Université Laval
Canada • Founded 1852 • World Rank #359
Overview
Established in 1852, the Université Laval (Laval University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Quebec City (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Quebec.
Officially recognized by the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur, Québec (Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Quebec), Université Laval (UL) is a large-sized coeducational Canadian higher education institution. Université Laval (UL) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 172-year-old Canadian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
UL also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where Université Laval sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.
Academic Details
The academic indicators below give context on how Université Laval operates at scale. A lower staff-to-student ratio generally signals more faculty access, though research-heavy institutions skew the read.
Academic Structures
Université Laval's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
Unit 17 items
- Faculty of Administrative Sciences
- Faculty of Agriculture and Food sciences
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Forestry, Geography and Geomatics
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Literature
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Music
- Faculty of Nursing
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Philosophy
- Faculty of Postgraduate Studies
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Faculty of Social Science
- Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies
- Faculty of Urban planning, Architecture and Visual arts
How to apply to Université Laval
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Université Laval, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by checking which programmes are available at Université Laval. Match the level to your prior education, then confirm the subject area you want to study.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Université Laval has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit your application
Apply directly via Université Laval's online portal at www.ulaval.ca. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (418) 656 2131. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Université Laval
Common questions students ask about Université Laval — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
In what year was Université Laval established?
Université Laval was founded in 1852 (approximately 174 years ago).
Where is Université Laval located?
Université Laval is located in Quebec City, Canada.
Is Université Laval a public or private institution?
Université Laval is a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Université Laval?
Student enrolment at Université Laval is around 25,000-29,999.
Where does Université Laval stand in university rankings?
It ranks #359 globally and #10 in Canada.
How is Université Laval organised academically?
Université Laval is organised into 17 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Université Laval?
Université Laval is accredited by Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur, Québec.
How do I find Université Laval online?
You can find Université Laval online at www.ulaval.ca.
Top-Ranked Universities in Canada
Some Canada systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.
Members of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Student exchange agreements within Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) formalise mobility opportunities. The universities below typically have dedicated exchange slots reserved for students from Université Laval.
Universities Often Compared with Université Laval
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to Université Laval: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.
