University Leaders Call for Safeguarding Graduate and Postgraduate Programs

Significant Decline in International Applications Reported by Quebec Universities

According to The Canadian Press, admissions from international students are declining at some Quebec universities. This trend follows concerns over potential caps on international student numbers. While Minister Jean-François Roberge assured that regional programs would be protected, many advocates have called to safeguard graduate and postgraduate programs, which are crucial for Quebec's research. The minister's office confirmed that a decree to establish these caps would be adopted soon, but it declined to clarify whether second- and third-cycle programs would be exempt.

Data from the Institut de la Statistique du Québec shows that international students make up 18.4% of Quebec’s total university population, with over half enrolled in graduate programs. The INRS, part of the Université du Québec, stands out with 67% international students. Compared to the previous year, spokesperson Julie Robert reported a 32% drop in international applications for Fall 2024. She linked this decline to Canadian government decisions and expressed concern that potential Quebec quotas could further discourage international students, thereby harming the region's research competitiveness.

The Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, with 2,750 international students (37.8% of its total population), has steadily grown due to successful recruitment efforts. However, director Marie-Karlynn Laflamme reported a significant decline in international applications following announcements from Ottawa and Quebec City regarding visa reductions. While exact figures will be available later, Laflamme confirmed that the university anticipates a decrease in registrations.

Since the fall, admission applications have significantly declined at the École de Technologie supérieure (ÉTS), which has 3,000 international students (33.3% of the total population). Jean-Alexandre D’Etcheverry, director of public affairs, anticipates a 30-40% drop for the winter session, attributing it to uncertainty surrounding the issue. He also expressed concern over future registration declines. The École nationale d’administration publique (ÉNAP), which has nearly 2,000 students with 29.5% international students, declined to comment on Minister Roberge's potential admissions cap. Reports indicated a decrease in applications, though data was unavailable. At McGill University, nearly 10,800 international students make up 29% of the total population, but the Media Relations Office stated that they do not typically disclose admission application figures.

However, McGill University, along with the Universités de Montréal, de Sherbrooke, and Laval, expressed concerns about Bill 74 in a joint brief. They argued that Quebec’s decades-old appeal to international students could be harmed by potential reductions in international student numbers, which they warned could have long-term negative effects. École Polytechnique, with over 2,600 international students making up 27.7% of its population, is seeing a significant decline in admission applications for Fall 2025. Christian Merciari expressed concern that continued decreases could impact research and innovation programs, emphasizing the uncertainty as the March 1 application deadline approaches. Merciari highlighted the crucial role of international students in research and teaching, noting that nearly 60% of master’s and 70% of doctoral students at Polytechnique Montréal are international. CEO Maud Cohen, in a public statement, emphasized that international students contribute significantly to research, with 75% choosing to settle in Quebec. She warned that restricting their access could lead major universities to limit admissions for Quebec students.

Luc-Alain Giraldeau of INRS emphasized that international students attract top faculty and researchers, fostering discoveries in Quebec. Jean-Alexandre D’Etcheverry from ÉTS warned that declining international admissions could limit the supply of engineers for Quebec's projects, particularly in applied research with businesses, especially at the graduate level. Quebec's Chief Scientist, Rémi Quirion, expressed concern in an opinion piece, highlighting that his lab's success in mental health and neurodegenerative research relied on foreign students. He urged maintaining or increasing international student numbers, particularly in fields like life sciences, engineering, and aerospace and suggested excluding master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral students from any restrictions.

Universities are concerned about the financial impact of reducing international students, as they pay significantly higher tuition fees than Quebec students. For example, at INRS, international students pay $9,636 to $12,048 per term, compared to $1,644 for Quebec students. At ÉTS, international students pay $34,460 for a bachelor’s degree, and $20,290 to $25,600 for a master's, while Quebec students pay far less. Although doctoral students pay $4,670, government scholarships cover the difference, ensuring full tuition is received.

At ÉNAP, Quebec students pay $1,980 per term, while international students pay between $7,723 and $10,292, depending on the program. This financial gap raises concerns for universities with large international populations, as they anticipate revenue shortfalls. McGill University, for example, announced on February 10 that it would make significant cuts due to the expected decrease in international students.

Marie-Karlynn Laflamme from UQAC pointed out that they are currently assessing the impact of a potential drop in international students on their 2025-26 budget and programs. She suggested that programs with insufficient enrollment could be at risk of being cut, despite Minister Roberge’s promises to protect regional programs. In summary, the potential cap on international students poses a significant challenge to Quebec's universities, potentially impacting their research capabilities and financial stability.

Editor's Note:

The decline in international student admissions at some Quebec universities raises significant concerns for the future of the region's higher education and research sectors. Despite assurances from Minister Jean-François Roberge regarding the protection of regional programs, the uncertainty surrounding potential caps on international student numbers has led to a noticeable drop in applications. International students play a critical role in supporting research, innovation, and financial stability at universities. Quebec needs to find a balanced approach that maintains its attractiveness to international students while addressing the challenges posed by these potential restrictions. 

Skoobuzz thinks that as the discussion progresses, it is imperative to consider the long-term implications for the province's academic and research landscape.