The government of British Columbia has decided to stop accepting new applications from international students at new post-secondary institutions for the next two years. The goal is to eliminate exploitative practices and enhance the quality of education in the province. Selina Robinson, B.C.’s Minister for Post-Secondary Education, stated that the pause will allow the government to establish higher standards and greater accountability for educational institutions. The move aims to prevent the exploitation of international students and ensure that institutions meet provincial standards before enrolling them. This temporary pause will be in effect until February 2026.
In the future, the provincial government plans to conduct more frequent inspections of private post-secondary institutions. Private degree programs will need to meet higher approval standards, and there will be minimum language requirements to support international students’ learning. Additionally, public post-secondary institutions will be required to disclose tuition levels for the entire duration of students’ studies. B.C. Premier David Eby emphasized the importance of correcting issues in the international education system, acknowledging its crucial role in the province’s social and economic fabric.
There are approximately 545,000 post-secondary students in B.C., including domestic and international students in both public and private sectors. Out of these, more than 175,000 are international post-secondary students from over 150 countries. The changes have been considered a positive step by the B.C. Federation of Students, representing over 170,000 individuals enrolled at universities, colleges, and institutes. They highlight the need to protect international students, avoid using foreign students’ tuition as a budget solution, and ensure essential student services are not compromised. The province will work with public schools to set expectations for maximum international student enrolment levels, aiming to promote a more diverse and integrated student body.
The new standards for institutions will include higher assessment criteria for degree quality, demonstrated labor-market need for graduates, and appropriate resources and student support. Robinson emphasized the importance of clear communication of full tuition costs to international students by public post-secondary institutions throughout their entire study period.
Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller said the limit would reduce the number of new student visas by 35 percent for this year.
