Maple News reports that Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) has introduced new limits on study permit applications for international students seeking admission to postsecondary institutions in the province. This move is designed to regulate the number of new international students entering Quebec’s postsecondary education system and will remain in effect until February 26, 2026.
According to the new policy, each designated learning institution (DLI) in Quebec has been assigned a maximum quota of study permit applications it can support annually. Once these caps are reached, the institutions will not be able to admit additional international students unless they meet specific exemption criteria.
The total provincial allocation has been set at 63,299 permits for universities across Quebec for the period between February 26, 2025, and February 26, 2026. Major institutions such as Université de Montréal (8,709), Université Laval (8,276), Université du Québec à Montréal (7,674), Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (7,674), and Concordia University (5,233) have received sizeable allocations. In contrast, smaller or specialized institutions, such as the Montreal Conservatory of Dramatic Arts and Presbyterian College, have received no allocation.
Certain groups are exempt from the cap, including international students who apply before February 26, 2025, those extending their study permits in the same program, children of temporary workers or international students, primary and secondary school applicants, and students under humanitarian protections. Additionally, those selected under Quebec’s Excellence Scholarship Program or admitted to specific health sector training programs may also continue to apply regardless of the cap.
To be eligible to study in Quebec, international students must first apply to MIFI for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). Once this is approved, they can then apply to the federal government for a Canadian study permit. This dual-approval process remains unchanged under the new rules.
The implementation of application caps reflects Quebec’s effort to balance the province’s educational ecosystem, ensure integration support for international students, and align postsecondary intake with regional labor and immigration strategies.
For prospective students, this change means planning ahead is more critical than ever. Early application submissions and choosing institutions with higher quotas may improve chances of study permit approval.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on evolving immigration and educational policies across Canadian provinces.