Top 10 Montreal Language Schools (French + 2026 Guide)
Top 10 Montreal-based language schools (2026)
Free option: Francisation Québec (PRs + selection certificate holders).
Best paid: Université de Montréal École de français, McGill SCS, Alliance Française.
Best test prep: ÉLIM Concordia for TEF Canada.
💡 Insider tip: Francisation Québec is FREE for permanent residents, citizens, refugees, temporary workers, and selection certificate holders. Full-time students may also qualify for a $215/week stipend. Online + in-person formats.
✨ Best for: newcomers, anyone targeting Quebec immigration, French learners.
Apply to Francisation Québec →📍 In this article
Montreal is one of the easiest cities in the world to learn French — and the most affordable for permanent residents and selection certificate holders. Below: the 10 best schools, by price and format.
🎓 The 10 schools compared
| School | Format | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Francisation Québec | Full + part-time | FREE (eligible) | PRs, newcomers |
| Université de Montréal École de français | University-credentialed | $2,500-4,000/term | academic credit, professionals |
| McGill School of Continuing Studies | Evening + weekend | $1,800-3,200/term | working pros, English-first |
| Alliance Française Montréal | Group + private | $300-600 / 30-hr course | cultural + classic curriculum |
| ÉLIM Concordia | Intensive + test prep | $1,500-3,000/program | TEF Canada, immigration |
| Institut linguistique Camélia | Boutique private | $50-100/hr private | corporate, fast-track |
| YMCA International | Part-time + intensive | $250-500 / course | budget-friendly evenings |
| UQAM Centre de langues | Group sessions | $600-1,500/term | student-rate French |
| Berlitz Montréal | Premium private | $80-150/hr | corporate, multilingual |
| Lingua Madre | Boutique conversation | $40-70/hr | conversation practice |
📚 Pick your path
| Goal | Best route |
|---|---|
| Free, full-time | Francisation Québec |
| Working professional | McGill SCS evenings or U de M |
| Tourist / hobbyist | Alliance Française |
| TEF Canada / immigration | ÉLIM Concordia intensive |
| Conversation only | Lingua Madre + Tandem meetups |
⏱️ How long does it take?
- CEFR A1: 100-150 hours of study
- CEFR A2: +150-200 hours
- CEFR B1: +250-350 hours (full immersion can cut this in half)
- CEFR B2 (Quebec selection certificate level): 600-900 total hours
- Free conversation practice: Tandem meetups, HelloTalk app, YMCA circles, Plateau community programs
Frequently asked questions
Best French language schools in Montreal?
Université de Montréal École de français, McGill SCS, Alliance Française Montréal, ÉLIM Concordia, Institut linguistique Camélia, OQLF Francisation Québec (free), YMCA International.
Is Francisation Québec free?
Yes for permanent residents, citizens, refugees, foreign workers, foreign students, and selection certificate holders. Full-time students may qualify for $215/week stipend.
How much does private French training cost?
Group classes: $250-600 per 30-hour course. Private tutoring: $50-100/hour. Intensive 1-month: $1,500-3,000. U de M and McGill credentialed: $1,800-4,000 per term.
How long does it take to learn French in Montreal?
A1: 100-150 hours. A2: +150-200. B1: 350-500. B2 (work or selection certificate level): 600-900 total hours plus daily immersion.
Free language exchange in Montreal?
Tandem meetups (multiple weekly), HelloTalk app, Meetup.com French groups, Plateau YMCA conversation circles, university clubs.
Reviewed by: Montreal Tips editorial team · Last updated: May 13, 2026
Sources: Each school’s 2025-2026 tuition pages, Francisation Québec official site, MIFI Quebec.
