British Columbia and Ontario have introduced new initiatives to enhance the integrity of postsecondary education at the provincial level. The government of Ontario has pledged to work with federal and industry partners to look into and intensify regulations aimed at dishonest recruiters who take advantage of foreign students by making exaggerated claims about job and citizenship prospects. Provinces’ determined efforts worldwide have resulted in the introduction of these initiatives to protect the integrity of post-secondary education. Canada’s provinces enhance integrity in global post-secondary education.
In order to guarantee that academic programs at provincial post-secondary institutions for international students are in line with the demands of Ontario’s job market, a number of new initiatives have been put in place. To ensure that high-inflow overseas programs are of a high caliber and meet the needs of the local workforce, Ontario intends to assess these programs.
In order to support advancements in academic results, the province also hopes to increase the response rate to student outcome surveys. Concurrently, the government of British Columbia is implementing policies aimed at improving the standard of post-secondary education provided to overseas students in the province.
One noteworthy move is to stop approving new Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in British Columbia for the next two years, ending in February 2026. After Ontario (529) and Quebec (443), British Columbia currently has the third-highest number of DLIs in Canada (276). Since DLIs are the only post-secondary institutions that accept international students, their admissions requirements vary by province because education is governed by provincial laws.
Review of private programs and institutions is underway
In order to guarantee that current collaborations uphold quality standards, Ontario is strengthening supervision systems and putting a stop to future public college-private partnerships.
Since IRCC announced its decision, collaborations between public and private colleges have come under increased scrutiny. After graduating, students participating in programs at private institutions affiliated with public colleges that have curriculum licensing agreements are no longer eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The substantial increase in international students enrolling in these programs over the past few years is what led to the IRCC’s decision. These partnerships have raised concerns over PGWP eligibility loopholes, as they undergo less scrutiny than public colleges.
British Columbia (B.C.) has announced that private degree programs will soon be the subject of reviews. The province highlights the importance of high standards for evaluating degree quality, as well as evidence of graduate labor market demand, adequate funding, and improved student assistance.
Students enrolling in private training schools in British Columbia must meet basic language requirements in order to meet these standards. With this step, incoming international students will be more prepared for their academic and professional experiences in the province.
Accommodations for students from abroad
Ontario has implemented a new legislation mandating that colleges and universities ensure the availability of housing options for incoming international students. This legislative move aligns with a recent pronouncement by the Canadian federal government, outlining the provision of low-cost loans specifically designated for both on- and off-campus student accommodation. The allocation of these loans is a crucial element of the restructuring of a $40 billion financing program for apartment development, a comprehensive initiative unveiled in the Fall 2023 Economic Statement.
Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities, underscored the significance of this development in a video shared on his Twitter account. He emphasized that the increased construction of student housing units would play a pivotal role in mitigating housing costs for residents in cities and towns characterized by a substantial student population, particularly during the academic year.
In recent times, the IRCC has made adequate housing for international students a major priority. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized that the recently imposed cap on the issuing of visas to foreign students is a calculated move meant to strengthen and maintain the program. With a focus on offering complete support, including accommodation, to international students upon their arrival in Canada, this cap aims to support the development of a more solid and long-lasting structure.
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