Quebec Caps International Student Applications for the First Time

Publish Date: 27/02/2025

Quebec has announced a cap on international student applications for the first time, setting a maximum limit of 124,760 applications under the Foreign Student Program between February 26, 2025, and February 26, 2026.

Application Cap Breakdown

Post-Secondary Institutions	Maximum Applications
Vocational Training	32,261
Colleges	29,200
Universities	63,299
Total	124,760

This cap mainly reduces applications for vocational training and colleges, while university applications remain stable. The Quebec government aims to lower overall student enrollment and better manage incoming international students.

Who Is Exempt from the Cap?

The cap does not apply to:

Applications submitted before February 26, 2025
Students extending their studies in the same vocational program and institution
Dependent children of temporary foreign workers or students
Students applying for primary or secondary education
Those seeking protection under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Applicants in health-related supplementary training regulated by professional bodies
Students under the Excellence Scholarship Program for professional training

Quebec’s Immigration Strategy

Quebec’s Immigration Levels Plan 2025, expected in Q3 2025, will include temporary immigration targets for the first time. This cap allows the government to assess and adjust international student intake based on strategic needs and emerging trends.