QC resident tuition: ~$4,200/yr · Out-of-province: ~$10,500/yr · International: $26,000–$30,000+/yr · Montreal shared rent: $700–$1,000/person/month · AFE (Aide financière aux études) for QC residents
Tuition at McGill: The Quebec Advantage
McGill has one of the most complex tuition structures in Canada due to Quebec's regulated tuition system. Quebec residents enrolled in standard programs pay approximately $4,000–$4,400/year — among the lowest tuition rates in Canada for any major research university. For out-of-province Canadian students, tuition jumps to approximately $9,500–$11,000/year depending on the program. International students pay $26,000–$32,000+/year.
Professional programs (law, medicine, dentistry) and some graduate programs have higher fees at all residency levels. The Desautels Faculty of Management charges approximately $14,000/year for out-of-province BCom students.
Quebec's tuition freeze has been a major policy advantage for QC residents for decades — though periodic indexation adjustments (typically 3% annually) have gradually increased rates from their historic lows.
Cost of Living in Montreal
Montreal is Canada's most affordable major city for students — combining major-city amenities with student-city rental prices. McGill's downtown campus puts students within walking distance of Mont Royal, Plateau-Mont-Royal, and the Mile End neighborhoods.
- McGill residence (on-campus): $11,000–$15,000/year with meal plan
- Shared apartment near McGill (McGill Ghetto / Plateau): $700–$1,000/person/month
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,300–$1,800/month
- Groceries: $350–$500/month (lower due to QC grocery prices)
- STM transit pass (student): ~$60–$70/month
- Personal + entertainment: $300–$500/month
Total annual living costs in Montreal: approximately $15,000–$21,000/year — significantly below Toronto and Vancouver.
Financial Aid for McGill Students
Quebec residents attending McGill access AFE (Aide financière aux études), Quebec's student financial aid program. AFE provides grants (bourse) and loans (prêt) based on family income, living situation, and program type. For a single student from a family earning $50,000, AFE might provide $4,000–$7,000 in grants plus a loan of $5,000–$8,000 per year.
Out-of-province students apply to their home province's aid program (e.g., OSAP for Ontarians, StudentAidBC for BC residents). The federal Canada Student Grant is available to all eligible Canadian students regardless of province.
McGill also awards approximately $15 million annually in entrance scholarships and bursaries. The McGill Entrance Excellence Award and various departmental awards range from $1,000 to full scholarship.
Part-Time Work in Montreal
Montreal has a vibrant economy across tech, creative industries, film/gaming (Ubisoft Montreal, EA, Gameloft), finance, and service industries. Quebec's minimum wage is $16.10/hour in 2026. Common student roles: restaurant and hospitality ($16–$22/hr + tips), retail ($16–$18/hr), campus research ($19–$24/hr), tutoring ($20–$35/hr).
McGill's Career Planning Service places students in internships and part-time work year-round. Montreal's gaming industry is particularly active for CS and Engineering students seeking paid internships.
4-Year Cost at McGill (QC Resident vs. Out-of-Province)
| Category | QC Resident/yr | Out-of-Province/yr |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition + fees | $5,500–$6,500 | $11,000–$13,500 |
| Housing (shared) | $10,800–$14,400 | $10,800–$14,400 |
| Food & personal | $7,000–$9,000 | $7,000–$9,000 |
| Total | $23,300–$29,900 | $28,800–$36,900 |
🧮 Annual Cost Calculator (calcStudentMcgill)
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