Located on the outskirts of Québec City, Université Laval was the very first French-language university in North America. In 1663 Monsignor François de Montmorency-Laval, the first bishop of New France, founded the colony’s first educational institution: Séminaire de Québec. Nearly 200 years later, in 1852, this institution became a university and the first building block for all French-language higher education in Québec, Canada, and North America. For 350 years Université Laval has shown tomorrow’s leaders how to achieve their goals and has demonstrated its commitment to tackling society’s greatest challenges. 

Both AACSB and EQUIS accredited, the Faculté des sciences de l'administration (FSA ULaval) places great importance in their role as major contributors in the area of research and innovation. Every year, FSA ULaval welcomes around 300 international students from every part of the world. 

Globe FSA is a student association for international students. Its objective is to ensure that international students have a great stay, get the correct information and experience a smooth integration at FSA ULaval. Throughout the semester, various activities are planned for international students and their “buddies”. Buddies are Québec students, the majority of whom have themselves been exchange students. They are available to pick students up at the airport or bus/train station, help with registration and provide advice and assistance on other practical matters. Full-time exchange students have free access to the swimming pools, indoor and outdoor jogging tracks and skating rinks at the PEPS (webpage in French only), Université Laval’s sports complex. They also benefit from preferential membership rates for the gym, which is renowned for its ultramodern equipment.  

Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1988. Québec City is one of the most beautiful cities in all of North America, serving as a bridge between European and American culture. The people of Québec are known for their warmth and their strong French culture and heritage. Explore the cobbled streets of Vieux-Québec, bike the Samuel-de-Champlain bike path, and learn about the French presence in the Americas at the Séminaire de Québec before having a glass of local beer in the Saint-Roch neighbourhood. Because of its location, it is easy to travel elsewhere in the province of Québec, or to other major cities such as New York, Boston or Toronto.

Canada is a country in the north of North America, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It is the world's second largest country by total area, and shares the world's longest bi-national land border with the USA.

As a whole, Canada is sparsely populated with the majority of its land area dominated by forest and tundra. Over 80% of its 37.6 million people are concentrated in large and medium-sized cities, with 70% residing within 100 kilometres of the US border. Both English and French are commonly spoken. Cities such as Montreal and Quebec located in the historically French part of Canada offer a European city experience in North America, along with the opportunity to develop language skills and explore a different culture. Canadians are renowned for being friendly and helpful, and Canada experiences very low crime and a high standard of living. The exchange rate is generally more favourable for Canada than the US, making it more affordable for students.

Canada’s incredible range of natural wonders are perfect for exploring – it has the most coastline of any country, alongside famous mountain ranges, huge lakes, ancient forests, arctic lands, some desert and unique wildlife. Popular natural attractions include the Canadian Rocky Mountain parks, the Aurora Borealis, Dinosaur Provincial Park, Nahanni National Park Reserve, Cabot Trail, Niagara Falls, and Banff National Park.

Did you know…..?

Canada offers some amazing festivals and parties, including the Celebration of Light - the largest fireworks competition in the world. The Toronto International Film Festival is also a must-see for film, art, and media students. Canada is home to the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the most iconic railway journeys in the world!

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

Please note the main language of instructions at  Université Laval is in French. Only French cultural courses and literature courses are offered in English.  

You are limited to a maximum of two non-Business courses which must be approved by ULaval before enrolment.  

• UniSA academic transcript 
• Passport 
• Evidence of French proficiency 

Undergraduate students: 5 courses (15 credits) = 30 ECTS. Postgraduate Students: 4 courses (12 credits) maximum. 
 
Therefore, we recommend that: 

• 5 courses (30 ECTS) is equivalent to 18 UniSA units 
• 4 courses is equivalent to 13.5 UniSA units 
• Contact hours per courses = 45 hours. 
• Credits per course = 3 

UniSA students are not required to provide evidence of English proficiency, however if you are intending to undertake classes in Fenech you will need to demonstrate a TFI 860, DELF and TCF C1 or any other official language. 

Find courses at ULaval

Université Laval does not offer airport pick up. You will need to make your own way to the campus from Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. 

More information on how to get to the campus can be found here. 

Université Laval has 4 residence buildings on its campus, of which 3 are co-ed and 1 for women only. Every year, more than 2,300 students choose to live there. A certain number of rooms in the student residences are reserved each semester for exchange students. Students are sent a reservation form at application which will need to be completed and sent to the Service des résidences to reserve a room. Room rates are around $410CAD, more information on rooms and rates can be found here. Please see here for more details. 

Alternatively, if you are looking for off-campus options, they are available here. Should you require more information on accommodation, please contact the accommodation office via sres@sres.ulaval.ca. 

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to  Université Laval, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur: 

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  

Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 

A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 

If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678. 

As an exchange student at  Université Laval, you must purchase compulsory additional health insurance. See here for more information.