Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) is a French-language public university founded in 1969 in Chicoutimi, in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, and part of the Université du Québec network, which UQAC describes as Canada's largest university network.
It welcomes more than 6,500 students a year, of whom more than 2,000 come from around fifty countries, and counts more than 70,000 graduates. UQAC offers more than 200 study programs across eight departments, from applied sciences, computer science and mathematics to education, health sciences, humanities and management, and reports 600 research contracts and grants.
Beyond the main Saguenay campus, it runs a university study centre in Sept-Îles — with study centres serving Alma, Saint-Félicien and Sept-Îles since 1971 — and the École NAD-UQAC in Montréal, founded in 1992, a school of digital arts, animation and design known for training 3D artists for film, television and video games. Teaching is in French: applicants whose mother tongue is not French must pass a recognized French proficiency test, and regular international students are enrolled in a French course in their first term.
Signature offerings include the Baccalauréat en intervention plein air (outdoor adventure intervention), engineering programs oriented to aluminium processing and northern aeronautics, and a computer science program with concentrations from defensive cybersecurity to virtual reality.
Location & Contact
Below are the location pin, postal details, and primary contact methods for Université du Québec à Chicoutimi. International applicants should account for postal mail processing time when sending physical documents.
The basic academic profile of Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, including enrolment and faculty composition. Total student count fluctuates intake-to-intake; treat the figure as approximate rather than precise.
Academic Year: Three trimesters: automne (fall), hiver (winter, early January to late April) and été (summer). International students must enrol full-time in the fall and winter trimesters; students in research programs (master's with mémoire, doctorate) must also enrol full-time in summer.
Recognition: Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur, Québec
Admission Requirements: Admission bases are set per program: a Québec DEC with program-specific prerequisites, university studies, relevant work experience, or the 'études hors Québec' base — a diploma obtained after at least 13 years of schooling or the equivalent, failing which a structure d'accueil (qualifying pathway) may be imposed. All programs are taught in French: candidates whose mother tongue is not French must pass a French proficiency test recognized by UQAC (TCF or DELF/DALF, taken within the previous 24 months; required levels per UQAC's correspondence grid) and attach the result to their application, with exemptions for holders of a Québec DEC French exam pass, a degree from a francophone Canadian university, secondary schooling completed in French in Canada, or a French baccalauréat. Regular international students are automatically enrolled in a French course in their first term and must pass it. International applications open well in advance — for the Winter 2026 term, admissions opened February 1, 2025 and closed August 1, 2025. Admitted international students need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and a Canadian study permit, and must demonstrate financial capacity per the MIFI scale.
Total Students: 6,500
Student Enrollment: 6
Academic Staff Range: 700-799
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Universities Canada (UC)
Association of Universities of the Canadian Francophonie (AUFC)
Academic Structures
The schools and colleges that constitute Université du Québec à Chicoutimi's academic body are organised below. Each often controls its own admissions criteria, scholarships, and programme entry standards.
Unit9 items
Département de l'informatique et mathématique
Département des arts, lettres et du langage
Département des sciences appliquées
Département des sciences de l'éducation
Département des sciences de la santé
Département des sciences fondamentales
Département des sciences humaines et sociales
Département des sciences économiques et administratives
École NAD-UQAC
Programs Offered
Find a programme at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi by filter, or browse by degree level. Online and on-campus delivery modes differ in tuition, time commitment, and credential recognition — confirm which mode each programme runs in.
International tuition:CAD 25,000/yearLocal tuition:CAD 3,118/yearStart:Fall and WinterMin. GPA:2.30 / 4.3
Admission follows UQAC's base system, with intake each fall and winter. Quebec DEC holders qualify with a DEC or its equivalent. University-route applicants qualify with at least 15 completed university credits and a cum...
Applied Mathematics & Statistics · 3 years · On-campus
International tuition:CAD 25,000/yearLocal tuition:CAD 3,118/yearStart:Fall and WinterMin. GPA:2.60 / 4.3
Admission follows UQAC's base system, with intake each fall and winter, offered full-time or part-time (part-time not open to international applicants). Quebec DEC holders qualify with a DEC in Natural Sciences, in Scien...
International tuition:CAD 25,000/yearLocal tuition:CAD 3,118/yearStart:Fall and WinterMin. GPA:2.30 / 4.3
Admission follows UQAC's base system, with intake each fall and winter. Quebec DEC holders qualify with a DEC in Natural Sciences or in Science, Letters and Arts, or an equivalent set of collegial competencies. Applicant...
