Studying at HEC Montreal: The Complete Guide for International Students

🇨🇦 How to Study in Canada: Step-by-Step Guide for French Students

Every year, thousands of French students choose Canada — and especially Montreal — to pursue their studies. Between the quality of the universities, the multicultural lifestyle, and the shared language, the country attracts more and more young people seeking a rich international experience. But how exactly can you move to Canada to study at HEC Montreal? Here’s a complete step-by-step guide.

1. Choosing Your University or School in Canada

The first step is to choose your institution.Canada offers several types of post-secondary institutions:

• Universities (such as McGill, Université de Montréal, HEC Montréal, UQAM, Laval, Sherbrooke…)

• Colleges or Cégeps, offering shorter, more career-oriented programs

• Specialized schools (design, engineering, business, etc.)

💡 Tip: Check the admission requirements for each university. Quebec institutions often accept French applications (baccalaureate, transcripts, motivation letter) without requiring complicated equivalency procedures.

2. Getting Admitted to start studying at HEC Montreal (or another university)

Admissions usually take place between November and March for the September intake. You’ll need to provide:

• Your high school or university transcripts

• A motivation letter

• Proof of proficiency in French or English (depending on the program)

• Sometimes, a letter of recommendation

Once you receive your admission letter, you can begin applying for a study permit.

3. Applying for a Study Permit (Student Visa)

This is the most important step. You'll need to apply online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Required documents:

• An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI)

• Proof of financial resources

• A valid passport

• An ID photo, and possibly a medical certificate

💡 Processing times vary, expect around 6 to 12 weeks. Apply as early as possible.

4. Finding Student Housing in Montreal or Your Host City

This is often the biggest challenge!The rental market in Montreal and other major Canadian cities is highly competitive, especially before the academic year starts.

Some options include:

• University residences (these fill up quickly)

• Private apartments or shared flats (colocations)

• Housing Hawk: a directory of verified apartments to avoid rental scams

• Temporary housing upon arrival (hotels, hostels, etc.). Note that recent laws have greatly limited Airbnb rentals in Montreal.

• Plazio — to find your perfect roommate.
  

🎯 Housing Hawk helps international students find verified housing before they arrive in Canada.Our platform secures rentals, offers student-budget-friendly apartments, and simplifies the rental procedure with landlords. Discover verified student housing in Montreal with Housing Hawk

5. Getting Health Insurance and Preparing for Arrival

French students benefit from a social security agreement between France and Quebec.This means you may be covered by the RAMQ (Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec), as long as you complete the SE 401-Q-106 form before leaving France.

Also remember to:

• Open a Canadian bank account

• Buy a local SIM card

• Sign up for orientation and integration activities organized by your university
  

6. Settling In and Enjoying Life in Montreal 🇨🇦

Quebec is a welcoming and multicultural province. Here are a few tips:

• Take part in international student events

• Discover Québécois culture (winter life, poutine, festivals, hockey 🏒)

• Learn about student work opportunities (up to 20 hours per week during studies)