Polytechnique Montréal
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 76.4%
- SAT Range
- 950–1150
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.1
- Size
- Large (20,336 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:17
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 82.0%
- Retention Rate
- 85.0%
- 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
Life at Polytechnique Montreal combines the intensity of engineering studies with the pleasures of living in one of North America's most enjoyable cities. The campus facilities include modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and student spaces where study groups gather between classes. The proximity to Universite de Montreal expands social and recreational options, with UdeM's student services, athletic facilities, and cultural programming accessible to Polytechnique students. Student associations organize technical competitions, social events, and professional development activities throughout the academic year. Engineering Games pit student teams against rivals from other Quebec engineering schools in competitions that blend technical challenges with school spirit. Robotics clubs, solar car teams, and other technical groups provide hands-on experiences that supplement classroom learning. The cultural diversity of the student body, with significant representation from France and French-speaking Africa, creates an international atmosphere within the predominantly francophone environment. Social life extends naturally into Montreal's neighborhoods, with affordable bars, restaurants, and cafes near campus providing gathering spots for students. The Metro makes the entire city accessible, from the historic Old Port to the trendy Mile End to the nightlife of downtown. Winters require adaptation for students from warmer climates, but the underground city and indoor activities make the cold months manageable. Summer in Montreal compensates generously, with festivals, outdoor dining, and urban parks filled with people enjoying the relatively brief warm season.
Location & Surroundings
Students at Polytechnique Montreal experience the particular blend of academic challenge and lifestyle quality that defines engineering education in this city. The workload is substantial, with problem sets, lab reports, and examinations consuming much of each week during the academic year. Study groups form around difficult courses, with students teaching each other concepts that professors covered too quickly or that the textbook explained unclearly. The culture tends toward collaboration rather than cutthroat competition, though the grading systems and program requirements create real pressure to perform. International students, particularly those from France, arrive with strong academic preparation but face adjustment to Quebec French and Canadian academic expectations that differ subtly from the French system. African francophone students similarly navigate cultural adaptation while managing demanding coursework. Quebec students from outside Montreal discover urban life while their Montreal-raised classmates adjust to the intensity of polytechnique studies. Cost of living in Montreal remains remarkably affordable compared to Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver, making the student years more financially manageable. Many students rent apartments with roommates in neighborhoods like Cote-des-Neiges and Outremont near campus. Part-time work and summer jobs help cover expenses, though the demanding academic schedule limits work hours during the school year. Mental health services and student support recognize the stress that engineering programs create, though capacity sometimes falls short of need.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Polytechnique Montreal graduates enter engineering careers across Quebec, Canada, and internationally, carrying credentials that employers recognize as markers of serious technical preparation. Quebec's aerospace industry absorbs significant numbers of graduates, with aircraft manufacturers, engine makers, and the constellation of suppliers and service providers hiring engineers throughout the value chain. Consulting engineering firms employ graduates who work on infrastructure, buildings, environmental projects, and industrial facilities across the province and beyond. Technology companies, from Montreal's growing AI sector to traditional software and telecommunications firms, hire computer and electrical engineering graduates. Natural resources industries including mining, energy, and forest products provide opportunities for those interested in working across Canada's vast territories. Graduate school attracts students seeking advanced expertise, academic careers, or the credential of a master's degree that some employers prefer. The Polytechnique brand carries particular weight within Quebec's francophone business community, where many executives and leaders share the Poly educational background. Professional engineering licensing requires work experience beyond the degree, with the Ordre des ingenieurs du Quebec overseeing the process in the province. Career services help students prepare for recruiting and connect with employers, while coop experiences often lead to post-graduation job offers. The alumni network provides connections and mentorship that help new graduates navigate early career decisions. Salary outcomes for engineers remain strong, though Quebec engineering salaries typically fall somewhat below Ontario levels.
Campus Location
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