Laval University
A respected university offering high-quality education and research opportunities. Features modern facilities, diverse programs, and strong connections with industry and community partners.
- Acceptance Rate
- 52.5%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (31,790 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:21
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 76.0%
- Retention Rate
- 89.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $8,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $35,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
The main campus at Sainte-Foy creates a self-contained environment where students can find academic buildings, residences, dining options, recreational facilities, and services within walking distance. The PEPS sports complex ranks among the largest in Canada, offering facilities for everything from swimming to hockey to fitness training. Students access these facilities as part of their fees, creating an athletic culture that complements academic pursuits. Student residences house thousands of students in various configurations, from traditional dormitory rooms to apartment-style units. Many students live off-campus in the surrounding neighborhoods, where affordable housing in walking or bus distance remains available. The campus bus network and city transit connect the university to downtown Quebec City and other areas. Cultural and social organizations number in the hundreds, covering interests from political engagement to hobby groups to cultural associations for the diverse student population. The Radio-Laval student radio station broadcasts campus programming, and various publications provide outlets for student journalism. The student union advocates for student interests while organizing events throughout the year. Quebec City's cultural offerings, from music festivals to theater to museums, supplement on-campus activities, with student discounts making many events accessible.
Location & Surroundings
Quebec City occupies a strategic position where the St. Lawrence River narrows, giving the city its name from the Algonquin word for "where the river narrows." The Old Town, perched on cliffs above the river, contains 17th and 18th-century stone buildings that transport visitors to another era. The Chateau Frontenac hotel dominates the skyline, while narrow streets wind through historic quarters that feel more European than North American. The main university campus lies about 10 kilometers west of Old Town in the Sainte-Foy borough, a more modern area with shopping, housing, and urban amenities. The two areas connect via bus routes and the developing tramway system. The surrounding region offers natural beauty, from the Montmorency Falls just outside the city to the ski resorts of the Laurentian Mountains to the north. Winter defines Quebec City life for nearly half the year, with heavy snow, ice, and temperatures that regularly drop below minus 20 Celsius. The famous Winter Carnival in February celebrates rather than endures the cold, with ice sculptures, outdoor activities, and celebrations. Spring brings spectacular thaw and the appearance of sidewalk cafes. Summer attracts tourists and brings warmth for festivals including the Festival d'ete with major international musical performers. Autumn foliage paints the surrounding hills in stunning colors. Students learn to dress for the weather and discover the pleasures of each season.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Quebec residents benefit from some of Canada's lowest university tuition rates, a policy decision reflecting the province's commitment to accessible higher education. Annual tuition for Quebec residents runs approximately $3,000 to $4,000 CAD for most programs, with some professional faculties charging higher fees. Students from other Canadian provinces pay somewhat higher rates, still below what they would face at most English Canadian universities. International students pay significantly higher tuition, typically in the range of $20,000 to $30,000 CAD annually depending on program. However, French citizens and those from certain other Francophone countries benefit from special agreements that reduce their fees to near-Quebec levels. The Quebec government offers scholarships to attract international francophone students, recognizing their contribution to the province's French character. Living expenses in Quebec City fall below those in Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver, making the total cost of attendance quite manageable. Work opportunities exist both on campus and throughout the city, with many students finding part-time employment in retail, food service, or administrative roles. Career outcomes vary by field, with professional programs providing clear pathways to employment while arts graduates may face more competitive job markets. The university's career services and strong alumni network within Quebec help graduates find positions, though some relocate to Montreal or elsewhere for greater opportunities.
Campus Location
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