Quebec Announces International Student Caps for 2025-2026 Academic Year

Quebec Announces International Student Caps for 2025-2026 Academic Year

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Mar 11, 2025 02:37 PM IST

Quebec has implemented caps on international student enrollments for the academic year 2025-2026. This will affect enrollment across different institutions in the province. The government of Quebec wants to contain the increasing flow of international students by imposing a limit of 124,760 acceptance certificates in the coming year. The cap breakdown is as follows:

Quebec Announces International Student Caps for 2025-2026 Academic Year
Quebec Announces International Student Caps for 2025-2026 Academic Year

Institution

Accepted Study Permit Applications

Vocational Training

32,261

Colleges

29,200

Universities

63,299

Total

124,760

Certain institutions worry that this will negatively affect them as they depend on international students. These universities also worry that this could lead to discouragement of international recruitment. However, there are some exceptions to Quebec’s student cap policy.

Exceptions to Quebec’s International Student Cap

The International student cap does not apply to the following groups:

  • Individuals who submitted their application form before February 26, 2025.

  • Those seeking to extend their stay in the same vocational training program at the same educational institution where they were originally admitted.

  • Dependent children accompanying parents who are in Quebec as temporary international workers or international students.

  • Applicants aiming to study at the primary or secondary levels.

  • Individuals who have applied for protection under provision (b) or (c) of section 95(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

  • Those admitted to required supplementary training by a professional order in the health sector

  • Recipients of the Excellence Scholarship Program for Foreign Students who are pursuing professional training.

Study Permit Applications for Universities in Quebec 2025-2026

The total number of study permit applications for universities in Quebec for the academic year 2025-2026 has been capped at 63,299. The following table specifies the individual capacity of applications for different universities in Quebec.

University

Maximum Requests for Applications

Advanced Technology Bar School

3,609

Bishop’s University

356

Concordia University

5,233

HEC Montreal

1,586

Laval University

8,276

McGill University

5,131

Montreal Conservatory of Dramatic Arts

0

Montreal Institute of Theological Training

0

National Institute of Scientific Research

349

National School of Public Administration Montreal Polytechnic School

844

Presbyterian College

0

Quebec Conservatory of Dramatic Arts School

0

Tele-University

30

University of Montreal

8,709

University of Quebec in Chicoutimi

7,674

University of Quebec in Abitibi- Temiscamingue

1,614

University of Quebec in Montreal

7,674

University of Quebec in Outaouais

4,057

University of Quebec in Rimouski

3,638

University of Quebec in Sherbrooke

2,916

University of Quebec in Trois-Rivieres

2,238

The Quebec government is capping the number of international students allowed to enroll in the province's post-secondary institutions by 20 percent this year. Education Minister Bernard Drainville stated that this decision is part of Quebec's strategy to take control of student immigration, separate from federal regulations. "By restricting international students' access to CEGEPs, the government is targeting a network that plays an essential role in Quebec's educational and economic vitality," says Marie Montpetit. However, some critics believe that these limits could negatively impact Quebec's educational and economic environment. While student visas are issued by the federal government, international students in Quebec must also secure a Québec Acceptance Certificate, or CAQ, from the provincial government. Prospective students are required to obtain their CAQ before they can apply for a study permit.

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hi ,

yes , you can pursue undergraduate degree in AI ML in Canada with 65% in 12th grade , bit your options may be limited since many top universities require a minimum of 75-70% , however with some colleges or universities with flexible admission requirements may accept you .

eligibility criteria for AI /ML in Canada

academic requirement - Most top universities require 70-80% in 12th PCM for direct admission.Some colleges/universities accept students with 60-70% in 12th PCM.

English proficiency test -

(if your schooling was in English, some institutions may waive this)

  • IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL: 80 – 90 (iBT)
  • PTE: 50+

mathematics requirement

Since AI & ML are math-heavy, having good grades in Math (especially Calculus) will strengthen your application.


hope this helps


Hi Madhvi,

With 42% in 12th, admission to universities in Canada can be challenging, as most require at least 50-60%. However, you still have options:

  1. Diploma Programs – Some colleges like Seneca, Humber, or Centennial offer diploma courses with flexible entry requirements.

  2. Foundation Programs – You can take a pathway course in Canada to improve your academic profile before entering a degree program.

  3. Private Colleges – Some private institutions accept lower percentages, but research them well before applying.

  4. Improve Academics – Consider reappearing for 12th exams or taking additional certification courses to boost your profile.

Also, ensure you meet the IELTS/TOEFL score requirements for student visas.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

After completing a BBA in Finance, top programs in Canada include MBA (Finance), Master of Finance, Master in Financial Analytics, CFA certification, or PG diplomas in Financial Planning, Investment Banking, and Risk Management. Choose based on career goals, budget, and university reputation.

Hello there,

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is primarily an entrance exam for medical courses in India. If you're considering studying medicine in Canada, here are some key points to consider:

NEET and Medical Studies in Canada:

  1. Not Required for Admission : NEET is not required for admission to medical schools in Canada. Canadian medical schools have their own admission criteria, which typically include undergraduate degree requirements and standardized tests like the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

  2. Eligibility for International Students : To apply to medical schools in Canada, you usually need to complete a bachelor's degree (often with a focus on science) and achieve a good score on the MCAT.

  3. Application Process : Each Canadian medical school has specific admission requirements. It's important to research individual schools to understand their criteria, including GPA requirements, volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

  4. Recognition of Indian Medical Degrees : If you complete your medical studies in Canada, your degree will be recognized, but if you study medicine in India, you’ll need to go through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) exams to practice in Canada.

    Recommendations:

  • Research Canadian Medical Schools : Look into the specific requirements for the medical schools you are interested in.

  • Prepare for MCAT : If you're aiming for medical school in Canada, focus on preparing for the MCAT and meeting the prerequisite courses for admission.

    Conclusion:

NEET is not necessary for studying medicine in Canada. Instead, focus on completing an undergraduate degree, taking the MCAT, and meeting the admission requirements of Canadian medical schools.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello Aspirant

Foreign Universities require a candidate to have a 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized University/college with enough credits. The problem that many Indian students face is that they have a degree in bachelor's but in a 3-year course. This stops them from pursuing further studies at a foreign university. Still, some universities offer bridge courses for such students. For this, they need to reach their universities 2-3 months prior and do the Bridge course. But all of this depends on the university. This is why NEP introduced the new 4-year bachelor's course.

The best course of action is to go to the Canadian Universities' websites that you wish to join and contact their admissions office via mail and talk to them about your situation, they'll help you out with it. Also, when you sit for their interviews and have a valid answer for your gap year after your Bachelor's, it would be great if you have work experience for that duration.

Hope this helps.

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