Laval University

Université Laval is one of Canada's leading research universities, located in Quebec City, Quebec. Founded in 1852, it is the first French-language university in North America and has a long history of academic excellence and innovation. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, business, and health sciences.

With over 43,000 students, including a significant number of international students, Université Laval provides a dynamic and multicultural learning environment. The university is known for its strong emphasis on research, with more than 275 research centers, chairs, and institutes. It is particularly recognized for its contributions to fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainable development, forestry, and Arctic studies.

The campus is located in the heart of Quebec City and features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and sports complexes. Université Laval is also committed to sustainability, being the first university in Canada to receive a STARS Gold rating for its environmental initiatives.

Students at Université Laval benefit from a vibrant student life, with numerous clubs, associations, and cultural activities. The university also has strong international partnerships, offering exchange programs and research collaborations with institutions worldwide.

With its rich history, commitment to innovation, and strong academic reputation, Université Laval continues to be a top choice for students seeking a high-quality education in a French-speaking environment.

• Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences

  The Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences offers seven bachelor’s programs, six of which are the only French-language programs of their kind in North America. These include bachelor’s degrees in agronomy, agri-food economics and management, agroenvironmental engineering, food engineering, consumer sciences, and food technology, as well as nutrition.

  Graduates who wish to continue their studies can choose from nearly 20 master’s and PhD programs. With its Institute and 25 research centres, chairs, and groups, the Faculty is on the cutting edge of its fields. Its research projects and activities touch every aspect of the bio-food chain, from production and industrial processing to marketing and final consumption. The Faculty’s distinguished professors and ties with the agricultural, nutrition, and consumer sectors ensure a bright future for students.

  Faculty students receive an education that balances the scientific process, professional work, and human contact. The Faculty is well-known for its exciting student life: students can get involved in some 30 associations, clubs, and committees. Activities include the fully student-organized Semaine de l’agriculture, de l’alimentation et de la consommation (Agriculture, Food Sciences and Consumer Science Week), the largest event of its kind in Québec.

  The Faculty is very active internationally and hosts many foreign students. In return, it offers undergraduate and graduate students international internship opportunities through 35 cooperation agreements with schools and universities in countries including France, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Sweden, to name a few.

  Faculty graduates can look forward to some 200 potential careers and an excellent job placement rate ranging from 87.5% to 100% depending on the program. The farming and agri-food industry is among the largest in the province, employing one of every eight workers!

• Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences

  The Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences is known for its professors’ unwavering focus on French influences in North America and their extensive knowledge of this field, so vital to the dissemination of French and Québec culture.

  Faculty departments explore language, culture, and memory in all their dimensions, including archaeology, archival management, film, communication, ethnology, classical studies, history, art history, linguistics, literature, theatre, translation, journalism, museology, and public relations.

  Highly active in the Francophonie, the Faculty is resolutely global in its outlook and has incorporated the international profile into many of its programs. It also offers a bachelor’s degree in international studies and modern languages, as well as a graduate degree in international journalism. In addition, the Faculty hosts the vibrant School of Languages, where 11 languages are taught in addition to French.

  The Faculty’s thirty-odd research centres, chairs, and institutes, as well as the solid expertise of its professors attract numerous master’s and doctoral students.

• Faculty of Business Administration

  Université Laval’s Faculty of Business Administration (FSA Laval) is part of an elite international group of approximately 80 business schools—out of a world total of 12,000—accredited by both AACSB International and EQUIS. FSA Laval is home to 4,300 students, including 700 foreign students, and over 100 professors and lecturers.
  The faculty was founded in 1924, and now boasts 35,000 proud alumni in Canada and beyond. It is known for flexibility in every area, from scheduling to learning methods and to language of teaching.
  We also offer students a generous scholarship and financial aid program, state-of-the-art facilities, and the opportunity to gain valuable international work experience.

