Collège St-Marie

Collège St-Marie in Montreal, Canada, was a historic educational institution founded by the Jesuits in 1848. It played a significant role in Montreal's intellectual and artistic life during the 19th century. The college ceased to exist as an independent entity in 1969 when it merged to form part of the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).

Academics

Collège St-Marie, under the Jesuits, was renowned for its classical education, which emphasized both spiritual life and intellectual development. The curriculum, based on the Ratio Studiorum, focused on Greek-Latin humanities and Thomistic philosophy, while also incorporating sciences, mathematics, and modern languages. The college was known for its liberal approach to education, encouraging students in dramaturgy and literature, and allowing the free circulation of ideas. It also introduced specialized options in economics, history, and sociology in the 1960s, which was uncommon for classical colleges at the time.

International Students

While Collège St-Marie no longer exists in its original form, its successor institution, UQAM, welcomes a diverse international student body. In the fall of 2018, UQAM hosted 3,859 international students from 95 countries. For international students considering studying in Montreal, other institutions like Collège Supérieur de Montréal offer support services, including assistance with the registration process, Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) applications, and study permits. They also provide reception assistance and help with cultural integration, including accommodation support and mandatory health insurance subscriptions.

Campus & Location

The original Collège St-Marie was located between St-Alexandre and Bleury streets, and Ste-Catherine and René Lévesque (formerly Dorchester) in Montreal. A portion of the original college remains as the Église du Gesù (Church of Gesu), which was its chapel, built in 1865 and one of Montreal's oldest religious buildings. The Salles du Gesù, Montreal's oldest theater, is also housed within this structure. Montreal is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, offering various attractions and accessible public transportation.

Career Outcomes

As Collège St-Marie merged into UQAM in 1969, direct career outcome data for the historical institution is not available. However, the college had a strong reputation for forming not only lawyers and politicians but also future professors, journalists, writers, and artists. Many notable individuals, including poets, journalists, and legal figures, were alumni of Collège St-Marie. The college's emphasis on a broad and liberal education likely prepared its students for diverse career paths and intellectual pursuits.