McGill postpones $50M French program after Quebec moves to double tuition at English universities for out-of-province students

McGill University has postponed a $50 million French program for students, faculty, and staff following the Quebec government’s decision to double tuition fees at English universities for out-of-province students.

In a statement sent to CityNews on Thursday morning, McGill’s media relations office said:

“McGill postponed its announcement about a $50 million investment over five years in additional programs and services to enable more people from its community to learn or improve their French. The larger goal of the program was to help students, faculty and staff integrate more fully into Quebec society, broadening the already extensive impact of our talent and expertise across Quebec.”

Last week, the CAQ government announced that as of September 2024 tuition for new out-of-province students will go up to around $17,000 dollars annually at English universities – nearly double the current price – while international students will see their fees rise to at least $20,000 a year. The hike is applicable to undergrad and Masters students. English universities in Quebec have said this will have a major impact on their finances.

“Finding the initial funding for McGill’s investment in the promotion of the French language was extremely difficult. A few days prior to the Government of Quebec’s announcement on Oct. 13, we were alerted by the Government that changes that could affect our financial situation were coming. We were not provided with any details of the changes. We are currently examining the potential financial impact that these might have on the University,” McGill University added in their statement sent to CityNews by email.

Quebec’s decision has been faced with criticism not only from English universities, but from the business community, Quebec’s opposition parties, federal MPs and the mayor of Montreal.

Premier Legault justified the decision on Tuesday, saying “the number of English-speaking students in Quebec threatens the survival of the French language.”