• Faculty of Dentistry

  The Faculty of Dentistry offers state-of-the-art theoretical and practical training for future dentists in an exceptional environment.

  Its four-year doctoral program in dentistry focuses extensively on the biomedical sciences essential to managing overall patient dental health and emphasizes practical training in modern clinics during internships.

  The Faculty also offers highly reputed specialty programs in oral and maxillofacial surgery, gerodontics, and periodontics, as well as complementary training in multidisciplinary dentistry. The master’s program also provides a solid foundation in clinical and basic and applied research.

  Faculty research activities cover many dental health issues, involve researchers from a number of disciplines and research centres, and receive substantial support from the internationally renowned Centre of excellence in dental ecology and biology. The Faculty also collaborates with specialists in Canada, the United States, South America, Europe, and Japan.

• Faculty of Education

  Université Laval’s Faculty of Education is one of the largest in Canada and the French-speaking world. In addition to awarding quality undergraduate and graduate diplomas, it boasts qualified professors in the main fields of education research.

  The Faculty provides teacher training at all levels, from preschool to college. Its programs cover all aspects of education, including remedial instruction, educational psychology, didactics, school management, measurement and evaluation, guidance counselling, and educational technology.

  The Faculty’s internship and practicum program – the only one of its kind in Québec – draws on a network of associated schools including 173 elementary and 55 high schools and an adult education centre serving the Capitale-Nationale–Chaudière-Appalaches region. This network reflects a tremendous level of cooperation among partners in the education community. On completing their studies, future elementary and high school teachers could not be better prepared, with a total of 700 classroom hours under their belt.

  The Faculty has adopted an international approach in recent years to help students broaden their vision of education and their teaching practice. Students in some programs now have the option of choosing the international profile or an international and intercultural internship

• Faculty of Forestry, Geography and Geomatics

  The Faculty of Forestry and Geomatics has trained thousands of forest engineers, engineers, land surveyors, and geographers who have shaped today’s society. Most occupy high ranking positions in Canada and abroad.

  The Faculty’s teaching and research mission dates back to the beginning of the last century. Today, it is the only school in Québec offering graduate and undergraduate training in forestry and geomatics. Not only does it enjoy an excellent reputation, it has the dual advantage of being a small faculty with a personal feel in a large university.

  Faculty graduates have many opportunities to contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of our society, where the forest industry has long played a key role. Geomatics is an emerging science that is becoming essential to many areas of land use planning. Lastly, geography provides a multidisciplinary approach to environmental and human issues.

  The Faculty of Forestry and Geomatics is the largest in Canada, with research centres and networks covering many fields, from knowledge of the land and the social aspects of land use to the use of its resources (wood, non-wood, wildlife, etc.). Its many research groups include the Forest Biology Research Centre, the Wood Research Centre, the Geomatics Research Centre, the Centre for Northern Studies, the Hydrometeorology and Precision Agriculture Research Centre, the Carbon Flux Network (Fluxnet), and the Intensive Silviculture Network.

  The Faculty also boasts its own 6,600 hectare teaching and research forest: Montmorency Forest. A vast open-air lab for professors and students, it also serves as a meteorological station.

• Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

  The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies has overall responsibility for graduate and post graduate studies. In close cooperation with the 17 other faculties, it supervises the quality of student supervision and oversees the evaluation of student research. Together with the program management teams, it also determines eligibility for University degrees and diplomas. In addition, it provides strategic intelligence on graduate programs and research training.

  The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Fellowship is an interfaculty and interdisciplinary forum for observation, discussion and leadership.

• Faculty of Law

  With its topnotch training and diverse fields of study, the Faculty of Law ranks as one of the best in Canada. In addition to a bachelor’s degree and certificate, it offers research-based master’s programs as well as professional master’s programs in notarial, business, international and transnational, environmental, sustainable development, and food safety law.

