Montreal is slowly becoming one of the most exciting study destinations for international students who are planning their future abroad. From technology and engineering to healthcare, business, and creative industries, Montreal gives students access to some of the most amazing courses. If you’re wondering which courses truly stand out, this guide will walk you through some of the best courses to study in Montreal and why they continue to attract students from around the world.

What are the Top Courses to Study for 2026 in Montreal?

Most of the students go to Montreal because of its top universities, affordable cost of living, and vibrant atmosphere. Known for offering a high quality life, its diverse culture makes it super easy for people to call this city their new home. Here, you are given endless opportunities to learn and grow in order to become the best version of yourself. Below are some of the top courses that most of the students opt for because of their strong employment outcomes and competitive salaries:

Computer Science & IT

With each passing day, Montreal is becoming an AI and tech hub. There is an increase in demand for skilled professionals, leading to strong career prospects in this industry. It is stated that software engineers here are earning approximately $68,000- $140,000 CAD on an annual basis. Below are some of the key benefits of doing Computer Science & IT courses:

Easy access to major tech hubs.

Strong co-op and internship opportunities.

Graduates of this course qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Engineering

Doing engineering courses in Montreal is not just about theory. With growth in industries like aerospace, construction, robotics, and clean technology, the scope for practical exposure is immense. Students are given ample opportunities to build their skillset. Following are the key highlights of doing Engineering here:3rd largest aerospace hub globally with 43,000+ industry employees.

The average engineering salary in Montreal is $86,157/year.

Earnings in specialised fields like Petroleum Engineering reach up to $150,000.

Business and Finance

When you first step into the city, you will find yourself surrounded by banks, fintech startups, and consulting firms. All of them play a major role in building Canada’s economy. For students, this means that they will not only be studying in top universities but also that their learning will not be limited to classrooms. Here are the key industry facts and figures that students should know about doing business and finance courses in Montreal:

Every year, this sector employs over 100,000 workers.

Montreal is ranked #1 in Canada for green finance initiatives.

The average salary for a master's in finance is approx. $73,000.

Healthcare and Nursing

One of the top reasons for studying healthcare and nursing courses in Montreal is that it is home to two of the Canada’s top 10 nursing schools. One of them is a college under McGill University and the other one is under the University of Montreal. Plus, the tuition fees for nursing courses here are lower than in other cities. It ranges between $18,000 to $28,000. Some of the features of doing healthcare and nursing courses here are:

Every year 5,000+ specialized healthcare workers are hired.

The government provides retention bonuses of up to $15,000 for full time nurses.

Entry-level registered nurses in Montreal start at $30.00-$35.00/hour.

Animation and Gaming

Studying Animation and Gaming courses in Montreal is considered best because it has major studios like Ubisoft, WB Games and EA. The courses offered here provide strong career prospects in areas like film, TV and interactive media. The reason for doing the this course here is:

The salary of entry level game designers is between $50,000-$70,000.

Students can easily access motion capture labs and 3D rendering software.

There are over 90 university and college courses made specifically for this industry.

Where Do Students Stay While Studying in Montreal?

Students that are living in Montreal come across various housing options. These are dependent on your life>. Below are some of the common types of student housing Montreal:

Purpose- Built Student Accommodation: These are fully furnished residencies that come with study areas, security and all-inclusive rent.

Shared Apartments: They are popular amongst those who want to split costs and live with friends.

Private studios: Ideal for those who want privacy and independent living.

On campus accommodations: These are majorly designed for first year and international students.

Some of the common off campus properties in Montreal include: La MARQ Montreal, EVO Montreal, Capsule Residence, Alma @ Shaughnessy-Village, ALMA Latin Quartier.

Conclusion

Having the right course in Montreal is not only about the following trends. It is all about having a future that balances passion, skills, and career growth. It doesn’t matter which course you are drawn towards; Montreal offers a strong foundation for long-term success. Along with diverse housing options and a student-friendly life>