Université Laval and Collège LaSalle: University and Technical Studies in Quebec for Moroccan Students

Quebec offers two main higher education pathways: the general and vocational teaching colleges (CÉGEPs, of which Collège LaSalle is one) that award technical diplomas (DEC), and universities like Université Laval that offer bachelor's degrees (equivalent to a licence), master's degrees and doctorates. For international students with a high school diploma, both systems are directly accessible, with different fees, durations and professional prospects.

Université Laval (Quebec City)

Founded in 1663, Université Laval is the oldest French-language university in the Americas. Located in Quebec City, the provincial capital, it is one of Canada's leading research universities. It offers more than 500 programmes in fields as varied as law, medicine, science, agriculture, engineering, arts, philosophy, and social sciences.

• Tuition (undergraduate, 15 credits): approximately 14,116 CAD per semester, of which approximately 11,988 CAD in international supplement — official 2026-2027 data
• Application analysis fee: approximately 23–24 CAD
• Special agreement: French students and Francophone Belgians benefit from reduced rates under bilateral agreements — Moroccan students pay standard international fees
• Admission: academic record, proof of French proficiency (TEF/TCF or equivalent), motivation letter depending on the programme
• Campus: Quebec City, a UNESCO-listed historic city, 3 hours from Montreal

Collège LaSalle (Montreal)

Collège LaSalle is a subsidised private college in Montreal, particularly recognised for its programmes in information technology, fashion, and applied arts. It awards 3-year technical diplomas (DEC, 6 semesters) to international students holding a high school diploma. Unlike university bachelor's degrees (4 years in Quebec), the technical DEC is shorter and strongly oriented towards immediate employability.

• Application fees: 50 CAD (admission fee) + 200 CAD (registration fee) — official data
• Total tuition: approximately 56,260 CAD for the full DEC in computer science programme — 2023 data (La Presse), to verify for 2026-2027 on the official admission contract
• Additional costs: CAQ 128 CAD + study permit 155 CAD (IRCC fees)
• Key programmes: computer science, fashion design, visual arts, management techniques
• PGWP access if the programme exceeds 8 months — the 3-year DEC meets this condition

Technical DEC or Bachelor's Degree: How to Choose?

The choice between a DEC at Collège LaSalle and a bachelor's degree at Université Laval depends on several factors: your preferred field (some specialisations only exist at college or university level), your professional goal (quick job insertion vs. academic or senior career), your overall budget, and your long-term immigration plans. Both allow access to the PGWP, but permanent residence programmes value the two diploma levels differently.