Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
Table of Contents
- Why Master of Information Science at University of Montreal?
- Program Overview : Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
- Which Master of Information Science Program Should You Choose?
- Course Structure of Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
- Eligibility for Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
- Tuition Fees for Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
- Cost of Living in Montreal
- Scholarships for Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
- Career Opportunities After Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
- Career Pathways After Graduation
- How to Apply for Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
- Student Visa Requirements
- Our Suggestion:
Master of Information Science at University of Montreal is a specialized graduate program designed for students interested in information management, digital transformation, knowledge organization, archives and emerging technologies. Offered by the École de bibliothéconomie et des sciences de l'information (EBSI) under the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the program combines information science with data governance, digital architecture, artificial intelligence, and knowledge management. Students can choose between a 51-credit professional Masters which is industry focused or a 45-credit research Masters designed for students pursuing research or doctoral studies. The program is taught primarily in French and is available in both full-time and part-time formats.
Key Highlights of Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
Particular | Details |
University | University of Montreal (UdeM) |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Sciences – EBSI |
Degree Offered | Masters of Information Science |
Program Options | Professional (51 Credits) & Research (45 Credits) |
Duration | Approximately 2 years |
Study Mode | Full-time & Part-time |
Teaching Language | Primarily French |
Intake | August 2027 |
Applications Open | 1 August 2026 |
Location | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
Tuition Fees (International Students) | CAD 11,033–11,999 per full-time term (15 credits) (₹7 lakh–₹7.6 lakh) |
Internship | Available in Professional Stream |
Research Opportunities | Yes |
Post-Graduation Work Permit | Eligible under Canadian PGWP guidelines |
This blog covers everything, from program structure, tuition fees, scholarships, eligibility, application process and career opportunities to research pathways, helping you determine whether this Masters program aligns with your academic and professional goals.
Why Master of Information Science at University of Montreal?
The increase in demand for professionals capable of managing information, digital assets, enterprise knowledge systems, and data governance continues across governments, multinational corporations, healthcare organizations, universities and technology companies. Master of Information Science at University of Montreal addresses these evolving industry needs with traditional information management and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation and knowledge engineering.
Unlike many generic information management programs, University of Montreal offers major advantages include:
Offers students the flexibility to pursue either a professionally oriented degree with practical exposure or a research-intensive pathway leading towards doctoral studies.
Located in Montreal, one of North America's largest artificial intelligence and technology hubs, students gain access to an ecosystem rich in research centres, innovation labs, startups and multinational employers.
Opportunity for practical internships through the professional Masters stream and also to continue into doctoral research.
Availability of scholarships specifically for international graduate students.
Indian students seeking a niche future-focused postgraduate degree in Canada, this program offers a unique combination of internationally recognized education, access to Montreal's globally renowned AI ecosystem, practical internships, research opportunities and excellent career prospects.
Program Overview : Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
The program is on the management, organization, preservation, retrieval and strategic use of information in both physical and digital environments. Students get to develop interdisciplinary skills combining information science, technology, management, communication and research methodologies. Throughout the program, students train on solving real-world information challenges while adapting to rapidly evolving digital ecosystems.
The table below is an overview of Masters in Information Science in University of Montreal:
Feature | Details |
Degree | Masters of Information Science |
University | University of Montreal |
Credits | 51 or 45 |
Duration | Approximately 2 Years |
Delivery Mode | Full-time & Part-time |
Teaching Language | French |
Internship | Professional Program |
Thesis | Research Program |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Sciences |
Department | École de bibliothéconomie et des sciences de l'information (EBSI) |
Which Master of Information Science Program Should You Choose?
University of Montreal provides the flexibility to choose between two Masters pathways. Although both degrees provide a strong foundation in information science, they cater to different academic interests and long-term career aspirations.
Understand these differences before applying to select the program that best aligns with your future:
Feature | Masters of Information Science | Master of Information Science – Research |
Credits | 51 Credits | 45 Credits |
Primary Focus | Professional Practice | Academic Research |
Duration | Approximately 2 Years | Approximately 2 Years |
Study Mode | Full-time & Part-time | Full-time & Part-time |
Internship | Included | Research Project |
Thesis | Optional Directed Work | Research Thesis |
Best Suited For | Students seeking immediate employment | Students planning PhD or research careers |
Career Outcome | Information Manager, Knowledge Manager, Information Systems Specialist | Researcher, Academic, AI & Information Science Research |
Who should choose which program?
If your goal is to join the workforce soon after graduation, gain practical experience through internships and pursue managerial or specialist roles in industry, the 51-credit professional Masters is the ideal option. On the other hand, if you aspire to contribute to research, publish academic work or continue towards a doctoral degree, the 45-credit research Masters provides stronger preparation for advanced studies and research-intensive careers.
Course Structure of Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
The curriculum is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies required to manage information throughout its lifecycle. Students learn organize, preserve, retrieve, analyze and strategically utilize information while integrating digital technologies, artificial intelligence and modern information systems into organizational decision-making.
The professional pathway includes experiential learning opportunities, whereas the research stream provides greater emphasis on independent investigation and academic inquiry.
