Students gathered outside the Collège supérieur de Montréal on Sunday, July 19, to protest the sudden closure of four Quebec private colleges after the provincial government declined to renew permits covering their educational activities.
The disruption has left nearly 900 international students uncertain about graduation, transfers, tuition and immigration status. Some were only weeks away from completing their programs when they learned their schools could no longer continue the affected classes.
Which Quebec private colleges are affected?
The institutions required to suspend affected activities are:
- Collège supérieur de Montréal
- Collège supérieur de Sherbrooke
- Collège de Technologie Véritas
- Collège Herzing’s vocational-training division
The Herzing decision applies to its vocational component. It does not necessarily mean every Herzing program or college operation has closed.
Quebec requires private educational institutions to hold valid permits for the programs they deliver. The Education Ministry decided not to renew the relevant permits, preventing the colleges from continuing those services.
The ministry has not publicly explained the specific reason for each non-renewal. Students therefore know why classes stopped from a regulatory perspective, but not what findings or institutional problems led to the government’s decisions.
Students were close to graduation
The colleges informed students about the closures a little more than a week before Sunday’s protest. The demonstration included international students whose academic and immigration plans were immediately disrupted.
Ouazar Ghenima, an Algerian student at the Collège supérieur de Montréal, needed only one examination and an internship to complete her medical secretary program.
She said students were shocked because they had made plans believing they were about to graduate and move to the next stage of their lives. They are now waiting without knowing when or where they can finish.
Ghenima’s study permit expires at the end of August. That gives her limited time to find another institution, obtain admission and submit any immigration applications required to protect her status.
What transfer assistance has Quebec offered?
Quebec’s Education Ministry contacted students in the days following the closure announcements and proposed alternative ways for them to complete their studies.
Transfers have not been straightforward. Ghenima contacted several schools, but some did not respond during the summer holiday. Another indicated that she might not be able to enrol until halfway through the fall term.
Affected students need written answers to several questions before accepting a transfer:
- Does the new institution offer the same or an equivalent program?
- Will all completed courses and examinations be recognized?
- Will internship or practical-training hours transfer?
- When can the student resume classes?
- Will additional tuition or administrative fees apply?
- Will the transfer change the expected graduation date?
- Is the replacement program eligible for a post-graduation work permit?
A new letter of acceptance does not automatically guarantee that all credits will transfer. Students should obtain an official transcript and a written assessment from the receiving institution.
What happens to international students’ status?
Quebec’s Immigration Ministry confirmed that international students will need to submit a new request to maintain their status. It said processing would be adapted to the circumstances, but no blanket extension covering every affected student was announced in the information available Sunday.
Students changing post-secondary institutions generally need to apply for a new federal study permit. The replacement school must be a designated learning institution, and students should follow IRCC’s official instructions for changing schools.
Students may also need a new or updated Quebec Acceptance Certificate, depending on their circumstances. Those whose programs include mandatory internships or co-op placements should confirm whether they need a new co-op work permit.
Simply contacting another college, receiving a verbal offer or submitting a transfer request may not be enough to maintain immigration status. Students approaching an expiry date should obtain advice based on their individual documents and submit complete applications before the applicable deadline. A broader overview of the country’s policy changes is available in this guide to Canadian immigration, student and worker rules for 2026.
Could the closure affect post-graduation work permits?
A delayed graduation could postpone a student’s ability to apply for a post-graduation work permit. Eligibility is not based only on receiving a diploma; the institution, program, study history and other federal conditions also matter.
Students should confirm that any replacement program is eligible before transferring. Moving to an unsuitable program could create additional problems even if previously completed credits are accepted.
The disruption comes as Canada’s international education system is already adjusting to tighter limits, including the changes examined in the report on the international student permit cap affecting Canadian colleges.
What about tuition refunds?
No comprehensive refund plan covering every affected student had been publicly detailed by Sunday. Refund eligibility may depend on the institution, program contract, completed portion of the course and transfer arrangement offered.
Students should preserve tuition receipts, enrolment agreements, bank records and correspondence. They should ask the college in writing whether unused tuition will be refunded or transferred to the replacement institution and request a deadline for receiving that money.
Read More:
- Matura 2026 results: ZIU reports 81.1% pass rate and score highlights
- Australia visa fees increase from July 2026: New charges explained
- Visit the Swikblog homepage for more latest news
Why first-time graduates face greater risk
Ghenima said she is in a relatively fortunate position because this would have been her second diploma. Her earlier qualification may allow her to apply to work in Quebec.
Some classmates expected to receive their first diploma this summer and do not have that alternative. Failure to finish on schedule could delay employment, a work-permit application or another immigration pathway.
What affected students should do now
- Request an official transcript and proof of completed internship hours.
- Keep copies of tuition receipts, contracts and closure notices.
- Ask the ministry which approved schools offer an equivalent program.
- Obtain written confirmation of accepted credits and additional costs.
- Check the new institution and program’s immigration eligibility.
- Review the expiry dates on the study permit, CAQ and co-op permit.
- Keep evidence of every application and government communication.
Quebec Solidaire lawmakers Guillaume Cliche-Rivard and Andrés Fontecilla have asked Immigration Minister François Bonnardel to introduce clear protections. They argue that students enrolled while the colleges were recognized, paid their fees and followed the rules, and should not bear the consequences of institutional problems.
Students are still awaiting firm answers about permit-renewal reasons, guaranteed placements, credit recognition, refunds, internships and whether immigration deadlines will receive additional flexibility.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
