Université Laval is a public French-language research university in Quebec City, founded in 1663 — the oldest university in Canada and one of the oldest in North America. It offers international tuition among the lowest in Canada, a beautiful historic city, and a distinctive advantage: the Quebec government's Perspective Québec exemption can cut international tuition to Quebec-resident rates for eligible French-taught programmes. The catch is the language — almost everything is taught in French, and you will need strong French to apply.
At a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Quebec City, Quebec, Canada |
| Type | Public French-language research university (founded 1663) |
| International tuition (2026-27) | CAD 28,232.96 for 30 credits a year (official fee schedule) |
| Total annual expenses (2026-27) | CAD 46,863–51,103, including tuition, living costs and insurance |
| Perspective Québec exemption | Eligible French-taught programmes in engineering, IT, health, education and French studies can pay Quebec-resident rates |
| Language | French — most programmes are taught in French |
| Acceptance rate (reported) | About 59% |
Programmes
Laval offers more than 500 programmes across 17 faculties, including science and engineering, medicine, law, business, forestry and agriculture, and the social sciences. Undergraduate degrees are typically three or four years. Course-based master's programmes run at about CAD 903 per credit including supplemental fees. The university is particularly strong in forestry, agriculture, medicine and engineering, and its co-op programmes give students paid work experience during their degree.
Fees and funding
International tuition for 2026-27 is CAD 2,800.59 per 3-credit course, CAD 14,116.48 per 15-credit semester, and CAD 28,232.96 for a 30-credit year (including a CAD 1,000 tuition deposit). Total annual expenses, including living costs, are estimated at CAD 46,863–51,103. The Perspective Québec exemption is the key number: if you enrol in an eligible French-taught programme in engineering, IT, health, education or French language studies, the Quebec government waives the supplemental tuition, cutting your annual cost by roughly 70% — to about CAD 18,000–22,000 a year in total. Check your eligibility on Laval's international students page before you budget, because the exemption applies only to specific programmes.
Admission
International applicants apply directly to Laval. You will need a school record equivalent to a Quebec college diploma, and certified French at the level your programme requires — usually B2 or higher. Applications for Fall 2027 entry are open; confirm the deadline for your programme on the admissions page. You will also need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and a Canadian study permit (CAD 150 plus CAD 85 biometrics), and proof of funds of CAD 23,448 a year from 1 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Laval cost? CAD 28,232.96 a year in international tuition (2026-27), with total annual expenses of CAD 46,863–51,103. The Perspective Québec exemption can cut this sharply for eligible French-taught programmes.
Do I need French to study at Laval? Yes, for almost all undergraduate programmes. French at B2 level or higher is normally required.
What is the Perspective Québec exemption? A Quebec government programme that waives supplemental international tuition for eligible French-taught programmes in engineering, IT, health, education and French studies.
Is Laval a good university? Yes — Canada's oldest university, with strong programmes in forestry, agriculture, medicine and engineering, in one of Canada's most beautiful cities.
Related guides on Pakunii
Canada Undergraduate Admission 2027 · Canada Tuition Fees by Province 2027 · Canada Study Permit Guide 2027 · Université de Montréal Profile
Sources and verification: Université Laval official fees and budgeting page 2026-27 (international tuition CAD 28,232.96 for 30 credits, CAD 14,116.48 per semester, total annual expenses CAD 46,863–51,103; Perspective Québec exemption for eligible French-taught programmes). Course-based master's CAD 903 per credit reported. Programme-level deadlines and French requirements to be confirmed on ulaval.ca.