High school students

Planning for university is an important step for young people as they move toward adulthood. It can bring up lots of questions and doubts because the choices students make will affect their future.

Whether you’re the parent of a student who is planning to go to university or a high school student who would like to know more about university studies, Université Laval has tons of useful information to help answer your questions.

Choosing the right university

When choosing a university, applicants should look first at the type of program they want to pursue, then at their personal preferences and needs.

Other important things to consider:

  • Reputation of the institution
  • Quality and focus of the program
  • Concentrations offered
  • Specifics of the teaching methods
  • Study and living environment
  • Facilities
  • Access to and quality of professors
  • Guidance

Université Laval distinguishing features

Université Laval is one of Canada’s leading research universities, and it shows in the quality of teaching. ULaval programs are always at the forefront of knowledge.

Université Laval sets itself apart:

  • By providing a dynamic environment for research, innovation, and creativity
  • By encouraging individual and group involvement and leadership
  • By making space in university education for current issues such as sustainable development and international mobility
  • By producing skilled graduates eager to drive change and ready to face the major challenges of tomorrow in every field

Campus

Most students attend classes at the main ULaval campus, which is located on the west side of Québec City. However, students in the Faculty of Urban Planning, Architecture, and Visual Arts attend most classes downtown and in Old Québec.

Wherever they’re studying, students are safe. The crime rate in Québec City is one of the lowest in the country and ULaval’s Security and Prevention Services patrol the campus 24/7.

Residences

The residences are a focal point for student life, thanks to the team of resource specialists who are there to advise and listen to students and help organize activities. Residences are close to classes and are very affordable. Students can rent a furnished room equipped with a phone with voicemail and internet and cable connections, as well as campus-wide Wi-Fi access.

All four residences are equipped with:

  • A modern communal kitchen
  • A laundry room
  • A student café
  • Reading and TV rooms

Choosing a program

Above all else, choosing a program means choosing a career. It’s important to consider your natural abilities, the things you are passionate about, and your personality to find the program that’s right for you. There are a number of things you can do to help you in your choice:

Length of studies

Bachelor’s degrees usually take three years, although certain engineering, teaching, and health sciences programs take four years.

DEC-BAC agreements and academic bridges

DEC-BAC agreements and academic bridges are agreements between ULaval and collegial institutions that allow students to shorten the length of study. Through these agreements, ULaval recognizes students’ college education so they can skip the equivalent courses in the bachelor’s degree. This may mean they can complete a bachelor’s degree in two years instead of three.

DEC-BAC agreements and bridges are only possible for comparable programs. For example, a technical diploma in social services does not qualify for a DEC-BAC agreement in nursing because the programs are not similar enough.

Consult the list of DEC-BAC agreements and bridge options

Preparing for university

The first step is being admitted. The minimum requirement for attending university is a diploma of college studies (DCS) or equivalent, i.e., 13 years of school. There are no shortcuts!

Admission requirements vary depending on the program you choose, particularly if it’s a limited-enrollment program. Consult the official description of the desired program for specific requirements.

Limited-enrollment classes have a limited number of spaces available. To apply for a limited-enrollment program, you must meet all the requirements, have gotten good grades in college, and achieve the minimum R score (varies by program).

The R score

The R score (cote de rendement au collégial) is a fair and equitable indicator used to help determine who will be admitted to limited-enrollment programs. The R score levels the playing field for all college graduates, regardless of the university that is evaluating them or the college they came from.

To get a high R score, you need to earn top marks in all your college courses, even physical education. If you want to drop a course, make sure you do so before the withdrawal without penalty deadline. If you don’t, the failing grade will affect your R score, even if you redo the same course in a subsequent semester.

Unlimited-enrollment programs

Unlimited-enrollment classes have an unlimited number of spaces available. Most undergraduate programs at Université Laval have unlimited enrollment. To apply for an unlimited enrolment program you must have earned at least a DCS, but some programs may also require:

  • A math course or other prerequisites
  • The ability to read English
  • Knowledge of a second or third language
  • A minimum R score of 22
  • A laptop

Limited-enrollment programs

Limited-enrollment programs have a limited number of spaces available. To apply for a limited enrolment program you must:

  • Meet all the requirements
  • Have gotten good grades in college
  • Have obtained the minimum R score (varies by program)

Your R score does not guarantee you will be accepted into a limited-enrollment program. Other requirements may include:

  • An individual or group interview
  • Personality tests
  • A motivation letter
  • A criminal record check
  • A portfolio
  • A questionnaire
  • An audition

Fees

Tuition fees account for much of the cost of attending university. Tuition varies depending on if you are from Québec, elsewhere in Canada, or abroad. Additional charges such as student association fees and technology fees also apply.

There are other expenses to take into account as well, such as textbooks, course notes, and the computer equipment required for certain programs.

Learn more about fees

Scholarships and financial aid

There are many ways to finance your university studies:

  • The Government of Québec Loans and Bursaries program for students from Québec
  • Numerous scholarships, including:
    • Admission scholarships for certain bachelor’s degrees (awarded automatically based on your R score)
    • Doctoral admission scholarships
    • Leadership and sustainable development scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students
    • Internship and research scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students

Learn about the Student Awards and Financial Aid Office

Preparing for university

Starting school

Starting university is an important step in the life of a new student, which is why Université Laval organizes an orientation day when all the student associations and student services set up shop. At orientation, new students can:

  • Access a wealth of information about university life
  • Pick up their student agenda
  • Register for PEPS or extracurricular activities
  • Get their photo taken for their student card and bus pass
  • Rent a locker

Students who arrive one week before classes start can take time to familiarize themselves with the campus and university life and participate in the welcome activities organized by their faculty, their program, or the Student Life Office.

Get to know ULaval

Want to know more about Université Laval or a particular program? Come visit us and discover all our university has to offer.