The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills in British Columbia has recently unveiled a set of measures aimed at enhancing the integrity of the province’s international student program. These new initiatives are designed to provide better protections and set higher standards for designated learning institutions (DLIs) in the region.
A key element of these measures is the introduction of the Education Quality Assurance (EQA) code of practice. The EQA has three main objectives, one of which is to cap international student enrollment at 30% of an institution’s total enrollment. This step is intended to ensure a balanced and sustainable approach to international student intake, contributing to the overall quality and reputation of the educational system in British Columbia.
The 30% cap on international student enrollment will apply only to British Columbia’s public designated learning institutions (DLIs), while private DLIs will not be affected. A representative from the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills indicated that many of the province’s 25 public post-secondary institutions already enroll fewer than 30% international students.
Regarding whether this cap is in addition to the current provincial limit on international students, based on the number of Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) issued, the Ministry did not provide a clear answer. However, it was noted that the distribution of attestation letters aims to support international student programs at public DLIs.
The Ministry will collaborate with institutions to allow time for adjustments in student recruitment strategies to meet the 30% target and address any financial impacts. Institutions are expected to use their international education strategic plans, as outlined in the new guidelines, to develop strategies to meet this threshold.
For 2024, British Columbia has received an allocation of 83,000 PALs. These letters confirm a student’s acceptance to a DLI in the province and are a new requirement for obtaining a study permit in Canada, as introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in response to the recently announced cap on the number of study permits processed over the next two years.
The allocation of Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) to provinces is based on population. British Columbia, as the third most populated province in Canada after Ontario and Quebec, receives a significant number of these letters. The distribution of PALs among designated learning institutions (DLIs) within the province is determined by the provincial government. In 2024, British Columbia will allocate 53% of its PALs to public post-secondary institutions and 47% to private institutions.
Transparency for International Students in British Columbia
British Columbia’s Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills has introduced new measures to improve the integrity of the province’s international student program. One significant initiative requires designated learning institutions (DLIs) to post tuition levels for the entire duration of a student’s program. This transparency will enable incoming students to understand the full cost of their education upfront, aiding them in budgeting for their life in Canada.
International students are crucial to Canada’s economy. A report by Global Affairs Canada revealed that international student spending in 2022 exceeded $37 billion. According to Statistics Canada, international undergraduate students paid an average of $38,081 in tuition for the 2023/2024 academic year. Currently, British Columbia hosts 111,900 international students in public institutions.
Meeting Standards in International Education
As part of the Education Quality Assurance (EQA) code of practice, British Columbia will require institutions to “meet or exceed the institutional quality assurance standards set by the province.” This mandate applies to both public and private institutions enrolling international students.
The standards include:
- Development of international education strategic plans
- Improved student services
- Housing supports
- Measures to ensure Indigenous and domestic students are not displaced
These requirements build on the International Framework Measures introduced by the province in January. These earlier measures included pausing the growth of the number of DLIs, increasing oversight of private institutions, and strengthening and publishing compliance and enforcement actions. The province views the new measures as Phase 2 of this initiative.
Institutions that adhere to the code will receive an EQA designation. Those failing to meet the EQA standards will lose their designation, rendering them ineligible to accept international students.
