Quebec Schools Seek Exemption from Foreign Student Cap as Minister Stands Firm

Quebec’s public universities and CEGEPs (public colleges) are calling for an exemption from the provincial government’s plan to limit foreign student enrollment, arguing that such restrictions could hinder their ability to attract top-tier talent. However, Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge remains resolute, asserting that the legislation, introduced last month, is necessary to curb the growth of non-permanent residents in the province.

Roberge’s bill would allow the government to impose caps on foreign student enrollment based on factors such as region, institution, and program. This proposal follows concerns that certain private institutions may be using education as a means of “selling” Canadian citizenship. While Roberge acknowledges these abuses, he also insists that the bill is aimed at reducing the overall number of foreign students, with universities and CEGEPs included in the broader strategy.

Quebec’s public institutions argue that the government has long encouraged them to recruit international students, particularly from French-speaking countries. They claim that the sudden shift in policy puts their autonomy at risk. Universities such as the Université de Sherbrooke warn that the bill fails to target the root of the issue and could have unintended consequences. Pierre Cossette, the university’s rector, emphasized that international students are vital assets to the province, and a blanket cap would not address the real problems.

The institutions also highlight the financial impact of foreign students. Concordia University, for example, reported that international students contribute $520 million annually to Quebec’s universities, a critical source of funding. They argue that reducing the number of international students would contradict current funding strategies and policies aimed at growing the sector.

Roberge, however, defended the bill, saying that a more organized approach to managing international students is needed. He argued that migration policy shouldn’t be left to individual institutions, but instead should be centrally coordinated. The legislation may also take language into account when determining quotas, a move supported by Quebec’s French language commissioner, Benoit Dubreuil, who testified before the legislative committee.

Some of Quebec’s largest institutions, including McGill University, which has the highest number of international students in the province, have seen stagnant enrollment numbers since 2018. Despite the growth in foreign student numbers at francophone institutions, McGill’s figures have remained relatively stable, with a slight decline in international student applications this year.

The bill is part of a broader strategy by Premier François Legault’s government to address the province’s housing crisis, which the government attributes to the influx of non-permanent residents. Foreign students account for a significant portion of the population of temporary residents, which has increased by 140% over the past decade. While Quebec universities host around 57,000 international students, the federation of CEGEPs reports nearly 9,000 foreign students in public colleges.

In addition, certain government-subsidized private colleges have seen significant increases in foreign student enrollments, whereas non-subsidized private colleges have experienced a sharp decline since the government intervened in 2020.

As the debate over foreign student caps continues, Quebec’s education sector is left to navigate a shifting policy landscape that could have lasting effects on their international recruitment and financial stability.