We can help you in your academic project
Undergraduate and Graduate Studies made easier
With 30 years of experience in international relations at three renowned institutions — the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), McGill University, and the University of Luxembourg — we place this network at the service of Québec's higher education institutions. At the International Academic Support Services (Services d'Accompagnement Académique International - SAAI), we act as a strategic facilitator, helping your institution expand its global reach and build lasting collaborations.
Our Mission
SAAI's mission is to support international students in achieving their academic goals and international career aspirations. We accompany them at every stage of their journey to study in Montréal. Whether for a four-year undergraduate program or an MBA, SAAI ensures the compliance of applications and required documents, submitting them directly to admissions departments to obtain decisions as quickly as possible, thereby fast-tracking the visa and study permit process.
Our Vision: Institutional Partnership at the Heart of Recruitment
We believe that successful internationalization is built on strong institutional ties rather than on one-off interventions. This is why SAAI advocates for a structured recruitment model built around three complementary pillars.
First Pillar: Undergraduate Recruitment — China and French-Speaking Europe
Through agreements with high-quality Chinese secondary schools, we open pathways for students wishing to pursue university studies in Montréal in French. SAAI liaises with these institutions and provides comprehensive support to teachers, students, and parents at every step: program information, enrollment procedures, immigration processes, and settlement in Montréal. End-to-end accompaniment, designed to ensure every student arrives well-prepared and confident.
In Europe, the director of our Grenoble office is a valuable asset for your recruitment efforts. Ms. Sophie-Adélaïde Magnier brings over 15 years of experience in international higher education management, having served as Director of International Cooperation at the Université Grenoble Alpes and the Université Joseph Fourier, with deep expertise in academic mobility, project engineering, and science diplomacy. Anchored at the heart of the French-speaking European region, she can support the development of relationships with institutions in France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, assist with the preparation and logistics of field recruitment missions, and provide personalized follow-up with European students considering studies in Québec. A local presence that makes all the difference.
Second Pillar: Graduate Recruitment through Partnerships
The recruitment of outstanding graduate students is achieved through the establishment of lasting institutional partnerships. We facilitate the negotiation and signing of memoranda of understanding that ensure a steady flow of highly qualified candidates, well-prepared for academic success.
Applying to a graduate program is far more than filling out a form and sending it in. Students must first clarify their academic interests, identify their strengths and potential, and present these ideas in a preliminary research proposal. They must also find a supervisor whose interests align with theirs and convince that supervisor to support their application. Only once a supervisor's approval has been secured can the formal admission application be submitted. This process is complex and challenging, particularly for students coming from different academic backgrounds.
Throughout this process, SAAI provides comprehensive support, including:
- Identifying potential supervisors
- Co-editing research proposals
- Facilitating communication between students and prospective supervisors
- Assisting with the completion of university-required documents
Third Pillar: Synergy with University Services
SAAI acts as a strategic launch pad. Once institutional connections are established, the university's welcome services and our specialized partners take over to provide direct support to students, ensuring their smooth integration and your institution's autonomy.
We Work Hand in Hand with Our Partners
SAAI relies on a network of experienced and trusted partners to provide complementary support to students, addressing the specific needs they may encounter before and after arriving in Canada, including:
- French language learning and improvement
- Obtaining immigration documents
- Welcoming students and helping them settle in Montréal
Furthermore, SAAI's partner network includes several Chinese higher education institutions — universities, colleges, and quality secondary schools that have integrated French into their curriculum. These partnerships ensure that students from these institutions arrive with a solid academic foundation, setting them up for success in Québec.
