Public post-secondary institutions in Quebec are pressing for an exemption from the government’s new proposal to cap international student admissions. They argue that the restrictions could compromise their ability to attract top talent and undermine their financial stability. However, Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge is undeterred, maintaining that the plan is essential to mitigate housing pressures and to protect Quebec’s cultural identity by supporting the French language. The Proposed International Student Cap Roberge has argued that international student numbers have surged drastically, with study permits issued to international students rising by 140 percent over the past decade — from 50,000 in 2014 to approximately 120,000 in 2023. These increasing numbers, he suggests, are intensifying Quebec’s housing crisis, particularly in Montreal, where nearly 60 percent of international students are enrolled. Additionally, Roberge emphasized the importance of managing the system, stating that “migration policy…needs a conductor.” Premier François Legault and Roberge assert that non-permanent residents, especially international students, play a role in exacerbating the housing shortage. Roberge points out that international students comprise a significant portion of Quebec’s non-permanent residents, totalling around 600,000. This cap on international students, Roberge suggests, would also help manage migration in line with Quebec’s unique priorities, such as the preservation of the French language. Concerns from Institutions The proposal has triggered strong reactions from Quebec’s universities and CÉGEPs (Collèges d’enseignement général et professionnel), which have argued that the plan would drastically disrupt their operations. Leaders from these institutions, including Concordia University and the Université de Sherbrooke, say that reducing international student numbers contradicts Quebec’s recent educational policies. For years, the province has actively encouraged these institutions to recruit international students, particularly from French-speaking countries. This recruitment drive aimed to attract talented students who could bolster Quebec’s economy and workforce. Pierre Cossette, rector of the Université de Sherbrooke, criticized the legislation, suggesting it fails to address the root causes of Quebec’s housing crisis while creating further complications for the education sector. He argued that limiting international students would harm universities’ financial health and hinder their ability to recruit global talent. Concordia University, one of Quebec’s three English-language institutions, also reported that international students contribute $520 million annually to the province’s universities. Losing these students, Concordia noted, would represent a sharp departure from current university funding policies. In a statement, Concordia warned that this shift could create an “essential” funding gap and threaten the financial sustainability of Quebec’s public higher education institutions. The Language Factor Although Roberge’s proposed bill does not explicitly focus on language, he has stated that protecting French is a key goal. Quebec has long prioritized safeguarding its linguistic heritage, and many officials argue that a cap on English-speaking international students is necessary to preserve the province’s cultural identity. Benoît Dubreuil, Quebec’s French language commissioner, supported the proposal, suggesting that the government should formally include language as a criterion in determining student quotas. Concordia and McGill, two major English-speaking universities, have been particularly vocal in opposing the proposed cap, especially given the recent hike in out-of-province tuition rates for non-residents. This tuition increase, which adds $3,000 to annual fees, has already impacted these universities, and they argue that additional restrictions on international students could exacerbate enrollment challenges and reduce accessibility to English-language education. Regional Exemptions and Variations The new legislation is expected to target Quebec’s metropolitan areas more heavily than its rural or regional institutions. Roberge has clarified that the government aims to “preserve and ensure the sustainability of regional programs” and address workforce demands outside urban centers. Consequently, Quebec’s public universities and CÉGEPs in rural regions may experience less direct impact under the proposed cap, as the province seeks to encourage international students to study and settle in these areas. Several public institutions outside Montreal, such as the Université du Québec en Outaouais, have recently increased international student enrollment. Over half of the increase in study permits in 2023 went to students attending these regional schools, many of whom are from francophone countries. Roberge’s legislation indicates that institutions in these regions might be shielded from cuts as the government prioritizes programs integral to regional development. Controversy Over ‘Diploma Mills’ Another significant component of Roberge’s proposal is its critique of some private colleges, which he claims use education as a “business model to sell Quebec and Canadian citizenship.” In recent years, some private colleges in Quebec have been scrutinized for allegedly exploiting international students through inflated fees and low-quality education programs. While Roberge did not specify which institutions were involved, he highlighted two private colleges with recent dramatic increases in international enrollment. This issue has led to the closure of several diploma mills that previously targeted students from India and other countries, causing a 90 percent drop in the number of international students in Quebec’s network of non-subsidized private colleges since 2020. Ginette Gervais, president of Quebec’s Association of Private Unsubsidized Colleges, argued that the proposed legislation could destabilize private institutions struggling to remove international students’ work permits. Conversely, representatives from subsidized private colleges suggest that prior regulatory changes have primarily addressed the issue. Quebec’s Balancing Act As Quebec navigates this complex issue, the province’s universities and colleges continue to voice concerns over the bill’s broader implications. These institutions emphasize the need for autonomy in their enrollment policies, arguing that the government’s intervention sets a precedent that could undermine their independence. Quebec’s public post-secondary institutions must brace for potential impacts as the government moves forward with the bill. Roberge remains firm in his commitment to regulating the number of international students, suggesting that universities and colleges must be part of a managed approach to immigration policy. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, institutions across Quebec are watching closely, hoping for modifications that might shield them from the most stringent restrictions. The proposed cap on international students highlights Quebec’s unique challenges as it balances economic growth, educational autonomy, cultural preservation, and housing stability. Whether the province’s universities and CÉGEPs will secure exemptions from the cap remains uncertain, but the conversation underscores the broader complexities of managing immigration within a distinct cultural and linguistic framework. FAQ on Quebec’s Proposed Cap on International Students Why is Quebec proposing a cap on international students? Quebec aims to address housing pressures and preserve its cultural identity by limiting international student numbers. Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge believes the growing number of non-permanent residents, particularly international students, impacts housing availability, especially in Montreal, and affects the province’s commitment to the French language. How have Quebec’s universities responded to this proposed cap? Quebec’s universities argue that the cap would harm their ability to attract top talent and impact their financial stability. Concordia University and the Université de Sherbrooke, among others, emphasize that international students contribute significantly to the economy and workforce, aligning with Quebec’s goals for economic growth. Will this cap affect all institutions in Quebec? The proposed cap is expected to impact institutions in metropolitan areas more heavily than those in rural areas. Quebec aims to encourage international students to enroll in rural universities and CÉGEPs to support regional workforce demands, potentially exempting these areas from stricter limits on international admissions. Is language a factor in the proposed cap on international students? Yes, protecting the French language is a key motivation behind the cap. Although not explicitly part of the bill, officials argue that limiting English-speaking international students helps preserve Quebec’s linguistic heritage. The government may consider including language as a criterion for international student quotas. What impact could the cap have on Quebec’s private colleges? The cap targets concerns about “diploma mills” within some private colleges that allegedly exploit international students. These colleges have been accused of using inflated fees and low-quality programs to attract students. The legislation could increase scrutiny of private institutions, especially those focused on monetizing education and immigration pathways. https://immigration.ca/quebec-universities-request-relief-from-foreign-student-limit/