The provincial government has started to roll out phase two of its International Educational Framework.
Changes were made with the goal of eradicating "exploitative practices" by implementing safeguards in post-secondary education for international students, according to the government website.
These changes build on phase one, which was first announced in January and include the government pausing approvals for new post-secondary institutions seeking to enrol international students until February 2026 based on new Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designations. During this period, new institutions cannot admit international students through the federal Designated Learning Institutions list, though existing institutions may renew their designations. More frequent inspections of private post-secondary institutions were introduced to ensure adherence to enhanced quality standards and adequate student support.
Phase two introduces a new EQA code of practice, requiring institutions to meet higher standards for student support and protection to enrol international students. Such standards include accurate marketing, tuition fee transparency and comprehensive student support covering academics, housing, wellbeing and health. This means UBC must now post tuition levels for the duration of a student's degree.
Private degree-granting institutions will face more stringent evaluations including labor market alignment for degree programs, increased application and review fees and additional annual fees. Private training institutions will see enhanced program content standards, more generous refund policies, shorter contract terms and a ban on high-pressure sales tactics.
Public institutions must deliver at least 50 per cent of programs in person, have appropriate locations and provide staff to support international students. This phase also limits international enrolment to 30 per cent of the total student body, and requires the development of strategic plans for international education. Currently, about 28 per cent UBC Vancouver’s student body is international while UBC Okanagan is 22 per cent.
In a statement to The Ubyssey, Matthew Ramsey acting senior director of UBC media relations wrote, "UBC has been in close discussion with the Province as it establishes its new guidelines and does not anticipate any impact to the university."
"International students are an important part of the campus communities and bring with them a unique diversity of experience and culture."
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