The France-Quebec Accord: How French and Belgian Students Save Thousands on Tuition Fees in Canada
By Muntasir • Published Apr 22, 2026 • Updated May 11, 2026 • Guides
French and Belgian students pay significantly lower tuition fees in Quebec under bilateral mobility accords. Undergraduates pay non-resident Canadian rates of around $9,544 to $12,000 annually, while graduate students pay Quebec local rates of $3,000 to $4,000, saving over $20,000 per year compared to standard international students.
Under the bilateral agreements between the Government of Quebec, France, and the French Community of Belgium, eligible students enjoy substantial tuition exemptions. These agreements reduce your tuition expenses to domestic Canadian levels rather than standard international student rates. The financial benefits differ depending on your cycle of study and your chosen academic institution.
Tuition Fee Structures for French and Belgian Students
| Student Category | Cycle of Study | Approximate Annual Tuition (CAD) | Comparison Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec Resident | All Cycles | $3,000 - $4,000 | Baseline Local Fee |
| French / Belgian Citizen | Undergraduate (Cycle 1) | $9,544 - $12,000 | Non-Resident Canadian Rate |
| French / Belgian Citizen | Graduate (Cycles 2 & 3) | $3,000 - $4,000 | Quebec Resident Rate |
| Standard International Student | Undergraduate (Cycle 1) | $25,000 - $45,000 | International Differential Rate |
| Standard International Student | Graduate (Cycles 2 & 3) | $18,000 - $35,000 | International Differential Rate |
At the graduate level, French and Belgian citizens pay the same tuition as local Quebec residents. This arrangement saves you more than $20,000 annually compared to other international peers. For undergraduate studies, your fees align with out-of-province Canadian students, representing a savings of at least $15,000 per year.
Eligibility Requirements for the Mobility Accords
To qualify for these reduced tuition rates, you must satisfy several specific criteria set by the Quebec Ministry of Higher Education. These requirements ensure only eligible citizens of France and French-speaking Belgium receive the exemptions. Dual citizens holding Canadian citizenship are ineligible for these specific international exemptions.
- Valid Citizenship: You must hold a valid passport from France or be a citizen of Belgium recognized by the French Community of Belgium.
- Full-Time Enrollment: You must remain registered as a full-time student in a degree-granting program throughout the entire academic term.
- Valid Immigration Status: You must hold a valid Study Permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Provincial Consent: You must obtain a valid Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration.
Detailed conditions and application procedures are available on the Quebec International Agreement Exemptions portal.
Required Application Documents for Tuition Exemptions
Your chosen university will require official documentation to verify your eligibility before adjusting your tuition fees. You must submit these files directly to the registrar's office before the term deadline. Failure to submit documents on time results in being charged full international fees.
- Valid Passport: A copy of your French passport or Belgian identity documents.
- Study Permit: A copy of your official Canadian Study Permit showing compliance with federal immigration rules.
- Quebec Acceptance Certificate: A copy of your CAQ verifying provincial approval for your studies.
- Certificate of Civil Status: Belgian students must submit an official certificate from the French Community of Belgium proving their francophone status.
You must submit your files through university portals such as the McGill International Fee Exemptions portal.
Impact of Quebec’s Tuition Reforms on English Universities
In Fall 2024, the Quebec government implemented a major tuition reform raising fees for out-of-province Canadian students to $12,000 at English-language universities. This policy directly affected French and Belgian undergraduates enrolling at institutions such as McGill University and Concordia University . However, French-language universities continue to offer lower out-of-province rates of approximately $9,544.
- McGill Canada Award: In response to the tuition hike, McGill University launched a $3,000 annual bursary in 2024 to offset the increased costs for out-of-province undergraduates.
- Concordia Financial Aid: Concordia University established specific bursaries to assist affected students in managing the higher fee structure.
- French-Language University Advantage: Institutions like Université Laval and Université de Montréal remain exempt from the English-language tuition hikes, keeping undergraduate costs under $10,000.
- Legal Challenges: In April 2025, a Quebec Superior Court judge ruled against the provincial tuition hike policy, although the government continues to seek ways to maintain its fee structure.