International tuition:CAD 25,000/yearLocal tuition:CAD 3,118/yearStart:Fall and WinterMin. GPA:2.30 / 4.3
Admission follows UQAC's base system, with intake each fall and winter. Quebec DEC holders qualify with a DEC in Natural Sciences or in Science, Letters and Arts, or equivalent collegial standards. Applicants from outsid...
International tuition:CAD 25,000/yearLocal tuition:CAD 3,118/yearStart:FallMin. GPA:2.30 / 4.3
Admission follows UQAC's base system, with intake each fall. Quebec DEC holders qualify with a DEC or its equivalent and a minimum collegial performance score of 22. University-route applicants need at least 15 completed...
International tuition:CAD 25,000/yearLocal tuition:CAD 3,118/yearStart:FallMin. GPA:2.30 / 4.3
Admission follows UQAC's base system, with intake each fall. Quebec DEC holders qualify with a DEC and a satisfactory portfolio, evaluated at a minimum of 60%. Applicants from outside Quebec qualify with a diploma obtain...
International tuition:CAD 25,000/yearLocal tuition:CAD 3,118/yearStart:FallMin. GPA:2.30 / 4.3
Admission follows UQAC's base system, with intake each fall. Quebec DEC holders qualify with a DEC and a minimum collegial performance score of 21. Applicants from outside Quebec qualify with a diploma obtained after at...
UX & Human-Computer Interaction · 3 years · On-campus
International tuition:CAD 25,000/yearLocal tuition:CAD 3,118/yearStart:Fall and WinterMin. GPA:2.60 / 4.3
Admission follows UQAC's base system, with intake each fall and winter. Quebec DEC holders qualify with a DEC in Natural Sciences, in Science/Computer Science/Mathematics, or in Science/Letters/Arts, or any DEC satisfyin...
International tuition:CAD 25,000/yearLocal tuition:CAD 3,118/yearStart:FallMin. GPA:2.50 / 4.3
Admission follows UQAC's base system, with intake each fall, at the Saguenay campus. Quebec DEC holders qualify with a DEC or its equivalent and a minimum collegial performance score of 22. University-route applicants ne...
International tuition:CAD 25,000/yearLocal tuition:CAD 3,118/yearStart:FallMin. GPA:2.50 / 4.3
Admission follows UQAC's base system, with intake each fall. Quebec DEC holders qualify with a DEC and a minimum R-score of 21 (scores between 19 and 21 are reviewed individually). Applicants from outside Quebec qualify...
International tuition:CAD 820/creditLocal tuition:CAD 104/creditStart:September, January and MayMin. GPA:3.00 / 4.33
Regular entry requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, business computing, computer engineering, or a bachelor's with a major in video-game design, with a minimum cumulative average of 3.0/4.3; candidates averag...
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3, together with professional experience judged relevant, and must present a candidacy file; alternatively, candidates wi...
International tuition:CAD 18,000/yearStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Regular entry requires a bachelor's degree in visual art, film, design, theatre, art education, or digital art, completed with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3, plus a candidate portfolio. Applicants whose diplom...
Regular entry (Base Études universitaires) requires a bachelor's degree in education, or another field judged relevant by the program's direction, completed with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3; files between 2....
International tuition:CAD 18,000/yearStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Regular entry requires a bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, demography, sociology, urban planning, environment, or development, completed with a cumulativ...
International tuition:CAD 18,000/yearStart:September, January and MayMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Regular entry (Base Études universitaires) requires a bachelor's degree in geology or geological engineering with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3; candidates with an average between 2.8 and 3.2/4.3, or a degree...
Local tuition:CAD 104/creditStart:SeptemberMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Admission to the professional master's in Geology and Geological Engineering (Environment and Mining Hydrogeology concentration) follows three routes, with intake each fall. Under the Quebec university route, applicants...
Local tuition:CAD 104/creditStart:SeptemberMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Admission to the professional master's in Geology and Geological Engineering (Mineral Exploration concentration) follows three routes, with intake each fall. Under the Quebec university route, applicants must hold a bach...
Local tuition:CAD 104/creditStart:September and JanuaryMin. GPA:3.00 / 4.3
Admission to the master's in History follows three routes, with intake each fall and winter. Under the Quebec route, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in history with a cumulative average of at least 3.0 on 4.3. U...