  Globalization has spurred the Faculty to create a research group on the international and transnational legal aspects of economic integration. A partner of the Institut québécois des hautes études internationales, the Faculty participates in the master’s program in international studies. It is also home to a Canada Research Chair in Environmental Law that provides students and researchers in a number of disciplines with an opportunity to explore the international legal implications of environmental and sustainable development issues.

  Law students have access to an impressive collection of legal texts that occupy an entire floor of the Humanities and Social Sciences Library. The can call on specialized librarians for assistance and use the main legal databases.

• Faculty of Medicine

  Laval University's Faculty of Medicine is a unique interprofessional environment of 15 departments that supply academic programs, extensive network of training and research and passionate and dedicated staff.

• Faculty of Music

  Reflecting students’ diverse aspirations and tastes, the Faculty of Music offers programs in music education, musicology, as well as classical, jazz, and pop composition and interpretation.

  In a stimulating atmosphere, professors train topnotch musicians and educators who will contribute to society’s cultural and social development.

  A dynamic environment abuzz with all sorts of activities, the Faculty gives its students many opportunities to experience an artist’s life. Students gain performance experience with large and small ensembles (orchestra, concert band, vocal arts, stage band, etc.) and productions by the opera workshop. The Faculty also provides facilities in keeping with their ambitions, including two large concert halls, chamber music studios, a recording studio, and a computer music lab.

• Faculty of Nursing

  At the Faculty of Nursing, students acquire the knowledge, abilities, and attitudes they need to provide care to individuals and families experiencing health problems.

  Faculty programs emphasize all aspects of health: physical, mental, social, and environmental. This approach enables students to adapt their caregiving to the different clienteles they advise and treat. Other components include quality of care and service, ethics, leadership, and research. In addition to the regular curriculum, the Faculty has developed an undergraduate and graduate community health program, as well as a number of continuing education activities. Community institutions and hospitals greatly appreciate Laval students’ skills and their ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

  With an international outlook, the Faculty strongly encourages its students to take advantage of foreign study and cultural immersion opportunities during their program. Thanks to the ties it has forged with institutions in a number of countries, students can opt for the international profile or an international and intercultural internship.

• School of Pharmacy

  The School of Pharmacy was founded in 1924 and officially became a faculty of the university in 1997. The Faculty now offers ten graduate and undergraduate programs. In September 2011, the Faculty of Pharmacy began offering a four-year professional degree designed to develop the competencies needed to work as a pharmacist.

  Université Laval also offers a Master’s of Hospital Pharmacy, a Graduate Diploma in Community Pharmacy, and various short programs designed for practicing pharmacists as well as research-focused master’s and Ph.D. programs in such areas as pharmacogenetics, pharmacokinetics, molecular pharmacology, and pharmaco-epidemiology.
  The Faculty of Pharmacy gives students the opportunity to study abroad through the international student mobility program.

• Faculty of Philosophy

  With an interest in the fundamental questions facing humanity, the Faculty of Philosophy actively embraces all fields of basic philosophical inquiry. Its programs explore these questions from the point of view of leading figures and theoretical trends of our times and encourage ongoing dialog with the great authors and founding texts of the philosophical tradition, as well as contemporary philosophy.

  The Faculty’s skilled professors draw on a strong commitment to intellectual rigor to train philosophers who stand out for their analytical, critical, and conceptual skills, as well as their writing and speaking abilities. For this reason, private and public sector employers are increasingly calling on their talent.

  With a resolutely global outlook, the Faculty of Philosophy regularly hosts well-known professors and organizes conferences and international symposiums. Students benefit from these ties to foreign universities, particularly through the international profile.

• Faculty of Planning, Architecture, Arts and Design

  The Faculty of Planning, Architecture, Arts and Design comprises four schools combining a variety of disciplines that explore the way people perceive, build, and take possession of space. It is also home to the Planning and Development Research Centre (CRAD).

