Study in Quebec Without French – English Colleges, Jobs & PR Guide 2026

Imagine a place where you can grab a world-class latte in a 400-year-old cobblestone district, attend a lecture at a top-tier global university in English, and then head to a late-night jazz festival—all within the same three blocks. Welcome to Quebec: Canada’s "European" cousin.

For many international students, the dream of North American education often points toward Toronto or Vancouver. But Quebec offers a flavor that is fundamentally different. It is a place of tension and beauty, where North American efficiency meets a "joie de vivre" that keeps the patios full even in the brisk October air. However, there’s always a question mark hanging over the province for English speakers: Can you really study in Quebec without French?

The short answer is yes. The long answer involves navigating a changing political landscape, choosing the right institutions, and understanding that while you can study in English, the path to staying is increasingly paved with "Bonjour."

 

1. The Education System & Language Requirements

Quebec’s education system is unique in North America. Unlike other provinces where students go straight from high school to a four-year university degree, Quebec inserts a middle step: the CEGEP (Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel).

The CEGEP Bridge

For Quebec residents, CEGEP is mandatory. For international students, it’s an opportunity. You can enter a two-year "Pre-University" program or a three-year "Technical" program. The beauty for English speakers? Quebec has several world-class English-language CEGEPs.

Language Laws (Bill 96)

You may have heard of Bill 96. This legislation has tightened the rules around French in the province. For English-speaking students at English CEGEPs, this means you might be required to take a certain number of courses in French or pass a French language exit exam, depending on your status. At the university level, however, the instruction remains 100% English at designated English institutions.

 

2. English Colleges & Universities in Quebec

If you are looking to study in Quebec without French, you aren’t limited to small, obscure schools. You have access to some of the most prestigious names in the country.

The Big Three Universities

• McGill University (Montreal): Often called the "Harvard of the North." It is consistently ranked among the top 30 universities globally. The campus is a vibrant English-speaking enclave in the heart of downtown Montreal.

• Concordia University (Montreal): Known for being modern, urban, and deeply connected to the tech and arts industries. It’s the go-to for film, engineering, and business.

• Bishop’s University (Lennoxville): If you want the "classic" liberal arts experience—small classes, purple-clad school spirit, and a beautiful residential campus—Bishop’s is your home. It is located in the Eastern Townships, a stunning English-friendly region.

Quebec Colleges for English Students

If you’re looking for a diploma or a technical trade, these institutions are the heavy hitters:

• Dawson College: The largest English CEGEP, located in a former nunnery in Montreal.

• Vanier College: Famous for its music and science programs.

• John Abbott College: Situated on a breathtaking lakeside campus in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.

 

3. Popular Courses for English-Speaking Students

Quebec isn't just about history; it's a global hub for future-facing industries.

• Artificial Intelligence & Data Science: Montreal is home to Mila, the world’s largest academic community in deep learning. English-speaking students at McGill and Concordia are at the epicenter of the AI revolution.

• Aerospace Engineering: Quebec is one of the few places on Earth where an entire aircraft can be built from scratch. With giants like Bombardier and CAE, engineering programs are highly sought after.

• Video Game Design & VFX: With Ubisoft and Warner Bros. Games calling Montreal home, the city is a "Gamer’s Mecca." Technical programs at LaSalle College or Concordia are prime pipelines for these industries.

• Business & Finance: The Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill is world-renowned, and Montreal’s cost of doing business makes it a magnet for startups.

 

4. Can You Work & Live Without French?

This is where we need to have a "real talk" moment.

The Montreal Bubble

In Montreal, you can survive—and even thrive—with only English. You can order your groceries, go to the gym, and hang out with friends without ever needing to conjugate a French verb. The city is a bilingual masterpiece.

The Workplace Reality

However, professional work is different. Under Quebec law, French is the official language of the workplace. While many tech and international companies operate primarily in English, you will still encounter French in meetings, emails, and social coffee breaks.

• High-Tech/Gaming/Research: English is common.

• Service/Retail/Healthcare: French is mandatory.

