Quebec announces student allocations for its universities

The Québec Ministry of Immigration and Francization (MIFI) has announced study permit allocations for Quebec postsecondary institutions.

These educational institutions will now be limited as to how many new international students they can accept, via the announced caps on study permit applications. These new regulations are planned to be in force until 26 February 2026.

Once the maximum number of applications is reached by an educational institution, they will no longer be able to admit more international students who do not meet one of the application management allocation exemptions.

These allocations do not apply to students who submitted their study permit application before 26 February 2025, nor to study permit applicants who are

• Applying to extend their study permit and continue their studies in the same vocational program that they were initially admitted to;
• Dependent children of a temporary foreign worker or international student in Quebec;
• Submitting an application to study at the primary or secondary school level;
• Making an application for protection under certain sections (b) or (c) of section 95(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (SC 2001, c. 27);
• Admitted to a supplementary training program by a professional authority in the health sector;
• Applying for professional training after having been selected under the Excellence Scholarship Program for Foreign Students; or
• Holders of a certificate issued by the Quebec government protocol.

This article will cover

• Allocations for Quebec’ s universities; and
• The standard application process to be approved for a study permit in Quebec.

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What are the allocations for Quebec’s universities?

The total allocation of study permit applications for all Quebec universities for the next year is 63,299.

The following table breaks down the number of study permit applications that each university may support, for the period between 26 February 2025, and 26 February 2026:

University	Maximum number of requests
Advanced Technology Bar School	3,609
Bishop's University	356
Concordia University	5,233
HEC Montreal	1,586
Laval University	8,276
McGill University	5,131
Montreal Conservatory of Dramatic Arts	0
Montreal Institute of Theological Training	0
National Institute of Scientific Research	349
National School of Public Administration Montreal Polytechnic School	844
Presbyterian College	0
Quebec Conservatory of Dramatic Arts School of	0
Tele-university	30
University of Montreal	8,709
University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue	1,614
University of Quebec in Chicoutimi	7,674
University of Quebec in Montreal	7,674
University of Quebec in Outaouais	4,057
University of Quebec in Rimouski	3,638
University of Quebec in Sherbrooke	2,916
University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières	2,238

What is the application process to be approved to study in Quebec?

International students who study in Quebec must apply to both the MIFI (for a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)), and then to the federal government, to receive a study permit and begin their studies in the province.

A CAQ is the Quebec government's official document to denote that a foreign national has been selected to study in Quebec, and met all necessary requirements to do so. These documents also function like Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) in that they indicate that the acceptance of an international student will count towards the province's overall allocation of study permits.

Applications for a CAQ are usually processed within 25 working days.

To obtain a CAQ, applicants can follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Application

CAQ Applicants should ensure they have a

• Valid passport;
• Admission letter from their institution in Quebec (including program details and tuition fees); and
• Valid credit card for payment.

If applicable, they may also need to submit

• Contact information for the person covering their expenses; and
• Details of their authorized representative.

2. Create an Account in Arrima

Applicants must set up an account on the Arrima platform using their full legal name (matching the details on the application). This account will allow them to pay the application fee and submit the required documents.

3. Complete the Online Application

Applicants need to fill out the online application form for temporary selection for studies in one sitting, as progress cannot be saved.

Applicants may also create a consultation profile to receive updates on the status of their application.

4. Pay the Application Fee

After submitting the application, applicants must log in to Arrima to pay the application fee within one hour. The current processing fee for a CAQ is $132.

The application will not be processed until payment is received. Fees are non-refundable.

5. Prepare and Submit Documents

After payment, applicants must gather the required documents based on their country’s specific requirements. They will receive a file number within 48 hours of paying their fees, and will need this file number to submit their documents.

Needed documents to apply for a CAQ typically include

• A photocopy of the identity pages of an applicant's passport;
• A letter of admission from an eligible Quebec educational institution; and
• Proof of financial capacity.

All documents must be legible, complete, and accurate. If multiple pages are required, applicants are advised by MIFI to scan them into one PDF file.

6. Submit Documents on Arrima

Applicants must log in to their Arrima account and follow the platform’s instructions to upload the necessary documents.

Applicants who live in the following territories must also submit proof to the MIFI directly, of their financial capacity:

• Austria.
• Canada.
• The United States.
• France.
• Greenland.
• Hong Kong.
• Reunion Island.
• Monaco.
• Mexico.
• Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

Applicants living in other territories will have their financial capacity assessed by the federal government, according to the Quebec government criteria.

Once applicants complete the above process and receive a CAQ, they may apply to the federal government for a Canadian study permit.

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