Best English Classes in Montreal for New Immigrants: A 2026 Guide
Author:
Berlitz
In Montreal, English works best alongside French.
If you've just arrived in Montreal, you may be wondering where to learn English, and how it fits with learning French. The answer depends on your goal, your schedule, and your budget. This guide compares the main options for English classes in Montreal in 2026, starting with the best fit for working newcomers.
It also covers something many newcomers discover too late: the free English classes available in other provinces aren't available here.
Published October 23, 2026 · By Berlitz Canada · 7 min read
Table of Contents
- Quick Answer: Which Option Fits Which Newcomer
- English and French in Montreal: What Newcomers Should Know
- #1: Berlitz Montreal
- #2: Full-Time Schools for International Students
- #3: School Board Adult Education and University Continuing Education
- How to Choose in Five Minutes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answer: Which Option Fits Which Newcomer
| Your Situation | Best Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Working newcomer who needs English for a job or career | Berlitz Montreal | Flexible formats, speaking-first method, professional vocabulary |
| Newcomer who can study full-time | Full-time international language schools | Intensive daily programs and international classmates |
| Learner on a tight budget | School board adult education, where available | Public programs, with eligibility rules to check |
| Learner who wants an academic setting | University continuing education | Structured courses in a university environment |
English and French in Montreal: What Newcomers Should Know
French is the common language of work and public life in Quebec, so most newcomers need it to settle in and build a career. English is a real asset on top of that: many Montreal workplaces serve international clients, and bilingual professionals have more options. For most people, the strongest plan is to build both languages rather than choosing one.
There's an important difference from the rest of Canada. The federal LINC program, which offers free English classes to eligible newcomers in other provinces, isn't offered in Quebec, so free options for English are limited. The Government of Quebec does offer free French courses to eligible residents. Check the official sites for your own eligibility, then decide where English fits into your plan.
#1: Berlitz Montreal
Berlitz Montreal offers English classes for newcomers who want to settle in, study, or work in English-speaking environments. The Berlitz Method keeps lessons in English from the first class, with context and real-life scenarios instead of translation, so you practise speaking right away and get live correction from your instructor.
The formats are what suit busy newcomers. You can choose private lessons, small group classes, intensive courses, online learning, or a blend of in-person and online. Classroom hours run on weekdays from 8:30 am to 7 pm, and the centre is downtown, across from McGill University, with eight air-conditioned classrooms.
If you're building a career, business English training in Montreal focuses on the vocabulary of your own field, whether that's finance, tech, healthcare, or another sector, at the centre or at your workplace. Berlitz also prepares learners for official exams, including TOEFL, and can guide you if you need a different test for immigration or study, so ask about the one you need. A free online placement test shows your level in a few minutes. Because Berlitz Montreal teaches French as well, you can also work on both languages with the same method. It's a paid program, so it won't suit every budget, and it works best with regular attendance.
#2: Full-Time Schools for International Students
Several Montreal language schools run English programs aimed largely at international students. ILSC offers a full-time intensive English course with around 30 classes a week. EC English offers general English at several intensity levels, including one-to-one lessons, and Bouchereau Lingua International runs part-time, intensive, and evening English programs.
These programs are a strong fit if you can dedicate your days to learning and want full immersion alongside classmates from around the world. They're built around full-time study, though, so they work less well for newcomers who already have a job or family schedule to protect, and they usually aren't built around the vocabulary of a specific profession.
#3: School Board Adult Education and University Continuing Education
English school service centres in Montreal offer adult education, and some universities' continuing-education departments run English courses. These can be good options for learners who want a more traditional structure or a lower-cost public program.
Offerings, schedules, and eligibility rules change, so contact each institution directly to confirm which English courses they currently run and whether you qualify. Expect a more academic pace and fixed terms, rather than the flexible scheduling of a private provider.
How to Choose in Five Minutes
Match your situation to the closest description below.
- You need English for work and have a busy schedule: choose a program with flexible formats and professional vocabulary.
- You can study full-time and want immersion: consider an intensive international language school.
- Budget is your main concern: look into public adult education and check your eligibility.
- You want both French and English: pick a provider that teaches both with the same method, and use free French courses if you qualify.
- You need English for an immigration or study test: ask each school which exam preparation it offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there free English classes for newcomers in Montreal?
The federal LINC program isn't offered in Quebec, so free English classes are limited. Some public adult education options may exist, and eligibility varies, so check directly with each institution.
Do I need English in Montreal if I'm learning French?
French is the common language of work and daily life, and it should be your first priority. English is a valuable addition for many careers, especially those serving international clients.
What's the best English school in Montreal for working professionals?
Berlitz Montreal is the strongest fit for working newcomers, thanks to its flexible private, group, intensive, and online formats and its business-focused English programs.
Can I learn English and French at the same school?
Yes. Berlitz Montreal teaches both languages, so you can build bilingual skills with the same immersive method.
Ready to find your level? Learn English with Berlitz and book your free placement test today.
