For hundreds of international students in Quebec, what should have been one of the happiest moments of their lives has turned into a nightmare.
Only days before graduation, Collège Supérieur de Montréal was ordered to cease operations after losing its authorization to operate, leaving students shocked and uncertain about what comes next. Many had already completed nearly all of their coursework and were preparing to receive their diplomas when the unexpected decision brought everything to a standstill.
The Quebec Ministry of Education said the institution failed to meet mandatory requirements, prompting officials to revoke its permit. Authorities stressed that the decision was made to protect students, safeguard the quality of education, and ensure that those affected have an opportunity to complete their academic programs elsewhere.
To reduce the impact on students, the provincial government has announced a transition plan. Under the arrangement, eligible students will be able to transfer to designated public school boards to finish their diploma programs without paying additional tuition fees.
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The college, however, disputes the government’s decision. In a statement to students, school officials expressed disappointment with the ruling, arguing that it does not accurately reflect the institution’s circumstances or the efforts made to satisfy the ministry’s requirements.
The closure is the latest in a series of challenges involving private colleges in Quebec. Over recent years, several institutions have faced increased government scrutiny over governance, compliance, and educational standards, resulting in multiple closures across the province.
The situation has also drawn political attention. Opposition party Québec Solidaire has urged the provincial government to expand its support for affected students, noting that many followed every rule, paid substantial tuition fees, and were only days away from achieving the qualifications they had worked so hard to earn.
For many students, the sudden closure is more than an interruption to their education. It represents years of sacrifice, financial investment, and dreams placed on hold through no fault of their own. Although the government’s transition plan offers a path forward, many students still face uncertainty as they try to complete their studies and move ahead with their careers.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion about oversight of private educational institutions and the need for stronger safeguards to protect students from finding themselves in similar situations in the future.
Source: CBC News
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