Le campus de l'Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières.
1. Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
The UQTR, founded in 1969, has over 15,000 students (15,129 for the 2026-2027 year). Its main campus is in Trois-Rivières, with satellite campuses in Drummondville, Terrebonne, Joliette and L'Assomption, plus additional facilities in Quebec City and Longueuil.
Recognized for programs in kinesiology, podiatry, chiropractic, nursing and engineering.
2. Cégep de Trois-Rivières
The Cégep de Trois-Rivières has over 4,000 students — about 4,555 as of fall 2025, its highest enrolment since the year 2000. Located near UQTR, it forms a true student hub.
3. Student life
Trois-Rivières offers lively student life for its size. Vieux-Trois-Rivières concentrates the bars, restaurants and cafés frequented by students.
The Saint-Maurice river and the Saint-Laurent offer outdoor activities right next to campus.
4. Advantages for international students
Over 3,300 international students, from 80 countries, are enrolled at UQTR. The cost of living is significantly lower than Montreal — here are the typical gaps:
Beyond cost, UQTR offers:
- Dedicated scholarships for international students
- Registrar's office: CAQ and study permit paperwork
- Cultural pairing with Quebec students
- Immigration support
| Item | Trois-Rivières | Montreal |
|---|---|---|
| Studio (monthly rent) | $600 to $800 | $1,100 to $1,400 |
| Shared apartment (per person) | $400 to $500 | $700 to $900 |
| UQTR residence (furnished room) | $500 to $700 | n/a |
| Restaurant meal | $15 to $25 | $25 to $40 |
| French immersion | ✅ Near total | ⚠ Partial (English possible) |
| Access to nature | ✅ Immediate (2 waterways) | ⚠ More distant |
5. UQTR flagship programs
UQTR stands out with several programs unique in Quebec:
- Podiatry: only program in French Canada — foot specialists
- Chiropractic: only doctorate offered in Quebec
- Kinesiology: one of the most respected in Quebec — adapted physical activity professionals
- Nursing: growing demand — many graduates hired before finishing their studies
- Industrial engineering and electrical engineering: feed regional and national industries
The Centre de pédagogie at UQTR also offers respected education programs, and natural sciences prepare students for those aiming at medicine or veterinary medicine at other universities.
6. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions on student life in Trois-Rivières: required French level, affordable housing near campus, and job prospects after graduation.
What French level do I need to study at UQTR?
International students applying to a program that requires French must pass UQTR's own TIFEI (Test institutionnel de français pour étudiants internationaux) — UQTR does not accept results from any other French test (not DELF, not TEF) as a substitute.
If your TIFEI result shows insufficient French, you may be required to complete a preparatory year of French courses (24 credits) at the École internationale de français before starting your program — or, for programs that allow conditional admission, to pass 1 to 4 French courses within 11 months of starting.
UQTR offers this French coursework free for international students through the École internationale de français — a major asset.
You can take the TIFEI before arriving in Canada, but you must pass it before your first admission session starts. Don't underestimate the gap between conversational French and academic French.
Where to find affordable housing near UQTR campus?
Several good options:
- UQTR residences on campus: $500-$700/month for a furnished room, priority for international students
- Off-campus: boulevard des Forges and Saint-François
- Studio: $600 to $800
- Shared apartment: $400 to $500 each
- Vieux-Trois-Rivières: more character but slightly higher prices
Avoid signing a lease without visiting in person — virtual tours don't reveal condition issues.
What are the job prospects after UQTR?
Excellent for several programs.
By field:
- Nursing: virtually guaranteed hiring in regional hospitals (Trois-Rivières, Drummondville, Shawinigan, Joliette)
- Engineering and tech: regional industries + large firms (Bombardier, GE Aviation, Rio Tinto)
- Kinesiology: clinics, sports centres, rehabilitation
- Podiatry and chiropractic: typically open private practices
UQTR's career services help with:
- Job search
- CV adaptation to the Canadian format
- Interview preparation for Quebec
7. See also
To go further on student life in Trois-Rivières:
- Read first steps in Trois-Rivières for the library, 311 and city landmarks.
- See STTR: public transit in Trois-Rivières to activate your student pass.
- Prepare your move-in with finding housing in Trois-Rivières to target downtown near the campus.
8. Official sources
Author's Note: UQTR offers an excellent alternative for international students: modest cost of living and immersive francophone environment.
