Université de Montréal Masters Review 2026: Rankings, Fees & Admission
- Dec 30, 2025
- 4 min read
Introduction
When students search for "Post Graduation in Montreal," they often think of McGill. But if you are serious about Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Deep Learning, the real heavyweight is the Université de Montréal (UdeM).
Ranked #111 globally (QS 2026), UdeM is a research giant. While it is a French-language university, it offers specific Masters programs in English for international students, particularly in Science, Law, and Technology.
Most importantly, UdeM is home to Mila (Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute), led by Turing Award winner Yoshua Bengio. For Indian students, studying here offers a unique advantage: Exemption from the International Student Cap, a guaranteed 3-Year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and access to the world's largest concentration of academic deep learning researchers.
In this guide, we break down how Indian students can study at UdeM in English, the admission process for Mila, and the generous tuition exemption scholarships.
Highlights: Université de Montréal at a Glance
Point | Details |
University Name | Université de Montréal (UdeM) (Official English Site) |
QS World Rank (2026) | #111 (Global) |
Location | Montreal, Quebec (The "Student Capital") |
Language | French (Primary) / English (Specific Graduate Programs) |
Primary Intake | September (Fall) |
Average Tuition Fee | CAD 13,000 – CAD 27,000 / year (After Scholarships) |
Acceptance Rate | ~57% (Overall) |
Top PG Courses | M.Sc Computer Science (Mila), LLM (Business Law), PhD Medicine |
Why Choose a Université de Montréal Masters?
The Mila Advantage: If you get into the M.Sc Computer Science (Machine Learning track), you are effectively studying at the "NASA of AI." Graduates are hired instantly by Google Brain, Meta AI, and DeepMind.
UdeM Exemption Scholarship: UdeM automatically offers the Exemption Scholarship for International Students. This removes the high "international" fees, allowing you to pay fees similar to Canadian residents. This makes UdeM one of the most affordable top-tier universities in Canada.
Montreal Lifestyle: Voted consistently as one of the best student cities in the world, Montreal is cheap, safe, and vibrant. Rent is 30% lower than Toronto.
English-Taught Options for Indian Students
Many Indian students ignore UdeM thinking they need French. This is a mistake. You can study the following 100% in English:
M.Sc in Computer Science: (Thesis & Non-Thesis options available in English).
LL.M in Business Law in a Global Context: (Designed for international students).
Ph.D. programs: Almost all Science and Medicine fields (Biochemistry, Virology, Neuroscience) allow you to write your thesis and conduct research in English.
Important Dates (September 2026 Intake)
Deadlines are strict, especially for the UdeM Scholarship eligibility.
Course Type | Applications Open | Application Deadline |
M.Sc Computer Science (Mila) | Sept 2025 | December 1, 2025 (Very Early!) |
General Masters (Thesis) | Sept 2025 | February 1, 2026 |
Winter Intake (Jan 2026) | May 2025 | September 1, 2025 |
Pro Tip: For Mila (AI), you must apply to both the university and the Mila supervision portal. The Mila deadline is usually December 1st.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
UdeM is academic-focused.
1. Academic Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree: A 4-year Bachelor's degree (B.Tech/B.E.) is required.
GPA: Minimum 3.0/4.3 (approx 70-75%). However, for CS/AI programs, you realistically need 85%+ (8.5 CGPA) from a Tier 1 Indian university.
GRE/GMAT:
M.Sc Computer Science: GRE is highly recommended for international applicants to prove quantitative skills.
MBA (HEC Montréal): GMAT required.
2. English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Even though it is a French university, English programs require proof of English.
IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5 Overall (No band less than 6.0).
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90 (20 in each section).
Note: You do NOT need TEF/TCF (French tests) if you apply to an English-designated program.
(Need help preparing? Check our Study Abroad Resources)
Admission Process: The "Mila" Route
If you are applying for AI/ML, the process is unique.
Step-by-Step Application:
Check Supervisor Availability: For thesis programs, you usually need a supervisor.
Mila Application (For AI): Submit a separate form on the Mila website indicating which professors you want to work with.
UdeM Application: Apply via the "Admission" portal on the UdeM website.
Pay Fee: CAD 112 (Non-refundable).
Submit Documents: Upload transcripts and CV.
Fees & Funding (The Affordable Choice)
Thanks to the Exemption Scholarship, UdeM is incredibly cost-effective.
Université de Montréal Masters Program | Annual Tuition (CAD) | Annual Tuition (INR approx) |
M.Sc Computer Science | ~$13,000 – $15,000* | ₹8L – ₹9L (With Scholarship) |
LL.M Business Law | ~$27,000 | ₹16.5L |
General Thesis Masters | ~$12,000 – $14,000* | ₹7L – ₹8.5L |
*Note: Fees are estimated after applying the UdeM Exemption Scholarship Level A or B.
Cost of Living: Montreal is budget-friendly. Budget CAD 15,000 – 18,000 (₹9-11 Lakhs) per year.
Scholarships for Indian Students
UdeM Exemption Scholarship:
Level A: Tuition reduced to Quebec rates (Highest waiver).
Level B: Tuition reduced to Canadian non-resident rates.
No separate application. You are assessed automatically upon admission.
Mila Scholarships: Specific funding for AI researchers, often covering full tuition + stipend.
Check out our Scholarships Page for more details on Quebec funding.
Documents Required
Official Transcripts: Scanned copies (English translation required if original is in Hindi/Regional language).
CV/Resume: Critical for AI/CS applicants. Highlight GitHub projects and papers.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): Research intent.
3 Letters of Recommendation: Academic references.
Birth Certificate: Required by Quebec universities for ID generation.
FAQs
Q1. Do I need to speak French to study at UdeM?
Ans: No, if you are in a specific English graduate program (like CS or Law). However, living in Montreal is easier if you learn basic French (A1/A2 level), and the university offers free French courses to students.
Q2. Is UdeM good for Post Graduation in Canada?
Ans: Yes, specifically for Research and AI. A Université de Montréal Masters is recognized globally. It is far superior to doing a random PG Diploma.
Q3. What is the deadline for the AI (Mila) program?
Ans: The deadline is usually December 1st of the previous year. It is one of the earliest deadlines in Canada because of the high volume of applications.
Q4. Can I get a 3-Year Work Permit (PGWP)?
Ans: Yes. Graduates of Master's degree programs at UdeM are eligible for the 3-Year PGWP, regardless of the program length (even if it's 16 months).
Q5. Is the application fee refundable?
Ans: No. The CAD 112 fee is non-refundable.
Conclusion
Université de Montréal is the smartest choice for Indian students who want to break into the elite world of AI without the Ivy League price tag. With the Tuition Exemption Scholarship, you get a world-class education for the price of a standard college diploma. If you are ready to learn a little French and master a lot of Code, UdeM is your future.
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