Professional Master's (51 Credits) Curriculum
Professional pathway is for students planning to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. It combines classroom learning with a mandatory internship, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts in real organisational settings. The program is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), adding international recognition to the degree.
Core Subjects
Course | What You'll Learn |
Information Science: Archival Science | Archival principles, records management, document lifecycle, legislative framework, preservation techniques, and archival tools. |
Information Science: Library Science | Library management, information resources, policies, service models, ethics, knowledge organisation, and future trends in libraries. |
Interactions with Users | User behaviour, information needs, reader advisory services, interviews, mediation techniques, ethical practices, inclusion, and client communication. |
Information Search | Search strategies, information retrieval, evaluation of sources, archival research, precision searching, and monitoring techniques. |
Digital Information and Documentation Computing | Digital information systems, documentation technologies, digital culture, implementation methodologies, and information architecture. |
Information Services Management | Planning, organising, evaluating, budgeting, human resource management, leadership, and change management in information organisations. |
Research Methods in Information Science | Research design, data collection, research analysis, questionnaires, descriptive and inferential statistics, and critical evaluation of research. |
Alongside classroom instruction, students also benefit from:
Mandatory professional internship
Industry-focused practical projects
Daytime classes
Full-time and part-time study options
Professional pathway without a thesis
American Library Association (ALA) accreditation
Research Master's (45 Credits) Curriculum
Research pathway is intended for students interested in research, innovation and doctoral studies. Instead of an internship, students complete a research dissertation under faculty supervision while developing advanced analytical and academic research skills.
Core Subjects
Course | What You'll Learn |
Information Science: Archival Science | Advanced archival science, document lifecycle management, legislative framework, preservation strategies, and records management. |
Information Science: Library Science | Library systems, information services, policy development, ethics, information resources, and knowledge management. |
Research Methods in Information Science | Scientific research methodology, quantitative and qualitative research, statistical analysis, questionnaire design, critical literature review, and research project development. |
Students also complete:
Research dissertation or thesis
Faculty-supervised research
Opportunities for international academic exchanges
Daytime classes
Full-time and part-time study options
Preparation for doctoral studies and academic careers
Eligibility for Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
Admission to Master of Information Science at University of Montreal is competitive and holistic. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic background & language proficiency, supporting documents. Since the program is delivered primarily in French, a strong command of the language is one of the most important admission considerations for international applicants.
The tables below highlight the required documents for admission:
Academic Requirements
Requirement | Details |
Educational Qualification | Recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent in Information Science, Library Science, Computer Science, Information Technology, Business, Humanities, Social Sciences, or another relevant discipline. |
Minimum Academic Performance | Min. cumulative GPA equivalent to 3.0/4.3 (approximately 70–75% or above for Indian students) |
Relevant Background | Students with backgrounds in information management, archives, digital technologies, communication, computer science or related disciplines are preferred. Applicants from other disciplines may be considered based on academic merit and relevant experience. |
Work Experience | Professional experience is not compulsory but can strengthen the application |
French Language Requirements
Since University of Montreal is a francophone institution, applicants are expected to demonstrate strong French-language proficiency.
Requirement | Details |
Language of Instruction | Predominantly French |
Expected Proficiency | Equivalent to B2–C1 level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). |
Proof of Proficiency | Applicants are required to provide recognised French language certification or complete the university's language assessment process depending on their educational background. |
English Proficiency | Generally not required unless specifically requested for individual cases or prior education conducted in another language. |
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare all supporting documents well in advance, as obtaining academic transcripts, translations and language certificates can take time.
Document | Purpose |
Completed Online Application | Official graduate admission application |
Bachelor's Degree Certificate | Proof of previous qualification |
Academic Transcripts | Complete academic record |
Curriculum Vitae (CV) | Academic and professional profile |
Statement of Purpose | Explains motivation, academic interests and career objectives |
Letters of Recommendation | Usually academic or professional referees |
Passport Copy | Identity verification |
French Language Proof | Demonstrates language proficiency where applicable |
Tuition Fees for Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
Tuition fee for international students varies slightly depending on whether students enroll in the professional (51-credit) or research (45-credit) pathway. The estimates below are based on the official University of Montreal for the 2025–2026 academic year and are expected to remain a useful reference for future intakes, although fees are revised annually.
Program | Tuition Fee (15 Credits / Full-Time Term) |
Master of Information Science (51 Credits) | CAD 11,998.60 (₹7.6 lakh) |
Master of Information Science – Research (45 Credits) | CAD 11,033.05 (₹7 lakh) |
Other Mandatory University Fees | CAD 669.70 (₹42,000) |
Note: Tuition fees may vary depending on the number of credits taken each semester, program pathway (with or without dissertation), and annual fee revisions announced by the university.
