Quebec Imposes Cap on International Student Applications for 2025-2026
In a significant policy move, the Government of Quebec has announced a cap on international student applications for the upcoming year. This new regulation, revealed on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, sets a limit of 124,760 international student applications to be processed under the Foreign Student Program between February 26, 2025, and February 26, 2026
The cap marks a new phase in Quebec’s management of international student enrollment, with specific allocations for vocational training, colleges, and universities. This is the first time Quebec has imposed such a limit on the number of international student applications, a decision that is expected to impact various educational institutions across the province.
Breakdown of the International Student Cap
The cap will be divided across different sectors of the education system, with a larger portion allocated to university-level study permits. The breakdown for the maximum number of applications accepted in the period from February 26, 2025, to February 26, 2026, is as follows:
| Type of Institution | Maximum Number of Applications |
|---|---|
| Vocational Training | 32,261 |
| Colleges | 29,200 |
| Universities | 63,299 |
| Total | 124,760 |
This cap will apply only to applications submitted after February 26, 2025. The goal is to better manage the volume of international students while focusing on stabilizing the influx of students into Quebec’s universities. The provincial government aims to balance the number of new students enrolling in vocational and college programs, which have seen higher demand in recent years.
Impact of the Cap on Quebec’s Educational Institutions
The introduction of this cap is expected to significantly reduce the number of applications for vocational training and college-level programs, while maintaining a steady level of university admissions. The Government of Quebec has indicated that this move is part of a broader strategy to ensure the province’s educational system remains sustainable and aligned with its evolving needs.
It is important to note that this cap pertains only to the number of applications Quebec will accept for processing, not the total number of study permits that will be issued. This means that even if the province reaches its application cap, it may still issue study permits to applicants who meet the criteria.
Exceptions to the Cap
Quebec has provided several exemptions to the international student cap, ensuring that specific groups of students are not affected by the limit. These exceptions include:
- Students who submitted their application before February 26, 2025.
- Students applying to extend their stay in the same vocational training program and at the same educational institution.
- Dependent children of parents who are already in Quebec as temporary foreign workers or foreign students.
- Applicants who intend to study at the primary or secondary levels.
- Individuals applying for protection under sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- Students admitted to prescribed supplementary training programs in the health sector.
- Students selected under Quebec’s Excellence Scholarship Program for Foreign Students who plan to pursue professional training.
These exceptions ensure that certain categories of international students are still able to apply for admission, regardless of the overall cap on applications.
The Context Behind the Cap and Future Plans
Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration, explained that the cap was introduced to allow the province to “reassess the situation and adjust according to Quebec’s strategic needs.” He emphasized the importance of continuously evaluating trends and making adjustments in response to new challenges and opportunities in the international student landscape.
Additionally, Roberge revealed that for the first time, temporary immigration targets will be included in Quebec’s upcoming Immigration Levels Plan. This plan, expected to be released in the third quarter of 2025, will help guide future decisions about how many international student applications Quebec will accept in subsequent years.
The 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, which was announced last year, did not specify temporary resident admission targets. However, Quebec has now confirmed that it will establish targets for temporary residents, including international students, in the 2026 immigration cycle.
The Future of Quebec’s Immigration and Education Landscape
The cap on international student applications marks a turning point in Quebec’s approach to immigration and education. The province is responding to the pressures of increasing student numbers while striving to maintain a sustainable educational system. By carefully managing the number of international students, Quebec hopes to balance economic needs, labor market demands, and the quality of education offered at its institutions.
As Quebec reassesses its strategic needs, international students and educational institutions will need to adapt to this new reality. For prospective international students, it is crucial to understand the implications of the cap and explore the available exceptions and pathways to ensure a smooth application process.
In the coming years, Quebec’s Immigration Levels Plan will likely continue to shape the province’s approach to temporary residents, including students, and will be pivotal in determining the future of international student admissions in the province.
Looking Ahead
For students planning to apply for the 2025-2026 academic year, it’s important to be aware of the cap and submit applications early to increase their chances of being processed before the limit is reached. Students are encouraged to closely follow updates from Quebec’s immigration authorities, as this new cap could signal further changes in the way international students are admitted to the province in the future.
This new regulation also sets a precedent for other provinces in Canada, potentially influencing their immigration policies and student application processes moving forward.
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