Tuition and Language Information for Canadian non-Quebec Residents

No tuition hike at Bishop’s for out-of-province students

Recap of the Tuition Situation in Quebec

In October 2023, Québec announced that tuition for out‑of‑province Canadian students studying in English would rise by 33%, pushing the cost to about $12,000. The government said the goal was to protect the French language, curb the number of non‑francophone students entering the province, and rebalance how universities are funded. Bishop’s was granted an exemption from the tuition hike at the time.

That plan was put on hold in April 2025, when a Québec Superior Court judge ruled the policy had been introduced without enough supporting data and struck down the proposed French‑proficiency requirement for applicants. The court gave the province nine months to rewrite its framework before any tuition structure could move forward.

Now, as of February 2026, the province says it is maintaining the 33% tuition increase. In its updated policy, Québec argues the hike is justified because it prevents taxpayers from heavily subsidizing non‑resident Canadian students. The government also notes that students who choose to study in French will continue to benefit from a preferential rate, reinforcing its goal of promoting Québec as a leading francophone destination.

Bishop’s University Exemption

After much negotiation, public outcry, and a recognition by the government of the unique situation at Bishop’s, our institution was granted an exemption from the proposed increases from the beginning.

That exemption remains in place, and therefore there is no tuition increase for Canadian non-Quebec residents wanting to study at Bishop’s University.

This is incredibly important for Bishop’s, as Canadian students from outside Quebec make up close to 30% of our community! The fabric of our identity is made up of languages and cultures meeting on our intimate campus.

French Learning Requirements

Bishop’s students do not need to achieve any specific proficiency level by the time they graduate.

Though originally mandated to ensure that 80% of their non-Quebec resident undergraduate students attain level 5 on the Quebec scale of French proficiency for oral proficiency by the time they complete their degree, as of February 2026, Québec has confirmed that the 33% tuition hike will remain, but the mandatory francization requirement is not returning. Instead, the updated policy offers a lower tuition rate only for students who choose to study in French — making francization an incentive, not an obligation.

For those who may be interested and recognize that language skills are a powerful asset for your future career, we will offer enhanced, diverse and effective French-language proficiency training as well as comprehensive offerings on Quebec culture and society.

This wide-ranging plan will offer significant and worthwhile opportunities for our students from around the world and will enrich their Bishop’s experience.

Last updated: February, 2026

FAQ’s on Tuition and Francization

Canadian non-Quebec residents will see no increase in tuition rates other than normal annual indexation, equating to a tuition of roughly $9,000 for the upcoming academic year. Tuition rates are typically finalized in May.

Most importantly, this means that beyond the standard indexation, there is no increase in tuition rates for out of province students.

For the most up to date tuition information, go to our Fees and Funding page.

No. Out of province students will receive an exemption on tuition increases (other than normal annual indexation) for the duration of their degree.

No. All students and all languages are welcome on campus. Students (regardless of their origin) will be provided with ample opportunities to learn French and deepen their knowledge of Quebec culture if they so choose.

There will be no exit exam for French proficiency.

As per the francization measures (see above) Bishop’s will strive to meet the goals set out by the government and provide a range of opportunities for students to learn the French language and be exposed to Quebecois culture.

Also, keep in mind that language skills are a powerful asset for your future career. Bishop’s is the perfect place to learn!

No. Other fees will not be affected, nor will your ability to receive scholarships or bursaries at Bishop’s. You can find out more in our Fees and Funding section.

The Quebec government recognized that Bishop’s University is not a threat to the French language or culture in the Eastern Townships. Therefore, while tuition rates are being increased in English-language universities for out-of-province students coming to Quebec to study, Bishop’s students will receive an exemption from the increased rates.

Therefore, technically tuition rates are increasing (from ~$9,000 to ~$12,000) but will subsequently be waived for Bishop’s out of province students.

We can assure you that the political discourse in not reflective of the actual lived experience of students who come to Bishop’s.

Indeed, the reason the government exempted Bishop’s from measures proposed last fall is because the Eastern Townships community rose up to support our university but also, and more importantly, to express the appreciation for all our students.

For Quebec and International Students

There are no changes for students coming from Quebec or around the world. Bishop’s and the Eastern Townships community are ready to welcome you with open arms.

As with Canadian students from outside of Quebec, you will (regardless of your primary language) be offered many opportunities to deepen your knowledge of the language and culture of our wonderful province.

Next Steps

If this is your first encounter with Bishop’s, we encourage you to check out the Future Students section of our website to learn more.

Ready to take the next step? Apply here! It only takes a few minutes.

If you have already been accepted and were just waiting for this news to confirm you’ll be here next fall, head over to myBU with the instructions sent in your acceptance email and accept your place at B.U.!