Language School

Where is Vanier College located?

How do I register for the full-time, non-credit English programs?

How do I register for the part-time, non-credit English courses?

Do I need to write a placement test before registering?

What are the eligibility requirements for the English language programs?

Do I need a study permit or a certificat d'acceptation du Québec (Québec Certificate of Acceptance) to study English at Vanier?

What if I want to study at Vanier for more than six months?

Do I need medical insurance?

What will my first day be like?

Will I have access to any facilities at Vanier College?

Can you tell me more about Homestay?

Is it easier and cheaper to rent an apartment?

Isn't Montreal a French city?

How cold will it be in Montreal?

If I take an English Course at the Language School, will I be accepted to Vanier College as a full-time student?

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Where is Vanier College located?

Vanier College is located on the island-city of Montreal, in the community of Saint-Laurent. The College is an eight-minute walk from either the Du College or Côte Vertu metro (subway) stations, and only a fifteen-minute metro ride from downtown Montreal.

How do I register for the full-time, non-credit English programs?

Send us your completed Application Form, payment, and a copy of your passport (international students) as soon as possible. Payment for registration must be made by Visa, MasterCard, a money order or a certified cheque. Sorry, we do not accept cash. All fees are in Canadian dollars. Go to Register Now for more information.

How do I register for the part-time, non-credit English or French courses?

Go to Register Now for more information. There are three ways to register:

1. Online
2. By fax or mail (download the application form here)
3. In person, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, Room B-228

Do I need to write a placement test before registering?

All new students must write a placement test for the part-time English and French Communication courses. This placement tests is usually done one week before the start of classes. Students must register before taking the placement test.

For the full-time English for Academic Purposes program, the evaluation is on the first day of class.

What are the eligibility requirements for the English for Academic Purposes program?

1. Students must be at least sixteen (16) years old at the start of the program
2. International students under eighteen (18) years of age must have a guardian in Montreal. (Parental and Custodian Declaration Forms must be submitted with your Application Form. Email us for these.)
3. Students must have at least a basic beginner level of understanding of English (and be familiar with the Latin alphabet).
4. Minimum payment must be made in full before the start of the program.
5. Students must have valid medical coverage, a temporary resident's visa (formerly known as a visitor's visa) if required, a study permit (formerly known as a student authorization) if required, and a Quebec Certificate of Acceptance (if required).

Do I need a study permit or a certificat d'acceptation du Québec (Québec Certificate of Acceptance) to study at Vanier?

Students registering for studies of less than six months are not required to obtain a student permit or a certificate d'acceptation du Québec (Québec Certificate of Acceptance). However, citizens of certain countries are required to obtain a temporary resident visa before entering Canada. For a complete list of these countries, click here.

What if I want to study at Vanier for more than six months?

International students wishing to follow a program of study at Vanier College must:

1. Apply to the College and receive a letter of acceptance into a program.
2. Apply for a certificate d'acceptation du Québec (Québec Certificate of Acceptance or CAQ)
3. Apply to the government of Canada for a Study Permit. Please keep in mind that this procedure can take up to six months. Click on the following government links for more information about Study Permits, Visas, and CAQs: http://www.cic.gc.ca and http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/students/index.html

Do I need medical insurance?

All international students are required to have valid medical insurance upon their arrival in Canada. We can help you arrange this.

What will my first day in a full-time program be like?

The first day of your program will be an orientation day devoted to showing you around the college. You will be introduced to the teachers, support staff, and monitors that will aid you throughout your studies, and you'll get to know your fellow classmates. A placement test will be administered to determine your level of reading and writing so that you can begin your classes the following day.

Will I have access to any facilities at Vanier College?

Yes! You will have access to the Library and Information Technology Centres (L.I.T.C) , which means FREE Internet, and borrowing privileges from an extensive collection of books and periodicals. You will also have access to the Sports Complex, which includes a swimming pool and fitness room.

Can you tell me more about Homestay?

Vanier College believes that second-language learners will benefit from the homestay service because they will have the opportunity to practice their new language skills outside of the classroom, and learn about Canadian customs and way of life. For more information about homestay, please visit www.lamimo.com or www.minervahomestay.com. Vanier College Language School students have had excellent service from Minerva Homesay and we are happy to recommend that our students choose them.

Is it easier and cheaper to rent an apartment?

Finding an affordable apartment in Montreal can take weeks and maybe even months of searching. The vacancy rate in Montreal is currently less than 1%! Montreal apartments can be very expensive, and normally tenants must sign contracts (known as a lease or bail) of at lease twelve months. Students are usually asked to provide co-signers (normally a parent or guardian).

Isn't Montreal a French city?

Although French is widely spoken in Montreal, most Montrealers are fluent in at least two, three and sometimes four languages! Because the most common languages heard in Montreal are English and French, visitors will not find it difficult to practice their new language skills in everyday situations.

How cold will it be in Montreal?

Montreal has four very distinct seasons. In summer (June-August), the temperature ranges from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius, and you will be most comfortable in light summer clothing. Montreal winters (December-February) are cold but sunny. Visitors should dress appropriately, and be prepared to take part in fun winter activities such as ice skating, cross-country and alpine skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. Even though temperatures can reach well below zero, all buildings and public transportation are heated, and so temperatures indoors remain at approximately 23 degrees

If I take an English Course at the Language School, will I be accepted to Vanier College as a full-time student?

Vanier College Language School students that would like to apply to Vanier College as a full-time student in a pre-University (2-year) or career (3-year) program must follow the same procedure as all applicants. They must also fulfill the same admission requirements.