Laval University

Long before Canada existed as a country, a bishop in Quebec City founded a seminary that would grow into Université Laval — North America’s oldest French-language university, tracing its roots to 1663 and formally chartered in 1852.

Today it is a comprehensive research university in the heart of Quebec City, home to more than 42,000 students, including over 9,500 international students from more than 130 countries.

For Nepali students, Laval offers something most Canadian universities don’t: the chance to build real French fluency while studying in one of the country’s most historic and walkable cities, alongside solid programs in engineering, health sciences, business, and forestry.

This guide covers what Nepali students need to know about programs, admissions, costs, and campus life at Laval, with support from Goreto Educational Consultancy, a study-abroad consultancy in Nepal that helps students apply to Canadian universities.

Université Laval offers more than 260 programs across 17 faculties and over 60 departments and schools — spanning engineering, business, health sciences, forestry, social sciences, and the arts.

Most instruction is in French, since Laval is a francophone institution, but a handful of programs are taught fully in English, including the MBA – Global Business at the Faculty of Business Administration (FSA), which requires no French coursework.

Nepali students weighing business programs can also check Goreto’s guides to a BBA in Canada or an MBA in Canada for a broader comparison of Canadian business degrees.

Laval is particularly well known for forestry, agriculture, nutrition, and health sciences — home to Quebec’s only forestry faculty and one of Canada’s leading nutrition research institutes (INAF). Students interested in environmental science, nutrition, or engineering in Canada will find dedicated programs here.

Quebec’s DEC-BAC agreements also let students who’ve completed relevant technical college coursework receive credit toward a Laval bachelor’s degree, shortening the path to graduation.

Université Laval is one of Canada’s oldest and most research-intensive universities, and a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, a coalition of the country’s leading research institutions.

The university is home to more than 275 research centres, chairs, and institutes, with particular strength in forestry, agriculture, health sciences, and Arctic and climate research. Its Faculty of Business Administration (FSA) holds both EQUIS and AACSB accreditation — held by only a small share of business schools worldwide — reflecting the strength of its faculty research and teaching.

For francophone and bilingual students in particular, Laval remains a strong option for research-focused study in Canada.

Admission to Université Laval starts with your academic transcripts — covering your previous studies plus any coursework completed after secondary school — followed by your diplomas or degree certificates once awarded.

Because Laval is a French-language institution, most applicants need to demonstrate French proficiency. Non-francophone applicants are typically required to sit the Test de connaissance du français (TCF); depending on your program, passing it may be a condition of admission or of graduation, and some students are asked to complete French-as-a-second-language courses alongside their program.

If you’re applying to one of the university’s English-taught options, such as the MBA – Global Business, you’ll instead need to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores.

A strong application typically also includes a letter of intent or statement of purpose outlining your academic and career goals. For a full list of documents Nepali students generally need for a Canadian study permit and university application, see Goreto’s study-abroad resources page.

Goreto Educational Consultancy can help you put together a complete application package for Laval, from transcripts to language test planning.

All admitted international students at Université Laval are automatically considered for an excellence scholarship: CAD 20,000 for bachelor’s and master’s students, and CAD 30,000 for doctoral students, paid out at roughly CAD 5,000 per semester.

Laval also offers targeted tuition-fee exemption scholarships for students in Québec government priority sectors, plus additional exemptions available through cooperation agreements between Québec and select countries. In total, the university offers more than 200 scholarships and bursaries for international students at all levels of study.

Laval University offers a vibrant campus life that promotes a rich cultural and social experience.

Students can participate in a wide range of student clubs, sports teams, and events, providing ample opportunities for personal growth and engagement.

By getting involved in extracurricular activities aligned with their interests, students can develop leadership skills, build networks, and create lasting memories.

The university’s inclusive campus community ensures that students have a fulfilling and well-rounded university experience.

In addition to a dynamic campus life, Laval University provides comprehensive support services to prioritize students’ academic and personal well-being.

Academic advising is readily available to help students navigate course selection and plan their academic journey.

The university also offers tutoring services and study groups to enhance the learning experience.

Moreover, the university’s counseling services provide confidential support to students, assisting them in overcoming personal challenges, managing stress, and maintaining emotional well-being.

This holistic approach ensures that students can thrive academically while caring for their overall wellness.

Laval University places great emphasis on career development, equipping students with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in the job market.

The university’s career services department organizes workshops, job fairs, and networking events, connecting students with potential employers and offering valuable insights into career opportunities.

Whether students are seeking internships, part-time jobs, or full-time positions, the university’s career services are there to guide and support them throughout their career journey.

Laval University is committed to empowering students and helping them achieve their professional goals.

Studying at Université Laval gives Nepali students a chance to build genuine French fluency while earning a Canadian degree — a distinctive combination, since most major Canadian universities teach primarily in English.

Laval offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels across engineering, health sciences, business, forestry, and the humanities. Because most instruction is in French, Nepali students should assess their French level early and budget time for language preparation, or a French-as-a-second-language track if needed; a smaller number of English-taught options, like the MBA – Global Business, are available for students who prefer to study in English.

The admissions process itself is straightforward: academic transcripts and diplomas, proof of language proficiency (TCF for French, or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs), and a statement of purpose.

Once admitted, Nepali students join a supportive campus community with academic advising, tutoring, counselling, and dedicated international student services covering immigration paperwork, housing, health insurance, and cultural adaptation — all things Goreto Educational Consultancy can help you prepare for before you leave Nepal.

The top universities in Canada for international students offer the best courses and study experience.

There are some of the universities where admission is quite difficult.

There is no doubt that, they offer highly recognized degrees.