Local tuition:CAD 104/creditStart:September, January and MayMin. GPA:3.00 / 4.3
Admission to the master's in Computer Science (research profile) follows three routes, with intake in fall, winter, and summer. Under the Quebec university route, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in computer scie...
International tuition:CAD 23,600/yearStart:Fall, Winter and SummerMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Applicants must hold a research-oriented master's degree in biology or a related field with a cumulative average of at least 3.2 on 4.3; candidates with an average between 2.8 and 3.2 may be considered under additional c...
International tuition:CAD 23,600/yearStart:FallMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Applicants must hold a master's degree in regional development, regional studies, one of the human sciences (anthropology, demography, economics, geography, history, psychology, political science, sociology, social work)...
International tuition:CAD 23,600/yearStart:FallMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Applicants must hold a master's degree in education, or equivalent, with a cumulative average of at least 3.2 on 4.3, or a master's degree in a related field with the same average plus at least two years of experience in...
International tuition:CAD 23,600/yearStart:Fall, Winter and SummerMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Applicants who completed their master's degree in Quebec must hold a master's in computer science with a cumulative average of at least 3.2 on 4.3, demonstrate sufficient knowledge of research methodology through their t...
International tuition:CAD 23,600/yearStart:Fall, Winter and SummerMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Applicants must hold a master's degree (professional M.Sc.A. or research-based) with a cumulative average of at least 3.2 on 4.3 in engineering or an equivalent related field; candidates with an average between 2.8 and 3...
International tuition:CAD 23,600/yearStart:Fall and WinterMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Applicants must hold a master's degree in letters or a related field with a cumulative average of at least 3.2 on 4.3, or the equivalent of at least 12 on 20 for qualifications obtained outside Quebec. The application mu...
International tuition:CAD 23,600/yearStart:FallMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Applicants who completed their studies in Quebec must hold a master's degree in project management with a cumulative average of at least 3.2 on 4.3, submit a complete application file, and obtain written acceptance from...
Admission is available through two bases. Base 1 requires a bachelor's degree in psychology or equivalent, completed with a cumulative average of at least 3.6/4.3, plus a candidacy file. Base 2 admits members in good sta...
Start:September, January and MayMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Regular entry (Base Études universitaires) requires a master's degree in a relevant discipline with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3; files between 2.8 and 3.2/4.3 are reviewed individually by the admissions comm...
Start:September, January and MayMin. GPA:3.20 / 4.3
Applicants must hold a master's degree in Earth sciences or a related field with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3, or a bachelor's degree with at least five years of relevant professional experience. Candidates m...
Admission to the Certificate in Educational Intervention follows three routes. Candidates holding a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) in specialized education, early childhood education, social work, or a related field...
Admission to the Certificate in Nursing Practice Optimization requires holding a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) in Nursing (Soins infirmiers). No cumulative average or work-experience threshold is stated on the progr...
Admission to the Certificate in Advanced Artistic Training follows three routes. Candidates holding a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) in an arts, education, or social-intervention field are admitted on that basis. Can...
Admission to the Certificate in Advanced Training for Transmitting an Indigenous Language follows three routes. Candidates holding a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) or the equivalent are admitted on that basis. Candid...
Admission to the Certificate in Support for Secondary Teaching follows three routes. Candidates holding a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) or the equivalent are admitted on that basis. Candidates on a university-studie...
Admission to the certificate in Administration follows three routes. Under the college route, applicants must hold a Diplome d'etudes collegiales (DEC) or the equivalent. Under the university route, candidates must have...
Admission to the certificate in Northern Agriculture follows several routes. Under the college route, applicants must hold a Diplome d'etudes collegiales (DEC). Under the university route, candidates must have successful...
Admission to the certificate in 3D Animation and Digital Design follows several routes, and every applicant must present a portfolio meeting a minimum evaluation of 60%. Under the college route, applicants must hold a Di...
Admission to the certificate in Archaeology follows three routes. Under the college route, applicants must hold a Diplome d'etudes collegiales (DEC). Under the university route, candidates must have successfully complete...
Admission to the certificate in Digital Arts follows three routes. Under the college route, applicants must hold a Diplome d'etudes collegiales (DEC) in Arts plastiques or Arts visuels (510.A0), a DEC in Arts et lettres...
Base Quebec university studies: hold a bachelor's degree in chemistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, chemical engineering or another related field, with a cumulative average of at least 3.0/4.3 (candidates between 2.8 and 3.0...
Base university studies: hold a bachelor's degree with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3; submit an application file including a detailed CV, official transcripts and a 300-word letter of motivation. Base sufficie...
