Le Cégep de Drummondville — choix populaire pour étudier au Centre-du-Québec.
1. Cégep de Drummondville at a glance
Cégep de Drummondville — public, francophone, founded in 1968 as part of the Parent reform that created Quebec's CEGEP network. ~2,500 full-time students.
The main campus is on Boulevard Saint-Joseph, 10 minutes' walk from downtown and reachable via STD bus.
Central position in the Centre-du-Québec — a popular choice for students from across the region: Victoriaville, Nicolet, even Trois-Rivières.
2. Flagship programs
About twenty respected programs. Flagship:
- Police techniques — one of only two such programs in Quebec, drawing candidates from across the province
- Computer-science techniques and mechanical-engineering techniques — feed directly into the local industrial park
- Humanities and Arts & Letters — prepare for university
- Nursing — meets strong regional hospital demand
The Tremplin DEC program offers a preparatory year with leveling — particularly useful for international students who need to strengthen their prerequisites or their French.
3. International students
International students are growing — about 200 in recent years.
Cost comparisons (2026):
- Studio rent: $600 to $800 in Drummondville vs $1,100 to $1,400 in Montréal
- International student tuition: $8,000 to $12,000/year depending on program
- Materials and ancillary fees: ~$1,500/year
The international office offers complete support:
- Immigration paperwork (CAQ, study permit)
- Help with housing search
- Integration activities
- Pairing with Quebec student volunteers
4. Student life
Modern campus, well-equipped:
- Sports centre: gym, training room, playing fields
- Library recently renovated
- Study rooms bookable
- Cafeteria at student prices
- Free student health service — including psychological consultations
The General Student Association organizes:
- Welcome activities at the start of term
- Themed evenings, trips
- Defence of student rights
Over 30 clubs and committees: sports, cultural, political, entrepreneurial.
5. Costs, scholarships and financing
Aid programs:
- Aide financière aux études of Quebec: loans and bursaries for low-income Quebec students (housing, meals, materials)
- Excellence scholarships via the Cégep de Drummondville Foundation
- Perspective Quebec scholarships for certain priority programs (~$9,000 per session)
| Student category | Tuition | Possible aid |
|---|---|---|
| Quebec | Free (~$200 ancillary fees/session) | Aide financière aux études |
| Canadian outside Quebec | ~$2,500/session | Foundation scholarships |
| International | $8,000 to $12,000/year | Perspective Quebec scholarships |
International students also pay about $1,500/year in materials and ancillary fees. Perspective Quebec scholarships pay about $9,000/session for certain priority programs.
6. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions on Cégep de Drummondville: required French level, student housing, and whether you can work during studies.
What French level do I need to follow the courses?
All courses are in French, except language courses. You need Quebec Level 8 (B2 CEFR) minimum to follow technical content fluently.
The international office tests candidates in French — if you're below the threshold, the Tremplin DEC includes intensive French.
Don't underestimate — courses move fast, presentations are dense, and group projects are entirely in French. Plan 6 to 12 months of intensive preparation if you're below the threshold.
Is there student housing at Cégep de Drummondville?
Yes — the Cégep operates a residence with about 80 furnished rooms at moderate prices ($600 to $700/month including utilities).
High demand — apply by April for September admission.
Private alternatives via the international office:
- Studio: $600 to $900
- Roommate share: $400 to $500 each
Don't sign a lease without seeing the unit — virtual tours sometimes hide problems.
Can I work during my studies?
Yes.
- Quebec students: can work freely
- International students with a study permit: 20 h/week off campus during sessions, full-time during breaks (federal rules since 2024)
On-campus jobs (library, cafeteria, IT support) are easier to find and don't count toward the hour cap.
Many local businesses (restaurants, retail) hire students. With the low cost of living in Drummondville, 15 to 20 h/week typically covers groceries and entertainment.
7. See also
To go further on studies in Drummondville:
- Read the Quebec school system to understand the stages from preschool to CEGEP.
- See first steps in Drummondville for SANA and the services that support back-to-school.
- Prepare your move with finding housing in Drummondville to target a sector near the CEGEP.
8. Official sources
Author's note: A good choice for a francophone CEGEP that's affordable, central, and on a human scale.
