New Study Permit Allocations for International Students in Quebec (2025)

On March 3, 2025, the Ministry of Immigration and Francisation of Quebec (MIFI) announced new allocations for the acceptance of international students at higher education institutions in Quebec. According to this announcement, each university in Quebec can accept a specific number of study permit applications between February 26, 2025, and February 26, 2026.

Study Permit Allocations for Quebec Universities (2025)

Here’s a breakdown of the maximum number of study permit applications each university in Quebec can accept for the stated period:

• Université de Montréal: 8,709 applications

• Université Laval: 8,276 applications

• Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM): 7,674 applications

• Université du Québec à Chicoutimi: 7,674 applications

• Université du Québec à Ottawa: 4,057 applications

• Université du Québec à Rimouski: 3,638 applications

• Université du Québec à Abitibi-Témiscamingue: 1,614 applications

• Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières: 2,238 applications

• Université du Québec à Sherbrooke: 2,916 applications

• Concordia University: 5,233 applications

• McGill University: 5,131 applications

• Bishop’s University: 356 applications

• Polytechnique Montreal: 844 applications

• École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS): 3,609 applications

• HEC Montréal: 1,586 applications

• Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS): 349 applications

• TÉLUQ (Université du Québec à distance): 30 applications

• Presbyterian College: 0 applications

• Montreal Theological Institute: 0 applications

• Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique de Montréal: 0 applications

• École nationale d’administration publique (ENAP): 0 applications

• Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique de Québec: 0 applications

Impact of Allocation Limits on Study Permit Applications

These new allocations mean that once a university reaches the maximum number of applications permitted, no further international student admissions will be possible, except in exceptional cases. These limits are in place until February 26, 2026.

Exceptions to the Allocation Limits

Certain individuals may still be eligible to apply, even if the university has reached its allocation limit:

• Students who submitted their study permit applications before February 26, 2025.

• Those requesting a study permit extension for continuing the same program at the same institution.

• Dependent children of temporary foreign workers or international students in Quebec.

• Applicants for primary or secondary education programs.

• Individuals seeking protection under specific sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

• Applicants accepted by a professional body for a training program in healthcare.

• Individuals selected under the Excellence Scholarship Program for Foreign Students.

• Holders of certificates issued under the Quebec government protocol.

The Process of Applying for a Study Permit in Quebec

International students wishing to study in Quebec must follow two main steps:

1. Receiving the Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ): The CAQ is a document from the Government of Quebec that authorizes a student to study in the province. The steps to obtain the CAQ include:

   • Prepare Documents: A valid passport, acceptance letter from a Quebec institution, and a valid credit card for payment.

   • Create an Account on Arrima: Register on the Arrima platform to pay fees and upload required documents.

   • Complete the Online Form: The form must be filled out completely in one sitting.

   • Pay the Application Fee: The processing fee for the CAQ application is CAD 132.

   • Submit Documents: Submit all required documents via the Arrima platform.

2. Apply for a Study Permit from the Federal Government of Canada: After obtaining the CAQ, applicants must then apply for a study permit through the federal government.