Base university studies: hold a bachelor's degree in a digital-creativity-related field with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3 (candidates between 2.8 and 3.2/4.3 are reviewed by committee); a portfolio evaluated...
Base 1 (university studies): hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent with a cumulative average of at least 3.0/4.3. Base 2 (sufficient preparation): hold training equivalent to undergraduate studies plus professional expe...
Base 1 (university studies): hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent with a cumulative average of at least 3.0/4.3. Base 2 (sufficient preparation): hold training equivalent to undergraduate studies plus professional expe...
Hold a bachelor's degree in anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, demography, sociology, urban planning, environment or development, with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3; submit an offi...
Base university studies: hold a bachelor's degree with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3 (candidates between 2.8 and 3.2/4.3 are reviewed via a full application file); submit a CV, a motivation letter of at most o...
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree (or an equivalent judged sufficient) with a cumulative average of at least 3.2 on 4.3, and submit a complete application file. Candidates without this credential may qualify under...
Candidates must hold a Diplome d'etudes superieures specialisees (DESS) in accounting sciences from Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi, or any other DESS accredited by the Ordre des CPA du Quebec, or an equivalent credent...
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in a digital-creativity field with a cumulative average of at least 3.2 on 4.3 and present a satisfactory portfolio (minimum evaluation threshold applies), or, without that creden...
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with a cumulative average of at least 3.2 on 4.3, or an equivalent credential, or, without that credential, demonstrate the required knowledge, appropriate training, and relevant...
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in chemistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, chemical engineering, or another related field with a cumulative average of at least 3.2 on 4.3, or, without that credential, demonstrate th...
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in a digital-creativity field with a cumulative average of at least 3.2 on 4.3 and present a satisfactory portfolio (minimum evaluation of 60%); candidates who completed their qua...
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or an equivalent credential with a cumulative average of at least 3.0 on 4.3 (candidates averaging at least 2.8 on 4.3 may be reviewed by committee), or, without that credential,...
Regular entry requires a bachelor's degree in a discipline relevant to collegial teaching with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3 or equivalent; candidates with an average between 2.5 and 3.2/4.3 may still apply by...
Regular entry (university-studies basis) requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent with a cumulative average of at least 3.0/4.3. Applicants without this may apply on a sufficient-preparation basis if they hold training...
Regular entry (university-studies basis) requires a bachelor's degree with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3, plus a candidacy file; applicants with an average between 2.8 and 3.2/4.3 may still be recommended for...
Regular entry (university-studies basis) requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3, or successful completion of a propedeutic year at the required average. Applicants may al...
Regular entry (Quebec-studies basis) requires a bachelor's degree in computer science, business informatics, computer mathematics, computer engineering, or a related field, with a cumulative average of at least 3.0/4.3;...
Regular entry requires a bachelor's degree in teaching (enseignement) with a cumulative average of at least 3.2/4.3 or equivalent; candidates with an average between 2.5 and 3.2/4.3 may still apply by submitting a file (...
How to apply to Université du Québec à Chicoutimi — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
1
Research programmes at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi's catalogue includes 181 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
2
Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Université du Québec à Chicoutimi's admissions process.
3
Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
4
Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Université du Québec à Chicoutimi's official website at www.uqac.ca. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (418) 545 5011. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
Common questions about Université du Québec à Chicoutimi answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
When was Université du Québec à Chicoutimi founded?
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi was established in 1969 (approximately 57 years ago).
Where can I find Université du Québec à Chicoutimi?
The institution is located in Saguenay, Canada.
What is Université du Québec à Chicoutimi's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students does Université du Québec à Chicoutimi have?
The institution has a student body of 6,000-6,999.
Where does Université du Québec à Chicoutimi stand in university rankings?
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi holds rank #2047 globally and #35 in Canada.
What is Université du Québec à Chicoutimi's academic structure?
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi has 9 academic units.
Is Université du Québec à Chicoutimi accredited?
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi is accredited by Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur, Québec.
Where can I learn more about Université du Québec à Chicoutimi?
The institution's website is www.uqac.ca.
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Member-only fellowships through Universities Canada (UC) are open to students at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi and the universities below. These can be less competitive than open competitions because the applicant pool is narrower.
Students considering Université du Québec à Chicoutimi often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.
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Universities Compared with Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
Rankings methodologies differ across peer institutions to Université du Québec à Chicoutimi. National, subject-specific, and international rankings can all tell different stories about the same set of universities.
