Oldest US Brewing School to Relocate to Montreal

MONTREAL / CHICAGO The legendary brewing school Siebel Institute of Technology widely regarded as the oldest in the Americas is leaving the United States and relocating to Montreal, Quebec. The move is scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. 

Founded in 1868, the Siebel Institute has trained generations of brewers and played a central role in shaping the modern craft-beer industry in North America. Its decision to move north reflects recent changes in U.S. regulatory and visa policies, which the institute says have made it difficult to enroll the many international students that comprise much of its student body. 

Why the Move Matters for Canada

Industry insiders see the relocation as a huge win for Quebec and Canadian beer culture at large. With the school now based in Montreal, Canadian brewing especially craft and small-batch production is expected to get a significant infusion of technical expertise, training talent, and global recognition.

Quebec’s brewing association hailed the development as a growth opportunity. The move comes amid broader economic and cultural shifts in the Canadian beer industry, which has seen increased demand for locally brewed craft beers in recent years. 

What’s Changing for Students and Industry Professionals

Under the new arrangement, the institute plans to open a campus on Sainte-Catherine Street East in Montreal. The existing programs covering brewing, fermentation science, and brewing operations will continue, but with a renewed focus on addressing supply-chain pressures, regulatory differences, and international student access under Canadian immigration rules. 

For Canadian brewers and craft-beer entrepreneurs, the relocation means easier access to top-tier brewing education without crossing borders potentially lowering the barrier for skilled labour and supporting sustainable growth in local breweries.

Mixed Reactions from U.S. Brewing Community

In Chicago, the move has been met with disappointment and regret. The Siebel Institute has long been seen as a cornerstone of U.S. beer heritage, supplying skilled brewers and shaping brewing practices nationwide. Some brewery owners and educators voiced concern that losing the institute could impact training pipelines and local talent development.

Nevertheless, the institute says the relocation is necessary to adapt to shifting regulations and to ensure access for students from around the world a move it views as essential for its long-term viability.