Cost of Living in Montreal
Montreal remains one of Canada's more affordable major cities compared to Toronto or Vancouver, making it an attractive destination for international students. Apart from tuition, students should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, study materials, and other personal expenses.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses
Expense | Approximate Cost (CAD) |
Accommodation | CAD 700–1,100 (₹44,000–₹69,000) |
Food & Groceries | CAD 300–450 (₹19,000–₹28,000) |
Public Transport | CAD 100 (₹6,300) |
Health Insurance | CAD 70–100 (₹4,400–₹6,300) |
Internet & Mobile | CAD 70–100 (₹4,400–₹6,300) |
Personal Expenses | CAD 200–350 (₹12,500–₹22,000) |
Approx. Monthly Cost: CAD 1,450–2,200 (₹91,000–₹1.39 lakh)
Scholarships for Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
University of Montreal offers several scholarships and funding opportunities that help reduce the financial burden for international graduate students. While some awards are automatically considered during admission, others require separate applications through the university or faculty.
The following scholarships are available:
Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
UdeM Exemption Scholarship | International students admitted to eligible graduate programs | Partial tuition fee exemption |
Postgraduate Scholarships | Master's students in course-based or research programs | Merit-based financial assistance (amount varies) |
Graduate and Postdoctoral Scholarships | Outstanding graduate students with strong academic records | Department-specific funding and research support |
EBSI Scholarships | Students enrolled in the School of Library and Information Science | Merit-based awards and academic excellence scholarships |
Mobility Grant | Students participating in approved exchange or mobility activities | Travel and mobility funding |
Note: Research students may also receive supervisor-funded research assistantships depending on the availability of research projects and grants.
Career Opportunities After Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
Graduates possess expertise that is increasingly sought after in today's data-driven economy. They are equipped to manage digital information systems, organisational knowledge, archives, databases, and enterprise information infrastructure across both public and private sectors.
Top Job Opportunities
Job Role | Major Recruiters | Approximate Annual Salary |
Information Systems Specialist | CGI, IBM Canada, Bell Canada | CAD 70,000–95,000 (₹44–60 lakh) |
Knowledge Manager | Deloitte, Desjardins, National Bank of Canada | CAD 75,000–105,000 (₹47–66 lakh) |
Information Architect | SAP, Ubisoft, CGI | CAD 90,000–130,000 (₹57–82 lakh) |
Database Administrator | IBM, National Bank, Tech Companies | CAD 80,000–120,000 (₹50–76 lakh) |
Digital Archivist | Government of Canada, BAnQ, Museums | CAD 60,000–85,000 (₹38–54 lakh) |
Records Manager | Hospitals, Universities, Government Agencies | CAD 65,000–90,000 (₹41–57 lakh) |
Project Manager (Information Systems) | Deloitte, Accenture, CGI | CAD 95,000–135,000 (₹60–85 lakh) |
Career Pathways After Graduation
The biggest strengths of this program is the flexibility it offers after graduation. Students can either enter the workforce immediately or continue into advanced research depending on their career aspirations.
Option 1: Enter the Workforce
The 51-credit professional master's is best suited for students who wish to begin their careers soon after graduation. Graduates work across consulting firms, financial institutions, healthcare organisations, government departments, archives, libraries, universities and multinational technology companies.
Option 2: Continue into Research
Students completing the 45-credit research master's are well positioned to pursue doctoral studies in Information Science, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Humanities, Data Science, or Knowledge Management. The program provides opportunities to collaborate with leading research centres, including Montreal's globally recognised AI ecosystem such as Mila, enabling graduates to contribute to cutting-edge research projects and innovation.
How to Apply for Master of Information Science at University of Montreal
Applying early allows students sufficient time to prepare documentation, demonstrate language proficiency, and complete visa formalities before the August intake.
Research the program carefully by comparing the professional and research pathways, reviewing curriculum, career outcomes, language requirements, and tuition costs to determine which option aligns with your goals.
Confirm your eligibility by reviewing the university's academic requirements, French language expectations, and supporting documents before beginning the online application.
Prepare your documents, including transcripts, degree certificates, CV, Statement of Purpose, recommendation letters, passport, and proof of French proficiency where required.
Submit your online application through University of Montreal's graduate admissions portal once applications open on 1 August 2026 for the August 2027 intake.
Accept your admission offer after receiving the decision and complete any required tuition deposit or administrative formalities.
Apply for a Canadian Study Permit using your official Letter of Acceptance, proof of funds, passport, biometrics, and other documents required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Prepare for departure by arranging accommodation, health insurance, finances, and travel to Montreal before the program begins.
Student Visa Requirements
International students admitted to University of Montreal must obtain both a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and a Canadian Study Permit before travelling to Canada.
Requirement | Details |
Letter of Acceptance | Required from University of Montreal |
Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) | Mandatory for studying in Quebec |
Canadian Study Permit | Required for programs longer than six months |
Proof of Funds | Tuition fees plus living expenses |
Passport | Valid throughout intended stay |
Biometrics | Required for most applicants |
Medical Examination | May be required depending on individual circumstances |
Our Suggestion:
If your goal is to work as an Information Systems Specialist, Knowledge Manager, Information Architect or Digital Information Consultant, the 51-credit Professional Masters offers stronger industry preparation through internships and applied learning. If you aspire to become a researcher, university academic, AI researcher or continue to a PhD, the 45-credit Research Master's provides the ideal foundation through advanced research training and dissertation work.
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