Laval University

This university is a suitable option for those interested in studying in Canada who prefer French-language education. Furthermore, academic migration to Quebec, Canada, has recently become a priority for those seeking to study at Canadian universities, as the city’s living costs and geographical location are relatively favorable for students.

Before Laval University was established, François de Laval founded the religious college Séminaire de Québec in 1663. Saint François Xavier de Montmorency-Laval, known as François de Laval, was the first bishop of Quebec, appointed by Pope Alexander VII.

In terms of research funding, Laval University ranks among the top 10 universities in Canada and has secured 4 Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) out of the 19 available nationwide. Laval University consistently ranks among the top Canadian universities in national and international rankings. 

Besides its educational quality, the achievements of its faculties and affiliated institutions have earned it a proud reputation. Like other French-speaking universities in Quebec, its name is not translated into English and remains Laval University in texts.

The university’s long history has resulted in beautiful architecture, but the campus expanded significantly after the university charter was granted, with additional buildings constructed in Old Quebec City. Currently, there are 30 buildings on its 1.2 square kilometer campus serving students studying in Canada.

The university’s most important educational buildings include the Ferdinand Vandry Pavilion, which now hosts the health sciences faculty; the Palasis-Prince building, home to the business administration faculty; and the Charles-De Koninck building, which accommodates the social sciences and law faculty.

Each year, nearly 43,000 students gain admission to Laval University. Of these, around 32,250 are undergraduate students, while nearly 11,000 pursue graduate degrees across 18 faculties, 60 departments, and nearly 500 academic programs.

Admission Requirements for Laval University

Studying in Canada requires submitting the necessary documents as per the institution's requirements; some programs, like medical sciences, may require an entrance exam. Generally, admission to Laval University is granted by submitting acceptable academic credentials suitable for the selected program.

Laval University accepts approximately 7,000 international students from 120 different countries each year. Students can participate in over 2,500 student exchange programs to other European and American countries.

As previously mentioned, Laval University is a French-language institution, so applicants must provide proof of French proficiency with scores acceptable for the selected program. This includes a minimum score of 361 on the TCF exam, with a score of 8 or higher in the writing section. However, some programs also require English language proficiency.

For undergraduate admission, applicants must present a high school diploma, a pre-university certificate, and one year of university-level studies. Upon submitting these documents and meeting the requirements, the academic status of the applicant is reviewed. In some cases, international students may be required to complete a one-year preparatory program, consisting of 30 credits over two terms.

According to Quebec’s educational laws, students must complete a preparatory course at a relevant college before pursuing a university degree. Known as "CEGEP," this course typically lasts one to two years, depending on the chosen field. While a CEGEP certificate is not mandatory for Laval University applicants, it can facilitate the admission process.

Master’s program requirements depend on the specific field of study, but a bachelor’s degree with a high GPA is a common requirement across all programs. Admission to graduate programs at Laval University also requires a solid academic resume, letters of recommendation from previous professors and universities, degree certificates with a GPA of 70% or higher, and a statement of purpose.

Laval University Deadlines

To apply for admission, scholarships, housing, and enrollment, it is important to pay attention to Laval University’s academic calendar; otherwise, the application or start of the program may be deferred to the next term or academic year.

The deadline for undergraduate winter term applications is September 1. The French language course for international students (FLE) is held in two summer sessions: the first runs from May to June, and the second from July to August. The fall term application deadline, usually for undergraduate programs, is in March.

Tuition Fees at Laval University

The main cost of studying in Canada is the annual tuition fee at Laval University, which varies depending on the program and level of study. Undergraduate tuition fees start at approximately $20,000 and go up to around $23,000. Graduate programs cost between $15,224.61 and $15,784.08 per year, while doctoral programs cost $13,753.68 annually.

In addition to tuition, there are other costs associated with studying in Canada. For instance, Laval University students must pay $900 for student insurance, $89.50 as an application fee, $150 for the Quebec study permit (required for the Canadian student visa), and at least $8,500 for on-campus accommodation and meal plans. Accordingly, the annual cost for undergraduate studies is between $33,048 and $36,194, for graduate studies between $28,680 and $29,240, and for doctoral studies $27,209.