouver.
• Culture: Over 100 festivals annually — Jazz Fest, Just for Laughs, Osheaga, Igloofest, Nuit Blanche. The Quartier des Spectacles (downtown, beside SGW campus) is the festival epicentre.
• Food: From Schwartz’s deli to Little Italy to Chinatown to Jean-Talon Market, Montreal’s food scene is world-class and student-budget friendly if you know where to look.
• Bilingualism: French is the city’s daily language; English is widely spoken downtown and on campus. Even basic French (bonjour/hi is the local greeting) enriches daily life and job prospects.
• Safety: Montreal is among North America’s safest large cities, with an extensive metro system running late during festival season.
• Winters: Cold and snowy (regular −20°C stretches), but the Underground City (RÉSO) — 32 km of climate-controlled tunnels — connects much of downtown, including areas near the SGW campus.

Sources and Verification

Data compiled from admitkard.com (Concordia rankings/fees guide), shiksha.com (Concordia courses, scholarships, and rankings pages), collegedunia.com (MEng program page with living-cost data), drscholars.com, scholarpositions.com, fullyfundedscholarships.org, and excelsiorscholarships.com. All figures are indicative and sourced from third-party publications as of 2026; rankings, fees, and deadlines change annually. Always verify current information on the official Concordia University website (concordia.ca), the Quebec immigration website (for CAQ), and IRCC before making application or financial decisions.