International students, this site is for you!

As an international student, you can choose from 125 technical and pre-university programs across 48 institutions in Québec.
Explore your options and find the program that fits you best.

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Want to enter the job market quickly?  Technical programs are your best choice. In three years (six semesters), you’ll be ready to launch your career.

Want to go to university? Pre-university programs last two years (four semesters) and are the ideal preparation.

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• Technical programs: 3 years (6 semesters)

• Pre-university programs: 2 years (4 semesters)

• Short-term programs (AEC): 6 to 18 months

Planning to study in a CEGEP where the language of instruction isn’t your mother tongue? Many options are available to improve your French or English skills.

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CEGEPs offer short-term programs that typically last between 6 and 18 months. Duration varies depending on the program and the institution.

These programs are mainly designed for adults with prior work experience and/or education.
They are usually focused on professional development and may require specific prerequisites.

Graduates receive an Attestation of College Studies (AEC).

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To be eligible for admission to a CEGEP, you must have completed at least 11 years of schooling in your home country.
In the French system, this means completing Première (Grade 11). However, it’s strongly recommended to earn your baccalauréat before coming to study in Québec.
Some programs also require specific prerequisite courses. These are listed on each program’s information page.

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There are three regional admission services. Each CEGEP is associated with one, depending on its location: SRAM (Service régional d’admission du Montréal métropolitain - for Montréal and surrounding areas), SRACQ (Service régional d’admission au collégial de Québec - for Québec City and eastern regions) et SRASL (Service régional de l’admission des cégeps du Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean - for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region). You must apply through the appropriate service based on the CEGEP you choose.

Deadlines:

• For the Fall session (starting in August): apply before February 1

• For the Winter session (starting in January): apply before September 1

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No. There is no age limit to study at a CEGEP.

Before applying for a study permit, you must:

1. Apply and be accepted into a CEGEP program.

2. Complete your immigration process.

Important: Plan up to 5 months to complete all the steps. It’s your responsibility to meet the requirements.

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Yes, under certain conditions, you may be eligible to:

• Work on campus

• Work off campus

• Do a paid or unpaid internship as part of your program

To know your eligibility, visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Most CEGEPs also offer job placement services to help you find employment.

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You can live:

• In a student residence on campus

• Or in private housing off campus

Your CEGEP can guide you through your options.

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Depending on your citizenship and place of residence, you may be eligible for:

• Tuition waivers

• Excellence scholarships

• Other financial aid agreements with your region

If you are a French citizen (not living in another Canadian province when applying), you are exempt from international tuition fees at CEGEPs.

If you are not French, you may still qualify for special funding programs.

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Thanks to Québec’s financial aid programs, you may be eligible for a full or partial exemption from international tuition fees. International students must pay tuition each semester, and fees vary depending on the program. Explore the Tuition Waiver Program and Excellence Scholarship Program.

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This program lets international students enrolled in technical diploma programs (DEC) avoid paying additional international tuition fees.

To apply:

• You must be admitted or enrolled at a CEGEP

• The CEGEP will provide you with the application form

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This program also exempts eligible students from international tuition fees.

To qualify, you must:

• Be a citizen of one of the 44 countries in the Francophonie

• Study at a CEGEP outside the Montréal metropolitan area

• Have strong academic performance

Like the waiver, you must be admitted or enrolled to receive the form from the CEGEP.

Our network includes 48 CEGEPs, some with multiple campuses or national schools (e.g., École du meuble, École nationale d’aérotechnique). Visit each institution’s profile to find their contact information.

If your program is offered at many schools, here’s what to consider:

• Location

• Student residence availability

• Activities and campus life

• Program specializations at each CEGEP

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The word CEGEP stands for Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel. It’s a public post-secondary institution unique to Québec. CEGEPs offer the first level of higher education in the province. All programs lead to a state-recognized diploma.

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The school year runs from mid-August to late May, and includes two sessions:

• Fall: mid-August to late December

• Winter: January to late May

While CEGEPs are unique to Québec, similar technical post-secondary programs exist worldwide.

CEGEP Offers 3 Program Types:

1. Technical Programs (3 years / 6 semesters)

   • Prepare you for the job market

   • Include practical, often paid internships

   • Can also lead to university

2. Pre-university Programs (2 years / 4 semesters)

   • Prepare you for university

   • Ideal for students who don’t yet meet direct university requirements

3. Short-Term Programs (6–18 months)

   • Lead to an Attestation of College Studies (AEC)

   • Often designed for adults with prior training or experience