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Can you go to University of Montreal without speaking French?

You do not need to be bilingual or French-speaking to study in Montreal. There are some universities in Montreal that are English-language instructed. However, being bilingual in Montreal will make day-to-day life easier for students.



Technically, you can apply to the University of Montreal (UdeM) as an English speaker, but your options are extremely limited compared to nearby McGill or Concordia. UdeM is a French-language institution, and the vast majority of undergraduate programs require a B2 level of proficiency (CEFR) in French for admission. In 2026, international students often take an "Intensive French Program" for four months to reach the required level before starting their degree. However, some graduate-level research programs and specific Ph.D. tracks allow for the submission of a thesis in English, and there are a handful of English-taught courses in disciplines like Optometry or specific business modules. To be eligible, you must still provide English proficiency scores (such as an IELTS 6.5) if you are an international student. Ultimately, while you can "enter" the ecosystem, navigating daily campus life and successfully completing an undergraduate degree in 2026 without functional French is nearly impossible at this specific university.

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