• Faculty of Science and Engineering

  The Faculty of Science and Engineering provides one of the most stimulating multidisciplinary environments in North America with its combination of pure science, applied science, and engineering. Its solid undergraduate programs are guided by labour market needs and adapted to the challenges facing our society which is why every program features mandatory or optional paid internships. Our relationships with industry leaders allows us to offer internships with some of the biggest companies from Québec and beyond.
  Graduate students have the opportunity to work in a highly stimulating environment. In addition to enjoying a wide selection of research areas, students can take advantage of the Faculty’s state-of-the-art facilities and join one of many research groups.
  And need we add that the student life in this Faculty is among the most exciting on campus? Numerous projects with a direct link to faculty programs give students an opportunity to round out their knowledge and take part in major competitions, including designing a Formula SAE Racecar, a concrete canoe, and a single-passenger ultra fuel-efficient vehicle (Alérion Supermileage). Students also host their own festival which they vie to find the most creative solutions to bold challenges.
  Studying in the Faculty of Science and Engineering means choosing an education focused on advancing the state of knowledge and preparing to help build the world of tomorrow.

• Faculty of Social Sciences

  The exciting and varied subjects taught in the Faculty of Social Sciences lead to analysis and understanding of human phenomena in all their complexity and diversity. In addition to its regular programs, the Faculty has added the innovative, interdisciplinary twist to certain programs, with options like a bachelor’s degree in economics and politics. Over the years, it has also developed its own specialties in areas like Native studies, gambling prevention and treatment, globalization and labour, and energy, environmental, and natural resource economics.

  The Faculty's 200 professors provide high quality instruction and ongoing supervision and guidance to some 4,000 students. Apart from solid intellectual development, students benefit from hands-on training, generally through internships. They are also strongly encouraged to spend time studying abroad, for example by adding the international profile to their academic program.

  Thirteen research centres and groups, as well as 10 research Chairs make the Faculty of Social Sciences a highly active setting ideal for understanding contemporary social issues. Student life is highly stimulating, thanks to the various student associations and groups. By the very nature of their field of study, students in the Faculty of Social Sciences are often involved in community initiatives and able to make a valuable contribution to societal debates.

• Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies

  The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies provides a first-rate education in an intellectually stimulating environment. Rooted in the Christian tradition, it soon grew to encompass today’s varied religious currents.

  The Faculty offers undergraduate and graduate programs in theology and religious studies. Its students are introduced to the source texts of different religious traditions, their interpretation and their impact on culture and society. This creates an environment conducive to questioning of the current status of religions and their development, ethical issues, the range of spiritual experience, and more.

  The Faculty is among the most active in Canada with respect to research. Its influence extends well beyond Québec’s borders in fields including the history of ancient and contemporary Christianity, reflective theology, and practical theology. The Faculty journal Laval théologique et philosophique has enjoyed a worldwide reputation for over 60 years.

• Institute for Advanced International Studies

  Institute for Advanced International Studies (HEI) is a multidisciplinary centre for research and graduate studies and a key driver of international excellence at Université Laval.
  HEI’s mission is to contribute to the advancement of knowledge on international affairs through a multidisciplinary approach and help train the experts who will effect change on the major issues facing the world.
  HEI brings together researchers, professors, and students from a host of disciplines to participate in academic programs (master’s and Ph.D.) research (ten research groups), scholarly publications, and events. Some fifty activities are held every year reflecting different facets of international affairs, and HEI also publishes a leading scholarly journal, Études internationales. It is well known for its international summer school, dynamic student life, and vast network of alumni.

Université Laval is one of the oldest higher education institutions in North America. It was founded in 1663 as the Séminaire de Québec by François de Laval, the first Roman Catholic bishop of New France. The institution was originally established to train priests and promote education in the French colony. Over time, it expanded its academic offerings and became a key center for higher learning in Canada.

