International applicants
Vanier College will consider students for admission who have completed a portion of their high school education in Quebec (sec 4 and sec 5). Rare exceptions are made for certain individuals (e.g. refugees, children of diplomats).
Application process
International students must apply online through the SRAM application system. SRAM is an external service that manages applications for Vanier, and many other cegeps in Quebec.
Deadlines
Any international application must be completed with all required documents and application fees paid before March 14 for admission to the fall semester (starting in August). International candidates may not apply to start a program starting in the winter semester.
Evaluation of schooling
International academic documents are evaluated by SRAM (the external service managing applications).
Applicants, whether living in Canada or not, who have completed high school leaving certificates in a foreign country may have an evaluation done by SRAM or request a comparative evaluation from the Quebec government that must then be submitted at the time of application to SRAM.
Language requirements
English
Vanier is an English language institution. While some courses are offered in French, and Quebec is a French speaking province, proficiency in English is an essential requirement to study at Vanier.
To ensure your success in our programs, most applicants will need to demonstrate English language proficiency by taking a standardized test. Tests must have been completed within the last two years.
Accepted standardized tests and minimum scores
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
- Internet-based Test (IBT): Minimum score of 80
- Computer-based Test (CBT): Minimum score of 213
- Paper-based Test (PBT): Minimum score of 550
- If taking the PBT, the Test of Written English (TWE) with a minimum score of 4.5 is also recommended.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic Version: Minimum band score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0)
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 114
- Bright Language Test: Minimum score of 3.7 out of 5
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Minimum score range of 58-64
Test information and resources
- TOEFL: TOEFL website
- IELTS: IELTS website
These scores are valid for two years.
TOEFL testing at Vanier College
Vanier College is an approved ETS® Certified Test Administration Site, offering you the option to take the TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) on-campus. For details and to register, please contact the Language School.
French
Recent changes in provincial legislation (Bill 96 or Law 14) affect the language of instruction at English colleges. While Vanier College can still accept international applicants, all students must successfully complete the Épreuve uniforme de langue française (EUF) to graduate and obtain their diploma.
French Language Proficiency for Admission
International applicants must demonstrate French proficiency by taking an approved test and achieving a minimum score of B2. These test scores are valid for two years from the exam date.
Accepted French proficiency tests:
- Bright
- TCF tout public (TCF Québec and TCF Canada are not accepted) - Mandatory sections: Written Comprehension, Oral Comprehension, Vocabulary and Syntax
- DELF tout public niveau B2 (all components)
- DALF
- TEF (TEF Express, TEF Québec, and TEF Canada are not accepted) - Mandatory sections: Written Comprehension, Oral Comprehension, Vocabulary and Syntax
We understand these changes may require additional planning. Vanier College remains committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. If you have any questions regarding these new requirements, please don't hesitate to contact our admissions office.
Next steps after receiving your conditional acceptance letter
Congratulations! You've received a conditional admissions letter from Vanier. There are still a few more steps to finalize your arrival to Montreal.
- Official transcripts: While you may receive a letter of conditional acceptance, you must submit to Vanier College an official final transcript once courses in progress are completed.
Required documents to study in Quebec
The following documents are mandatory to study in Quebec:
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ): Issued by the Ministry of Immigration of Quebec. Find more information at Quebec immigration website.
- Study Permit: Issued by Immigration Canada. Get details on obtaining a study permit on the Canadian immigration website.
- Medical and Hospital Insurance: By law, international students must have a medical and hospital insurance coverage that covers the entire academic year at Vanier College. Vanier provides mandatory insurance with Greenshield to all its international students. Consult the plan (pdf).
All the above documents must be submitted to the Vanier College Admissions Office in early August before registration begins.
Study Permit Processing Time: Government guidelines recommend a minimum processing time of 4 to 6 months for the Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) and the study permit. Plan accordingly to ensure you have ample time to secure these documents.
Additional mandatory documents for career program students
Students admitted to career programs with mandatory fieldwork (stage) require a Co-op work permit in addition to the study permit. Apply for the work permit at the same time as you apply for your study permit.
We encourage you to review this information carefully and factor in processing times when planning your arrival in Quebec. If you have any questions regarding these steps, please contact the Vanier College Admissions Office.
Tuition fees and other expenses
International student fees are regulated by the Government of Quebec. Learn more about student fees and tuition.
The cost of living and studying in Canada for one year is estimated to be about $15,000 for room and board, and $500 to $1,000 for books, depending on course requirements.
International students are not eligible for Quebec student loans and bursaries.