New Oversight for International Student Programs

Summary#

• This bill creates a new “designation” system for colleges and other post‑secondary schools that want to teach international students in British Columbia. Schools must be officially designated to advertise to, enroll, or teach students who need a study permit.

• The goal is to raise quality, protect students from misleading recruitment, and keep B.C.’s reputation strong.

• Key changes:

  • Schools need a designation certificate before they can market to or enroll international students.
  • An administrator sets standards and rules, can inspect schools, and can act if a school falls short (including canceling a designation).
  • Clear criteria focus on student safety, services, honest information, and steady delivery of programs.
  • A public online directory will list designated and former designated schools.
  • The government can set rules for education agents (recruiters) and how much in‑person learning is required.
  • Existing EQA‑designated schools are carried over into the new system until their current term ends.

What it means for you#

• International students

  • You will need to choose a designated school. You can check an online list to confirm status.
  • Schools must give clear, easy‑to‑find information about programs, costs, supports, and the learning experience.
  • The government can set a minimum share of in‑person classes. This may limit fully online study.
  • Recruiters and ads must be honest. Hard‑sell or misleading tactics are banned.
  • If a school loses its designation, it must tell you. You can usually finish your current program at that school, but it cannot take new international students.

• Domestic students

  • Little direct change. Some schools may adjust program delivery (for example, more in‑person classes) or student services to meet new rules.

• Schools and training providers

  • You must apply for and keep a designation to advertise to, enroll, or teach international students.
  • Sole proprietorships and partnerships cannot be designated. A minimum operating history may be required.
  • You will pay application and administrative fees and follow administrator rules (such as minimum in‑person teaching and required policies).
  • Expect inspections during business hours and requests for records. The administrator can impose conditions, issue orders, or cancel your designation, and may bar re‑application for up to three years.
  • Collaborations with non‑designated partners are allowed, but your school must teach at least a minimum share and ensure the program meets all requirements.
  • You may use a government “designation mark” in marketing if you follow the rules.

• Education agents (recruiters)

  • The government can set rules on how schools use agents, such as contracts, conduct standards, and record‑keeping. Schools are judged on their recruitment practices, including agent behavior.

• Communities and employers

  • A stronger quality bar may improve student outcomes and B.C.’s reputation.
  • Some smaller or lower‑quality programs may reduce international intake or exit the market if they cannot meet the standards.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Raises quality and student safety by requiring clear information, minimum services, and a positive learning environment.
• Cracks down on misleading ads and aggressive recruitment, including through third‑party agents.
• Increases transparency with a public directory and the ability to publish enforcement actions.
• Gives officials tools to act quickly (inspections, orders, injunctions) to prevent harm.
• Protects B.C.’s reputation as a trusted place to study, which supports the sector and local economies.
• Ensures consistency by replacing the older EQA system with a modern, enforceable designation.

Opponents' View#

• Adds red tape and costs for schools, which may be passed on to students through higher tuition or fees.
• Gives the administrator broad discretion, including subjective tests like “reputation,” which could create uncertainty.
• Allows inspections without a warrant during business hours and wider sharing of personal information, raising privacy and due process concerns.
• The appeal does not pause decisions, so a school could face serious disruption even if it later wins an appeal.
• Bans on sole proprietorships and stricter rules may squeeze small or niche providers, reducing program choice and local economic activity.
• Limits on online delivery and collaboration rules could reduce flexibility for students and partners.