In 1852, Université Laval was officially granted a royal charter by Queen Victoria, making it the first French-language university in North America. This recognition allowed the institution to confer degrees and broaden its academic programs beyond theology. The university played a crucial role in the development of French-speaking intellectual and professional communities in Canada.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Université Laval continued to grow, adding faculties in law, medicine, and science. In 1910, the university's Montreal branch became an independent institution, which later evolved into the Université de Montréal. This separation allowed Université Laval to focus on its development in Quebec City.

Throughout the 20th century, the university expanded its campus and research capabilities. It established new faculties, research centers, and partnerships with industries and government organizations. The university became a leader in various fields, including forestry, engineering, and social sciences.

Today, Université Laval is recognized as a major research institution with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and attracts students from around the world. The university continues to uphold its mission of academic excellence while maintaining its deep historical roots in Quebec and the French-speaking world.

Admission requirements at Université Laval vary depending on the program and level of study. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, each with specific criteria for admission.

For undergraduate programs, applicants must have completed secondary education equivalent to the Quebec Diploma of College Studies (DEC). International students must provide proof of academic qualifications, which may require an evaluation of their credentials. Additionally, some programs have specific prerequisites, such as mathematics or science courses. Language proficiency is also a key requirement, as most programs are offered in French. Applicants whose first language is not French may need to provide proof of proficiency through standardized tests such as the Test de connaissance du français (TCF) or the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF).

Graduate programs require applicants to hold a relevant bachelor's degree with a strong academic record. Some programs may require specific coursework or professional experience. Additionally, applicants may need to submit a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a curriculum vitae. Certain programs also require standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT.

Doctoral programs have more stringent requirements, including a relevant master's degree, research experience, and a strong academic background. Applicants must submit a detailed research proposal and secure a faculty member as a supervisor. Letters of recommendation and proof of language proficiency are also required.

The application process involves submitting an online application through the university’s admission portal. Applicants must provide academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and any additional documents required by their chosen program. Deadlines vary by program and applicant category, so it is important to check specific dates on the university’s website.

Once an application is submitted, it is reviewed by the admissions committee. Some programs may require an interview or additional assessments. If accepted, students receive an official admission letter, which they can use to apply for a study permit if they are international students.

Université Laval also offers scholarships and financial aid to eligible students. Some scholarships are based on academic merit, while others consider financial need or research potential. Graduate students may also have opportunities for assistantships and research funding.

For more details, prospective students should visit the official Université Laval website and check the specific admission requirements for their chosen program.

Université Laval is a fully accredited institution of higher education in Canada. It is recognized by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur du Québec (MES), the governing body responsible for higher education in the province of Quebec. As a public university, Université Laval adheres to the academic and administrative standards set by the provincial and federal education authorities.

The university is also a member of several prestigious organizations that ensure the quality of education and research. It is part of Universities Canada, an organization that represents Canadian universities and ensures they meet national and international academic standards. Additionally, Université Laval is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), which further solidifies its reputation as a globally recognized institution.

Many of Université Laval’s programs are accredited by professional and regulatory bodies. For example, engineering programs are accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), ensuring that graduates meet the standards required to become professional engineers in Canada. Similarly, business programs at the Faculty of Business Administration (FSA ULaval) are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a prestigious accreditation held by only a small percentage of business schools worldwide.

In the field of health sciences, programs such as medicine, nursing, and pharmacy are accredited by their respective professional organizations, including the Collège des médecins du Québec, the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec, and the Ordre des pharmaciens du Québec. These accreditations ensure that graduates meet the professional and ethical standards required to practice in their fields.

Université Laval is also recognized for its research excellence. It is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, a coalition of leading research-intensive universities in Canada. This membership highlights the university’s commitment to high-quality research and innovation.

Overall, Université Laval’s accreditation and memberships in various national and international organizations confirm its status as a reputable and high-quality institution of higher education.

Laval University offers a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities for personal and academic growth. Located in Quebec City, the university provides a dynamic environment where students can engage in various extracurricular activities, clubs, and events.

