Rimouski faces the St Lawrence where it is already wide enough to feel like a sea. UQAR has built its identity around that water, and its Institut des sciences de la mer (ISMER) is one of Canada's main oceanography centres. The university also has a second campus in Lévis, across the river from Quebec City, for nursing, education and management. Teaching is in French.
Rimouski, Quebec, Canada
Official website: uqar.ca
Université du Québec
Institut des sciences de la mer (ISMER)
Rimouski and Lévis
French
CA$18,000 – CA$23,000
International students; French and Belgian students pay less
CA$11,000 – CA$14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on uqar.ca before you apply.
Maîtrise en océanographie
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
French: B2 (TCF/TEF)
Baccalauréat en biologie
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
French: B2 (TCF/TEF)
Baccalauréat en sciences infirmières
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
French: B2 (TCF/TEF)
Baccalauréat en génie mécanique
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
French: B2 (TCF/TEF)
Maîtrise en gestion de projet
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
French: B2 (TCF/TEF)
Oceanography at ISMER, on the St Lawrence estuary.
A second campus in Lévis, facing Quebec City.
Small classes and low living costs.
Marine science graduates work in research institutes, fisheries agencies and environmental consulting.
Nursing graduates join Quebec's public health network, which recruits steadily.
Graduates of eligible programmes can apply for a post-graduation work permit.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Undergrad
Selected programmes
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Rimouski is a small city on the south shore of the St Lawrence, with a long waterfront promenade known for its sunsets. Students walk or cycle almost everywhere.
Rent is cheap and the pace is slow. Winters are long and windy off the water. Quebec City is about three hours away by car or bus.
Letter of acceptance from UQAR
Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
UQAR's international deadlines are usually around 1 February for September and 1 September for January, though some programmes accept later applications. Start early so there's time for the CAQ and then the study permit.
Most programmes start in September, and some also admit in January. Graduate research programmes can be more flexible.
You need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and then a Canadian study permit, supported by the letter of acceptance from UQAR. Apply online to IRCC with proof of funds and biometrics.
Oceanography, biology, nursing, engineering and project management are popular. Teaching is in French, so you need about B2 French. Research master's programmes also need a supervisor to agree to take you on, so contact professors early.
UQAR offers some exemption bursaries that lower international fees, and graduate students often receive funding through research projects at ISMER and elsewhere. Ask the international office about current awards.
