Quebec Sets Limits on International Student Admissions for 2025-26

Key Takeaways

• Quebec caps international student study permits at 437,000 for 2025-26, a 10% reduction from the 2024 threshold.
• Graduate and doctoral students are now included in caps; exchange students and specific groups are exempt from PAL/TAL requirements.
• Institutions report up to 40% declines in international applications; detailed permit allocation expected by May 2025.

On February 17, 2025, Quebec 🇨🇦 implemented new caps on international student admissions for the 2025-26 academic year. Announced by Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration, the policy signifies a pivotal shift in managing the influx of international students. By reducing the number of study permits issued, provincial authorities aim to handle mounting challenges like housing shortages, maintaining the French language, and regulating immigration levels.

These caps represent a 10% reduction from the 2024 threshold, with a total of 437,000 study permits authorized for the academic year. The specific allotment of permits across Quebec’s regions has not been released. However, regional programs are reportedly being prioritized over more urban institutions. This change not only transforms Quebec’s strategy toward international education but raises questions about the long-term impact on students, universities, and communities.

Quebec Sets Limits on International Student Admissions for 2025-26

Overview of the New Regulations

A few important points stand out in the new cap policy:

Graduate and doctoral students, previously exempt from restrictions, are now included under the capped numbers.
Exchange students are exempted from the need to secure a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) or Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL), which remain mandatory for most other applicants seeking study permits.
Exemptions from the PAL/TAL requirements are given to specific groups:
- K–12 (kindergarten to grade 12) students,
- Certain priority or vulnerable groups identified by the Canadian government,
- Current study permit holders requesting an extension for the same educational institution and program.

These adjustments fundamentally alter the application process for many prospective students, redefining entry requirements even for previously excluded categories like doctoral candidates. The changes have sparked both support and apprehension as institutions and stakeholders adapt.

The Impact on Quebec’s Universities

The caps are already affecting international student applications across several universities in the province. Many higher education institutions have reported sharp declines in application numbers since the announcement. For example:

Institut national de recherche scientifique (INRS) has seen a 32% reduction in applications for the Fall 2024 semester compared to the previous year.
École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) expects a drop of 30–40% in applications for the upcoming winter term.
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) described the current state as a “significant drop” in applications.
École Polytechnique has also reported notable decreases in international admission requests for Fall 2025 programs.

Such declines are especially worrying for institutions that heavily depend on international students. For instance, international students currently make up 67% of INRS’s student population, and UQAC’s international student presence accounts for nearly 38% of its total enrollment. The economic implications for these universities, particularly those reliant on tuition fees from international students, could be considerable.

Understanding the Quebec Government’s Motivations

Quebec’s recent move is motivated by several pressing concerns. Housing shortages have emerged as a critical issue, with an influx of international students contributing to heightened demand for accommodations, particularly in Montreal and other densely populated areas. Managing housing availability is among the government’s key priorities, especially in light of the province’s limited housing stock.

Another central concern is preserving the dominance of the French language in Quebec 🇨🇦. The government has explicitly stated the importance of maintaining French-language priorities in educational institutions, with concerns that rapidly growing numbers of English-speaking students may shift the balance.

Additionally, caps align with the federal government’s broader objective of limiting the temporary foreign national population to about 5% of Canada’s total population. The measures allow provincial authorities to complement existing federal regulations, such as the national 35% cap on international student numbers announced in January 2024.

Significant Policy Changes Leading to the Caps

The implementation of these caps is part of a series of major policy changes introduced in recent months:

November 2024: The Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) and the Regular Skilled Worker Program temporarily stopped accepting applications. The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) was introduced in their place.
October 2024: Bill 74 was tabled, which proposed several restrictions on admissions for international students.
January 2024: The federal government introduced national limitations on international student numbers across Canada.

These developments have built momentum toward stricter controls on immigration and international student mobility, laying the groundwork for the caps on study permit allocations.

Potential Implications of this Decision

The cap policy has raised concerns about its short- and long-term implications for Quebec’s provinces, universities, and students. Here are the key areas to watch:

Economic Challenges for Universities: International students often pay higher tuition fees than domestic students. Many Quebec institutions rely on these fees to support research, infrastructure, and academic programs. Reduced admissions might destabilize university finances, particularly at English-language universities with high percentages of international students.
Competitive Research and Innovation: Institutions like INRS have warned that these limits may weaken Quebec’s competitiveness in global research. Such restrictions could discourage diverse talent from pursuing advanced studies in the province, potentially affecting its reputation as a leader in academic research.
Uneven Regional Effects: By prioritizing regional programs, the caps could potentially benefit less populated areas while posing losses in urban centers like Montreal. Redistribution of international students may affect the economy, culture, and demographics of larger cities.
Student Careers and Opportunities: For international students, limitations could complicate career development, particularly regarding post-graduation work permits or transitioning to permanent residency. Many students choose Canada 🇨🇦 as a pathway to permanent residence, and restrictive policies may deter some applicants.
Labor Shortages in Critical Sectors: Several sectors in Quebec 🇨🇦, such as healthcare, depend on an immigrant workforce. Fewer international students could worsen labor shortages in these key fields.

Upcoming Developments to Watch

Policy changes in Quebec 🇨🇦 indicate that more changes and clarifications are yet to come. Important milestones over the next few months include:

Detailed Allocation Information: Detailed permit allocation guidelines across regions and institutions are expected soon.
Multi-Year Immigration Plan: Quebec will release a plan for temporary and permanent immigration in the coming months (likely between March to May 2025).
Opening of Suspended Programs: The newly introduced Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) and Graduate Stream under PEQ are set to reopen applications by June 30, 2025.

With more changes ahead, close monitoring and adaptation will be crucial for students, universities, and policymakers alike.

Final Thoughts

Quebec’s decision to limit international student admissions for the 2025–26 academic year marks a major change in its educational and immigration strategies. By setting caps, the provincial government claims to address critical issues like housing shortages, language preservation, and immigration control. However, the broader challenges created by these caps—such as economic losses for universities and restrictions on student opportunities—cannot be overlooked.

These developments emphasize the delicate balance between accommodating international talent and addressing local needs. As analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests, stakeholders must carefully assess how such measures affect Quebec’s academic and economic landscape while striving for policies that serve both local and global communities effectively.

For detailed information about study permits and eligibility requirements, you can visit the official Government of Canada Immigration website. Students impacted by these changes are encouraged to consult professionals or relevant authorities for personalized advice.

Learn Today

Caps on International Student Admissions → Limits set on the number of international students allowed to register in schools or universities.
Study Permit → Official document issued by Canada allowing foreign nationals to study at designated educational institutions.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)/Territorial Attestation Letter (TAL) → Mandatory letters granting permission for most applicants to apply for study permits in Canada.
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) → A program allowing eligible international students or workers to apply for permanent residency in Quebec more quickly.
Temporary Foreign National Population → Non-citizens residing temporarily in a country, typically holding specific visas, such as students or workers.

This Article in a Nutshell

Quebec’s new international student caps mark a pivotal shift, aiming to tackle housing shortages, preserve French language dominance, and regulate immigration. Cutting study permits by 10%, the policy reshapes student mobility and challenges university funding. As regional programs gain priority, the debate grows—progressive solution or obstacle to Quebec’s global competitiveness?
— By VisaVerge.com