The campus is home to over 250 student associations, covering a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, sports, and social activities. These associations help students connect with peers who share similar interests and provide opportunities for leadership and networking. The university also hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as cultural festivals, academic conferences, and sports competitions.

For students interested in sports and fitness, Laval University offers excellent facilities, including the PEPS sports complex, which features a swimming pool, gym, indoor and outdoor sports fields, and fitness classes. The university’s Rouge et Or teams compete in various sports at the national level, fostering school spirit and pride among students.

Laval University also provides various support services to enhance student life, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources. The university’s libraries and study spaces offer a conducive environment for learning, while student residences provide comfortable and affordable housing options.

Quebec City itself is a great place for students, offering a rich cultural scene, historical landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife. Students can explore museums, attend music festivals, and enjoy the city's numerous cafes and restaurants. The city’s bilingual environment also provides an excellent opportunity for students to improve their French language skills.

Overall, student life at Laval University is dynamic and diverse, offering numerous opportunities for academic success, personal development, and social engagement.

Université Laval offers a wide range of services and facilities to support students in their academic and personal lives. The university provides access to modern libraries, including the Bibliothèque Laurentienne, which offers study spaces, research assistance, and digital resources. Students can also benefit from computer labs, printing services, and high-speed internet access across campus.

For health and wellness, Université Laval has a student health center that provides medical consultations, psychological support, and wellness programs. There is also a sports complex, PEPS, which includes a swimming pool, gymnasiums, fitness rooms, and outdoor sports fields. Students can participate in various sports activities, including intramural leagues and fitness classes.

Housing services offer on-campus residences with furnished rooms, study areas, and common spaces for socializing. The university also provides assistance in finding off-campus housing. Dining services include multiple cafeterias, restaurants, and coffee shops that cater to different dietary preferences.

Career services help students with job searches, internships, and career planning through workshops, counseling, and networking events. The university also has student associations and clubs that organize cultural, academic, and recreational activities.

Additionally, Université Laval offers financial aid services, academic advising, and support for international students, including language assistance and integration programs. The campus is equipped with sustainable transportation options, including bike paths and public transit access.

These facilities and services contribute to a supportive and enriching student experience beyond lectures and seminars.

Founded in 1852, Université Laval is one of Canada’s leading research universities and the first French-language university in North America. Located in Quebec City, it offers a vibrant academic environment with a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration.

One of the key reasons to choose Université Laval is its commitment to research excellence. The university is home to over 275 research centers, chairs, and institutes, covering a wide range of disciplines. It ranks among the top Canadian universities for research funding and has a strong reputation in fields such as artificial intelligence, forestry, climate change, and health sciences.

Université Laval also stands out for its strong international focus. It has partnerships with over 750 institutions in more than 100 countries, offering students numerous opportunities for exchange programs, internships, and collaborative research projects. The university also provides a welcoming environment for international students, with support services to help them integrate into academic and social life.

Another unique aspect of Université Laval is its commitment to sustainability. It was the first university in Canada to adopt a sustainable development policy and has been recognized for its green campus initiatives. The university promotes eco-friendly practices, energy efficiency, and responsible resource management, making it an ideal choice for students who value environmental responsibility.

The campus itself is another reason to choose Université Laval. Located in the heart of Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the university offers a dynamic and culturally rich environment. Students can enjoy a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, with access to museums, festivals, and outdoor activities. The campus is also known for its state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced research labs, sports complexes, and a vast library system.

Finally, Université Laval provides a high-quality education with a wide range of programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. With over 500 programs in various disciplines, students can find courses that align with their academic and career goals. The university also emphasizes experiential learning, offering co-op programs, internships, and hands-on research opportunities to enhance students' practical skills.

With its strong academic reputation, commitment to sustainability, international opportunities, and vibrant campus life, Université Laval is an excellent choice for students seeking a world-class education in a unique and inspiring setting.