Language of instruction
Limited places available. Potentially available as a second of third preference.
With a reputation for excellence that reaches around the globe, McGill University has carved out a spot among the world's greatest universities. Notable alumni include Justin Trudeau, Leonard Cohen, and William Shatner.
McGill is located in the heart of downtown Montreal – one of the world’s most student-friendly cities, steeped in culture. It’s not uncommon for Montrealers to commute across centuries-old cobblestones on their way to gleaming skyscraper offices. Take a hike up Mont-Royal between classes, catch a show at one of the city’s many music festivals, and indulge in a mouth-watering serving of poutine.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Winter Term | January–April |
| Semester 2 | Fall Term | September–December |
Guides and additional information
McGill University has online resources to help get the most out of your exchange:
Campuses
McGill University has 2 campuses across the state. McGill exchange programs are available at:
- Downtown
- MacDonald Campus
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Register interest by: 21 May
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Register interest by: 21 October
Applications close: 31 October
Student testimonials
- B Psychological Science (Hons)Semester 1, 2025
I made lots of new friends from all over the world who are some of my best friends now and who made everyday feel more exciting.
- B Science / B ArtsSemester 1, 2023
The highlight of my experience was making friends with people from all over the world and going on crazy adventures with them.
- B Engineering (Honours) / MathematicsSemester 2, 2022
Soak up every moment, talk to lots of people, get out and explore Montreal. You’ll have the best time!!!
Full-time study load
15 credits at McGill is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
Host university requirements
GPA
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 5.0 to study at McGill.
Students with a GPA below 5.0 may be considered with a strong academic recommendation letter. The letter would only be required when applying to McGill.
Study Options
You must choose one admission faculty from the available list. Further details are outlined in the Additional Academic Information section below.
Semester Restrictions
Due to study permit caps introduced by the Government of Canada, admission for a full-year exchange at McGill University cannot be guaranteed. Please take this into consideration when deciding on the duration of your exchange.
Students wishing to attend McGill University for a full-year exchange must begin their exchange in the Fall semester (UQ Semester 2).
Note: Host university eligibility criteria are at the discretion of the host and may change without notice.
Find courses
Search the McGill course catalogue.
UQ Credit Precedent Database
The first step is to review the host university's most recent course catalogue and identify the courses available to exchange students in the semester you plan to attend (e.g. Fall/Spring or Semester 1/Semester 2).
Once you have identified suitable courses, you can search the Credit Precedent Database (CPD) to check whether any of those courses have previously been assessed for UQ credit.
Please note:
- Always use the host university course catalogue to identify available courses. The CPD should only be used to check whether those courses have previously been assessed for UQ credit.
- The CPD is a guide only and does not represent the full or current range of courses available at a host institution.
- Previous credit assessments may have expired or no longer reflect the current course content.
- Courses that do not appear in the CPD can still be considered for UQ credit through the Study Plan assessment process.
Study areas taught in English
Academic restrictions
Additional academic information
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Register interest by: 21 May
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Register interest by: 21 October
Applications close: 31 October
Accommodation
McGill provides everything you need to know about finding student housing while on exchange, including on-campus and off-campus options.
* On-campus housing provides priority to first year degree students, so on-campus housing is limited and not guaranteed.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Montreal is similar to that of Brisbane. To help students budget for exchange, McGill has provided an estimate of basic living costs for students in Montreal.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in a Semester-based Exchange are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
McGill requires all international students and any accompanying dependents to participate in the compulsory McGill International Health Insurance plan.
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Register interest by: 21 May
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Register interest by: 21 October
Applications close: 31 October
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Contact the High Commission of Canada for visa information.
McGill provides information about various visa options while on exchange.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, experiences to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice, and sign up to receive updates for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Register interest by: 21 May
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Register interest by: 21 October
Applications close: 31 October