The Quebec government has announced a cap on the number of international students who can be admitted to its universities. These limits will be in place until February 26, 2026.
Once a university reaches its maximum number of applications, it will not be able to accept more international students, unless they meet specific exemption criteria.
These new limits do not apply to students who:
- Applied for their study permit before February 26, 2025
- Are extending their study permit for the same vocational program
- Are dependent children of a temporary foreign worker or international student in Quebec
- Are applying to elementary or secondary school
- Are seeking refugee protection
- Have been admitted to specialized health sector training
- Have been selected under the Excellence Scholarship Program
- Hold a Quebec government certificate under a special protocol
Study Permit Limits for Quebec Universities
Quebec has set a total limit of 63,299 study permit applications across all universities for the next year (February 26, 2025 – February 26, 2026). Below are some of the major universities and their caps:
- University of Montreal – 8,709 permits
- Laval University – 8,276 permits
- University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) – 7,674 permits
- University of Quebec in Chicoutimi – 7,674 permits
- Concordia University – 5,233 permits
- McGill University – 5,131 permits
- University of Quebec in Outaouais – 4,057 permits
- University of Quebec in Rimouski – 3,638 permits
- University of Quebec in Sherbrooke – 2,916 permits
Some institutions, such as the Montreal Conservatory of Dramatic Arts and the Montreal Institute of Theological Training, have been allocated zero study permits.
How to Apply for a Study Permit in Quebec
If you want to study in Quebec, you need two approvals:
- A Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) – Issued by the Quebec government
- A Study Permit – Issued by the federal government
Steps to Apply for a CAQ
- Prepare Your Documents:
- A valid passport
- An admission letter from a Quebec university
- A credit card for application fee payment
- (If applicable) Financial details from a sponsor
- Create an Account on Arrima:
- Arrima is the online system for immigration applications in Quebec.
- Complete the Online Application:
- This form must be filled out in one session (progress cannot be saved).
- Pay the Application Fee:
- The CAQ fee is $132 CAD (non-refundable).
- Payment must be completed within one hour after submitting the form.
- Submit Required Documents:
- Photocopy of passport (identity pages)
- Letter of admission from the university
- Proof of financial support
- Submit documents in PDF format via the Arrima platform
- Wait for Processing:
- CAQ applications typically take 25 working days.
Once you receive your CAQ, you can then apply for a Canadian Study Permit from the federal government.
1. Can I apply for a study permit if I missed the cap?
If your chosen university has already reached its limit, you will not be able to apply unless you meet one of the exemption criteria.
2. How long does it take to get a CAQ?
The processing time is around 25 working days once all documents are submitted.
3. Do I need a CAQ for all study programs in Quebec?
Yes, except for elementary and secondary school students, who are exempt.
4. What happens if my CAQ application is rejected?
You will receive a reason for the refusal. You can correct any issues and reapply or appeal the decision if applicable.
5. How much does it cost to apply for a CAQ?
The CAQ application fee is $132 CAD. This fee is non-refundable even if your application is denied.
6. Can I work while studying in Quebec?
Yes! International students in Quebec can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during breaks.
7. What is a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)?
A PAL is similar to a CAQ in other provinces. It confirms that an international student’s acceptance counts towards Quebec’s study permit cap.
Final Thoughts
Quebec’s new study permit caps mean international students must apply as soon as possible to secure a spot. Be sure to check with your chosen university about their remaining available permits before applying.
Want to study in Canada? Ask Kubeir can help! Contact us today for expert guidance on studying in Quebec or anywhere in Canada.