The Québec government has set maximum application limits for international students seeking to study in the province for the next two years, effective today.
The order, published in the Gazette officielle du Québec, establishes caps on applications under the International Student Program from Dec. 17, 2025 to Dec. 16, 2027. The decision aims to preserve educational institutions while respecting maximum study permit holder numbers outlined in Québec’s immigration plan for 2026–2029, announced Nov. 6, 2025.
Application limits by institution type
The order sets maximums for each educational institution, school service centre and school board across two one-year periods. This timeline aligns with recruitment and admissions schedules at educational institutions.
Programs leading to protected Attestation of College Studies, Diploma of College Studies and university programs will maintain 2024 application levels for the next two years.
Private vocational training institutions face a 35 per cent reduction compared to actual applications received in 2024, capped at the 2025 maximum. Non-protected Attestation of College Studies programs will see a 75 per cent reduction based on 2024 applications, consistent with 2025 limits.
Exemptions and regional incentives
Applications for Certificate of Acceptance of Québec renewals are exempt from institutional maximums across all study levels. International students continuing the same program at the same level and institution will not count toward the caps. The government deducted a number of applications from the maximums to account for this exemption.
Public French-language vocational training institutions, school service centres and school boards in regions outside Montréal will receive a slight increase in maximum applications to encourage French-language studies.
The new order replaces the February 2025 order that covered the period from Feb. 26, 2025 to Feb. 26, 2026.
