The recent adoption of Bill 74 (B74), which modifies the regulation of international students in Quebec, has sparked significant concern within the academic community.
By granting the government the authority to limit the number of international students, the new law raises critical questions about the future of university autonomy and Quebec’s appeal as a destination for study. This issue extends beyond legislative reform; it is about defending the core principles of our universities’ mission to serve the public interest.
At the center of this controversy, the Fédération québécoise des professeures et professeurs d’université (FQPPU) is raising the alarm. In a compelling report (in French only), we emphasize the vital role of international students in Quebec and propose solutions to protect their contributions, which are crucial for the vitality of our universities.
Table of contents
Critical Issues with the New Law
The number of international students in Quebec institutions has significantly increased over the past decade, establishing the province as a preferred destination for talent worldwide. However, the adoption of Bill 74 could have serious consequences:
- Undermining University Autonomy: By centralizing admission decisions, the government limits universities’ ability to meet local, national, and international needs.
- Threat to Program Viability: In francophone or regional universities such as UQAM, UQAC, or UQTR, international students play a crucial role in the survival of many programs.
- Decreased International Appeal: By restricting international admissions, Quebec sends a mixed message about its openness to international researchers, which could deter top talent from collaborating with local scholars.
✊ Learn more: all the details of our opposition to Bill 74.
International Students in Quebec: A Vital Asset
International students are more than just numbers in statistics; they are invaluable contributors to our universities.
- Stabilizing Enrollment: As local enrollment rates decline, international students help sustain the viability of programs, especially in francophone universities and rural areas.
- A crucial financial lever: In the 2024–2025 academic year, international students’ tuition accounted for over 75% of new funding announced by the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur. This significantly contributes to the financial stability of our institutions.
- Global reach: These students enhance Quebec’s worldwide presence and promote research and innovation by bringing diverse perspectives.
🗣️ Learn more: The Table des partenaire universitaire explains why the new Politique québécoise de financement des universités does not address the current challenges of higher education.
3 Recommendations to Ensure Their Contribution
- Protect a Recruitment Baseline
Establishing minimum number of international admissions is necessary for maintaining academic diversity and ensuring program stability. This especially applies to universities, where international students play a crucial role. - Preserve University Autonomy
Each institution must retain control over its admissions process. The ability to make decisions that align with the institution’s goals and collegial governance is crucial for upholding our universities’ public interest mission. - Implement a Consultation Process
A structured dialogue involving universities, faculty unions, student associations, and all relevant stakeholders is necessary. This would ensure transparency in government decisions and their grounding in real-world contexts.
📚 Learn more: university autonomy is one of the ten fundamental principles of FQPPU.
A Call to Action: Stay the Course
International students represent more than a financial asset for higher education in Quebec; they are essential for sustaining our universities and maintaining a diverse range of program offerings in the face of significant demographic decline.
Madeleine Pastinelli
President of FQPPU
The adoption of Bill 74 is a wake-up call. We need the mobilization of all academic and social stakeholders to uphold the values of openness that define Quebec.
At FQPPU, we are dedicated to advocating for this cause and are determined to amplify the voices of professors on this critical issue. The current government has opted to implement potentially harmful legislative changes, disregarding the wishes of the academic community. We now invite the government to engage in meaningful collaboration to find balanced solutions that address the needs of those who work in our institutions daily.
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