Quebec Announces Student Allocations for Its Universities
In a move to manage international student admissions more effectively, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration and Francization (MIFI) has introduced new limits on study permit applications for the province’s universities. Starting from February 26, 2025, and ending on February 26, 2026, each institution will have a specific cap on the number of international students it can admit. The total allocation for all universities in Quebec during this period is set at 63,299 study permit applications.
These caps mark a significant shift in how Quebec manages its international student population. Unlike previous years, the new system assigns each university a specific quota based on factors such as its size, demand, and academic focus. Once a university reaches its allocated number, it cannot admit additional international students unless they fall into one of the exempt categories.
The primary goals of this policy are to ensure sustainable growth in international student numbers, balance educational opportunities with provincial resources, and support the long-term development of Quebec’s higher education system. This approach aligns with a broader Canadian effort to manage the rapid increase in international students, which has raised concerns over housing, healthcare, and public service capacities.
Understanding the Exemptions and Implications
The new cap on study permit applications in Quebec includes several important exemptions that students should be aware of. These exemptions ensure that certain groups of students are not affected by the new limitations. Key exemptions include:
- Applications submitted before February 26, 2025: Any international student who applied before this date is not subject to the cap.
- Study permit extensions for the same vocational program: Students already studying in a Quebec vocational program and asking for a permit extension are exempt.
- Dependent children of temporary foreign workers or international students in Quebec: These individuals are excluded from the cap.
- Applicants to primary and secondary (K-12) schools: The allocations apply only to postsecondary institutions.
- Refugee claimants: Those applying for protection under certain provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act are not affected.
- Health sector supplementary trainees: Students admitted to supplementary training by professional health authorities in Quebec enjoy exemption.
- Winners of the Excellence Scholarship Program for Foreign Students: If selected under Quebec’s prestigious scholarship program, the applicant is not counted toward the allocation.
- Certificate holders under government protocol: Individuals issued a special certificate by the Quebec government are exempt.
For students and universities, the implications of these caps are significant. Once a university’s cap is reached, no more international students (outside these exemption categories) can be admitted until the next allocation period. This means that prospective students will need to pay careful attention to quota status at their chosen institution—a popular university may hit its cap sooner than others. Students seeking to study at the college or university level in Quebec beginning in 2025 must ensure their applications are complete and submitted early to maximize their chances.
The standard application process for non-exempt applicants remains largely the same but now includes an additional step to check quota availability. To study in Quebec as an international student (if not exempt from the cap), students must:
- Check if their intended institution has remaining study permit quota.
- Submit a study permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after obtaining a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) and receiving an official offer of admission from the institution.
- Await approval and be mindful that if the cap has been reached, even a valid offer may not result in a successful permit application, unless they qualify for one of the exemptions.
This policy aligns with a broader Canadian effort to manage the rapid growth of international student numbers. In 2024, IRCC introduced national caps to address concerns over housing, healthcare, and public service capacities. Quebec’s move is part of this nationwide shift toward a more sustainable international education sector.
In summary, for the 2025-2026 academic year, Quebec universities are restricted to a combined total of 63,299 study permit applications, with detailed exemptions for certain student groups. This policy directly affects how many new international students each institution can welcome, with students encouraged to apply early and check their eligibility status closely.
Conclusion
Quebec’s introduction of study permit caps for its universities marks a strategic shift in managing international student admissions. By setting a total allocation of 63,299 permits for the 2025-2026 academic year, the province aims to balance educational opportunities with resource availability. While exemptions ensure access for specific groups, prospective students must now prioritize early applications and quota checks. This policy reflects a broader Canadian effort to sustainably manage international education growth, emphasizing the importance of informed planning for students seeking to study in Quebec.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of study permits allocated to Quebec universities for 2025-2026?
The total allocation is 63,299 study permit applications.
When does the new cap policy take effect?
The policy is effective from February 26, 2025, to February 26, 2026.
How are study permit allocations determined for each university?
Allocations are based on factors like university size, demand, and academic focus.
What are the key exemptions from the study permit cap?
Exemptions include prior applications, vocational program extensions, dependents of foreign workers, K-12 applicants, refugees, health trainees, scholarship winners, and certificate holders.
How can students check if a university has remaining quota?
Students should check directly with their intended institution for current quota status.
What steps do non-exempt students need to take to apply?
1. Check quota availability. 2. Submit a study permit application after obtaining a CAQ and admission offer. 3. Await approval, noting that reaching the cap may affect outcomes.
How can students stay updated on the latest developments?
Regularly visit official Quebec immigration and university websites for updates and detailed information.
