British Columbia Introduces Legislation to Strengthen International Education Oversight

🎓 Understanding the New Post-Secondary International Education (Designated Institutions) Act

The British Columbia government has taken a significant step forward in safeguarding the quality of education for international students by introducing Bill 7, the Post-Secondary International Education (Designated Institutions) Act, on February 19, 2026. This landmark legislation formalizes the province's Education Quality Assurance (EQA) program, transforming what were previously policy guidelines into enforceable law. For international students—who must hold a study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to pursue post-secondary education in Canada—this means greater assurance that their chosen institution meets rigorous standards.

At its core, the Act establishes clear legal criteria for public and private post-secondary institutions to obtain and retain EQA designation. Only these designated institutions will be permitted to recruit, enroll, or deliver programs to students on study permits. This addresses long-standing concerns about 'bad actors'—low-quality providers that have exploited vulnerable students through substandard programs, misleading advertising, or inadequate support services. By prohibiting non-designated schools from engaging with study permit holders, the government aims to protect students' legal status in Canada and prevent disruptions to their academic journeys.

The move comes at a pivotal time. British Columbia's international education sector, which welcomes students from over 150 countries annually, has faced scrutiny amid federal caps on study permits. In 2026, BC's allocation stands at approximately 24,786 new permits, a sharp reduction from pre-cap levels that contributed billions to the provincial economy. Yet, with declining numbers straining public universities like the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and the University of Victoria (UVic), the focus shifts to quality over quantity.

Background: The Rise and Challenges of International Education in BC

International education has been a cornerstone of British Columbia's economy and cultural fabric. In recent years, the province hosted part of Canada's roughly 1 million international students, generating substantial revenue—estimated at over $4 billion annually before recent federal restrictions. Post-secondary institutions alone enroll hundreds of thousands, with international students comprising a vital revenue stream amid stagnant provincial funding for public schools.

However, rapid growth exposed vulnerabilities. Auditor General reports highlighted oversight gaps in K-12 international programs, such as offshore schools and Group 4 independent schools, where inadequate financial planning and compliance monitoring risked sudden closures. Similar issues plagued post-secondary private training institutions: strip-mall colleges offering dubious credentials, high-pressure sales tactics, and poor refund policies left students stranded, sometimes jeopardizing their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility—a key pathway to permanent residency.

Examples abound. Complaints to the BC Ombudsperson revealed institutions failing to deliver promised programs, leading to financial losses and deportation risks for students. Federal concerns over housing shortages and program integrity prompted the 2024 study permit cap, initially set at 360,000 nationally, further reduced for 2026. BC responded with Phase 1 measures in January 2024: a moratorium on new EQA designations until February 2027, tuition transparency at public institutions, and stricter private training standards.

These steps set the stage for Bill 7, codifying EQA to empower the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills with inspection authority, compliance orders, and designation revocations—complete with a transparent appeal process.

Key Provisions: What the Legislation Entails

The Act's provisions are straightforward yet transformative:

• Designation Requirements: Institutions must demonstrate adherence to EQA standards, including financial stability, program quality, student supports, and ethical recruitment. Annual reapplications ensure ongoing compliance.
• Enforcement Mechanisms: Government inspectors can audit operations, issue corrective orders, and cancel designations for violations, halting international enrollment.
• Bans on Non-Compliance: Undesignated schools cannot advertise or enroll study permit students, with penalties for evasion.
• Code of Practice Integration: Updated in 2025, this mandates housing assistance, mental health resources, and alignment with federal PGWP field-of-study rules.

For context, EQA designation is mandatory for all post-secondary providers hosting study permit students (except short-term visitors under six months). The registry lists hundreds of approved institutions, from major universities to specialized language schools. Prospective students can verify status via the official EQA registry.

Impacts on Institutions: Opportunities and Obligations

Public institutions like UBC and SFU, already EQA-designated, face minimal disruption but must adapt to tighter federal allocations—BC allocates one-third to private schools to balance capacity. Private providers, however, bear the brunt: the moratorium blocks new entrants, while existing ones invest in compliance amid revenue dips from 60% fewer arrivals in 2025.

Positive outcomes include enhanced reputation. Designated schools gain access to the federally trademarked EQA brand, signaling quality to global recruiters. Institutions preparing for audits might bolster services like orientation programs or career advising, aligning with BC's new enrolment guidelines that cap growth based on infrastructure.

Explore higher education jobs in BC's compliant institutions, where demand grows for compliance officers and international student advisors.

Benefits for International Students: Enhanced Protections and Peace of Mind

For students eyeing BC's stunning campuses amid mountains and oceans, the Act delivers tangible safeguards. No more enrolling at ghost schools risking permit revocation. The EQA Code requires clear contracts, refund policies (up to 100% pre-start), and support for emergencies—crucial in a province where housing pressures peaked pre-cap.

Actionable steps: Before applying, confirm DLI status on IRCC's list and EQA designation. Budget for tuition transparency—averaging $41,746 CAD for undergrads in 2025/26—and explore scholarships via AcademicJobs.com resources. Post-grad, PGWP eligibility hinges on approved programs, now better assured.

Challenges persist: Federal caps mean competitive Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs), issued to eligible schools. Yet, quality-focused policies position BC as a premier destination.

Broader Context: Federal Caps and Provincial Responses

Bill 7 complements federal reforms. IRCC's 2026 cap of 408,000 study permits (155,000 new) follows 2025's 60% drop, prompting university layoffs and program cuts. BC's review of public post-secondary sustainability, launched November 2025, eyes long-term funding amid $300 million revenue shortfalls.

Stakeholders welcome oversight amid strain. Minister Jessie Sunner emphasized: “International students deserve the quality education they were promised.” Early reactions on platforms like LinkedIn praise student protections, though private sectors urge balanced enforcement. Learn more via the official press release or BC Council for International Education.

Photo by Mario Mendez on Unsplash

Future Outlook: A Sustainable Path Forward

Looking ahead, the Act fosters a mature sector. Institutions prioritizing ethics will thrive, attracting discerning students despite caps. BC's strategic plans mandate labour-market-aligned programs, boosting graduate employability in fields like tech and sustainability.

For career aspirants, this signals stability. Check professor ratings at BC schools on Rate My Professor or browse university jobs and career advice. Share your insights in the comments—your experiences shape higher ed discourse.

In summary, British Columbia's legislation reaffirms commitment to excellence, protecting students while navigating economic shifts. Visit higher-ed-jobs for opportunities or post a job to connect with talent.