Concordia University
Montreal's creative and career-focused university - strong arts, business, and engineering co-op.
Concordia University is Montreal's second-largest English-language university, known for its strong fine arts programs, the John Molson School of Business, and a growing engineering faculty. It's an excellent choice for students who want an English-language education in Quebec at an affordable cost with co-op options.
What average do you need to get into Concordia?
There is no single Concordia acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Fine Arts (BFA - Studio Arts) require high 70s-80s + portfolio, while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around mid 80s. A competitive overall average for most Concordia programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.
Key Facts
- Location: Montreal, QC
- Founded: 1974
- Students: 51,000
- Maclean's ranking: #10
- QS World ranking: #465
- Approximate domestic tuition: $8000/year
- Co-op available: Yes
Top Strengths
- Fine Arts
- Business (John Molson)
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Film Production
- Communications
Admission Averages by Program
Real admission average ranges for Concordia programs, from most accessible to most competitive:
- Fine Arts (BFA - Studio Arts) — admission average: high 70s-80s + portfolio (One of Canada's most respected fine arts programs. Portfolio is critical.)
- Art History — admission average: high 70s-80s (Strong academic art program with museum connections.)
- Film Production — admission average: high 70s-80s + portfolio (Competitive and well-regarded in Canadian film. Portfolio required.)
- Creative Writing — admission average: high 70s-80s (Strong program with Montreal literary community connections.)
- Computer Science — admission average: high 80s (Growing tech program in Montreal's world-leading AI ecosystem.)
- Software Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Strong co-op, good Montreal tech industry connections.)
- Electrical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Good co-op, strong Montreal aerospace and tech connections.)
- Mechanical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Solid program with diverse co-op placements.)
- Business - Accountancy (JMS) — admission average: high 80s (CPA pathway, CFA affiliation - strong accounting program.)
- Business - Finance (JMS) — admission average: high 80s (Good Montreal finance sector connections.)
- Business - Marketing (JMS) — admission average: high 80s (Strong creative and digital marketing focus.)
- Communications — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Strong journalism, media, and public relations tracks.)
- Psychology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Large program with diverse research opportunities.)
- Sociology — admission average: mid 80s (Strong social sciences faculty.)
- Political Science — admission average: mid 80s (Good for law school and public policy careers.)
- Education (BEd) — admission average: mid 80s (Quebec teacher certification, English-language stream.)
Things to Know
- Concordia's fine arts programs are genuinely excellent and often overlooked by students outside Quebec.
- The John Molson School of Business has strong accounting and finance programs.
- Montreal's low cost of living and bilingual environment are major advantages.
- Concordia's co-op program is growing and has strong industry partnerships in Montreal.
Notable Alumni
- Corey Hart
- Patrick Watson
- Norma Rae