Quebec International Student / February 28, 2025

Quebec Limits International Student Applications for 2025-2026

Quebec is setting a limit on international student applications for the first time. The province will take in 124,760 applications from February 26, 2025, to February 26, 2026.

Quebec has announced a cap on international student applications for the first time. The province will accept a maximum of 124,760 study permit applications between February 26, 2025, and February 26, 2026. This limit applies to all applications submitted after February 26, 2025.

The applications will be distributed across different educational institutions:

  • Vocational training: 32,261 applications
  • Colleges: 29,200 applications
  • Universities: 63,299 applications

The government aims to control the number of international students enrolling in Quebec, especially in vocational and college programs. University enrollments will remain stable under this new system.

Who Is Exempt?

Not all students are affected by the cap. The following groups can still apply without restrictions:

  • Applicants who submitted forms before February 26, 2025
  • Those renewing their stay in the same vocational program and institution
  • Dependent children of temporary foreign workers or international students
  • Primary and secondary school students
  • Those applying for refugee protection
  • Health sector professionals undergoing mandatory supplementary training
  • Students under the Excellence Scholarship Program

Government's Reasoning

Jean-François Roberge, Quebec’s Immigration Minister, stated that the cap allows the government to reassess the situation and make necessary adjustments. Temporary immigration targets will now be included in Quebec’s upcoming Immigration Levels Plan, expected in late 2025. These targets will help shape future international student admissions.

Federal Government's Study Permit Cap

Quebec’s decision follows a similar move by the federal government. In January 2025, Canada set a nationwide cap of 550,162 study permit applications for the year. This limit is in effect until December 31, 2025, reducing the number of permits from 606,250 in 2024.

Under the federal plan, Quebec is expected to issue 72,977 study permits in 2025. The federal government first introduced these limits in 2024 to slow the rapid increase in temporary residents.

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