There is also a predoctoral exam which the student must pass. The Ph.D. thesis describes the original work and results of the student's research and is read and judged by three internal and one external examiners, followed by an oral defense. There are a variety of scholarships for which students may apply. There are many differential tuition wavers available, so that foreign students may be charged the same tuition fees as Canadians. Most students simply get an apartment in the city.
Apartments are easy to find and quite inexpensive.
The Housing Office can help in finding accommodations. All entering students whose mother tongue is not French are required to take a French test. If this test is failed, it is suggested that the student takes some French courses. All courses are in French, but seminars and colloquia are often in English.