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Montreal, Canada

McGill University

#31 QS World RankingPublicNorth America

QS World Ranking

#31

Acceptance Rate

46%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$22,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

QS Best Student City

#9

Montreal

Application Deadline

January 15

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

40,000

students

International Students

30%

US Students

8%

of total enrollment

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

Canada's top-ranked university, located in vibrant bilingual Montreal with affordable tuition.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#8Music#14Medicine#14Education & Training#16Law#38Computer Science & IT

Notes for US Students

Direct application system. One of Canada's most selective universities. Bilingual city environment.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to McGill University

Acceptance Rate

46%

Moderately selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

January 15

Instruction Language

English/French

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$22,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply directly via McGill's online portal
  • SAT 1400+ or ACT 31+ (competitive — top 10% of US applicants)
  • Competitive GPA: 3.7+ strongly recommended
  • Official high school transcripts required
  • IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+ (English speakers typically exempt)
  • Supplemental essay / personal profile for some programs

Class Size

Avg. Lecture200 students
Avg. Seminar25 students
Student : Faculty15:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermEarly SeptemberEarly December
Spring TermEarly JanuaryLate April
BreaksDec–Jan, May–Aug

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English/French
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$22,000 / year
Application Deadline
January 15
Application System
Direct
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
46%
QS Best Student City (Montreal)
#9 globally

Programs Offered

MedicineLawEngineeringSciencesBusinessArts & Humanities

Scholarships to Explore

  • Entrance Scholarship
  • Major Admission Scholarship

Cost of Living — Montreal, Canada

Moderate Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$900/mo
Groceries & dining$340/mo
Transportation$65/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$200/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,505

vs. avg US college student

21% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Montreal is one of North America's most affordable major cities. Historically low rents and a vibrant student scene.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at McGill University as a US Student

McGill University is located in Montreal, Canada and is ranked #31in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Medicine, Law, Engineering, Sciences, Business, and more. Instruction is offered in English/French. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$22,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 46%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of January 15. Scholarships available include the Entrance Scholarship.