Founded in 1969, the Université du Québec à Montréal (University of Québec in Montréal) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Montréal (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Quebec. This institution also has branch campuses in Lanaudière, Laval, Montérégie and Ouest de l'île. Officially recognized by the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur, Québec (Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Quebec), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) is a very large-sized (Buydiploma enrollment range: 35,000-39,999 students) coeducational Canadian higher education institution. Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the Buydiploma degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 54-year-old Canadian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UQAM also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.