French Language Commissioner Proposes 15% International Student Cap

In an effort to enhance the integration of international students, French Language Commissioner Benoît Dubreuil has proposed a cap of 15 per cent on the proportion of foreign students at each CEGEP, college, and university in Quebec. Currently, international students make up an average of 13 per cent of the student body in these institutions, though some schools, such as Collège Ellis and LaSalle College in Montreal, report significantly higher numbers.

Dubruiel presented his recommendations in a report submitted to the National Assembly on March 6, 2024. He expressed concerns that institutions with high levels of international students often prioritize recruitment over integration, leading to situations where these students study in Quebec for a few years without meaningful interaction with their local peers. “For us, this runs counter to the objectives of the Charter of the French Language,” Dubreuil stated, emphasizing the importance of not only promoting the use of French but also fostering adherence to Quebec culture.

The report notes that while a cap is recommended, exceptions could be made in specific circumstances. For instance, schools in less populated areas such as Baie-Comeau, Matane, or Saint-Félicien may require a higher percentage of international students to sustain their program offerings. Additionally, Dubreuil suggested that graduate students, whose numbers have remained “moderate and stable,” might be excluded from the proposed cap.

Quebec currently has approximately 630,000 students enrolled, with 80,000 being international students. Dubreuil remarked that while this number is not excessive, it is essential to “reallocate” those students to promote greater diversity across campuses. He has also noted a significant rise in the number of African students in Quebec over recent years and recommended better preparation for these students before their arrival to prevent negative experiences that could reinforce biases.

The report has received a positive response from Quebec’s Higher Education Minister Martine Biron, who found the proposal intriguing and stated she would review it further. Her colleague, Jean-François Roberge, responsible for the French language, echoed her sentiments, highlighting that diversity should also encompass the presence of Quebec residents.

As discussions around the integration of international students continue, Dubreuil’s recommendations aim to balance the needs of foreign students with the cultural and linguistic objectives of Quebec, ensuring that educational institutions remain environments conducive to both academic growth and social integration.