If you plan to work a part-time job as a barista while studying, you will likely need "Functional French" (basic conversation). If you are a coder, your Python skills might matter more than your French skills—initially.

 

5. PR Pathway & French Language Needs Explained

Here is the most significant update for 2026. The days of "Quebec PR without French" are largely coming to a close. The provincial government has made it clear: to stay permanently, you must integrate linguistically.

The End of the PEQ

Historically, the PEQ (Quebec Experience Program) was the fast track for students to get Permanent Residency (PR). As of late 2025, the PEQ has been largely overhauled and merged into the PSTQ (Skilled Worker Selection Program).

 

The PSTQ Requirements

To qualify for the primary immigration pathways now, you generally need:

1. Spoken French: Level 7 (Advanced-Intermediate) on the Quebec scale.

2. Written French: Level 5 (Intermediate).

 

Wait, is there any way around it?

Technically, you can apply for PR through the Regular Skilled Worker Program (Arrima), but the points system is heavily weighted toward French speakers. In 2026, roughly 94% of newcomers selected by Quebec must be French-speaking. If you don't speak French, your chances of staying in Quebec long-term are significantly lower than in provinces like Ontario or Alberta.

 

6. Pros & Cons of Choosing Quebec

Choosing where to study is a $50,000+ decision. Let's look at the scorecard.

 

The Pros

• Affordability: Even with recent tuition hikes for international students, Montreal remains more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver in terms of rent and cost of living.

• Culture: The festival scene is unmatched. From Just for Laughs to Osheaga, there is always something happening.

• Student Life: Montreal is consistently voted the #1 Student City in North America. It’s built for young people.

• Quality of Education: A degree from McGill or Concordia carries massive weight globally.

The Cons

• The Language Barrier: If you have zero interest in learning French, you will eventually feel like an outsider, especially when dealing with government services.

• Strict PR Rules: If your goal is "Study to PR," Quebec is now the most difficult province for English-only speakers.

• The Winter: It’s not just cold; it’s "ice-forming-on-your-eyelashes" cold. (But hey, the underground city and the skiing help!)

 

Is Quebec Right for You?

Quebec is a "choose your own adventure" province. If you are looking for a world-class education and a vibrant, multicultural experience for 3–4 years, it is arguably the best place in Canada. The "Montreal experience" is something that stays with you forever.

However, if your ultimate goal is to settle permanently without ever learning a second language, you might find the 2026 immigration landscape frustrating. Quebec is a province that asks you to meet it halfway. It offers you a rich, historic, and affordable lifestyle; in exchange, it asks you to say, "Je me souviens."

 

Summary Table: Quebec vs. Rest of Canada (ROC)

 

Quebec is beautiful, complex, and currently undergoing a linguistic shift. But for the curious student, that's exactly what makes it exciting. It’s not just a place to get a degree; it’s a place to grow into a global citizen.

 

Frequency Asked Questions

1. Can I study in Quebec with English only?

Yes. You can attend world-class institutions like McGill, Concordia, or Bishop’s University, where all instruction is in English.

• The Catch: Under Bill 96, students at English colleges (CEGEPs) must now take at least three French-language courses or pass a French exit exam to graduate.

• University Level: Most undergraduate and graduate programs at English universities remain 100% English-taught.

 

2. Is French mandatory for PR?

Effectively, yes. As of 2026, Quebec has consolidated its immigration pathways into the PSTQ (Skilled Worker Selection Program).

• Requirement: To be selected for Permanent Residency, you generally need Level 7 spoken French (Advanced-Intermediate) and Level 5 written French.

• The PEQ: The old "fast-track" for graduates (PEQ) now requires that 75% of your courses were completed in French to qualify for that specific stream.

 

3. Are job opportunities good without French?

It depends on the sector.  Top Prospects: High-tech, AI research, and Video Game Design (Ubisoft, etc.) often use English as their primary working language.

• The Law: Quebec’s Charter of the French Language requires businesses to operate in French. While you can find "English-essential" roles in international firms, your upward mobility and daily social life in a workplace will be limited without functional French.

 

4. Which cities are best for English speakers?