McGill University will offset a large portion of the tuition increase the Legault government is imposing on students from other Canadian provinces who enroll there.
• Also read: English-speaking universities: This lists the level of French that foreign students must achieve
Quebec's decision to increase tuition fees for non-Quebec students at English-speaking universities from $9,000 to $12,000 was a disaster. McGill management said last week that it intends to “take all necessary actions” to “pursue its mission of excellence.”
The first of these measures was not long in coming. The university is introducing a $3,000 scholarship to offset tuition increases in certain undergraduate programs (arts, agricultural and environmental sciences, music, education, architecture, nursing and most science programs). should.
“This scholarship raises the $12,000 tuition fee recently announced by the Government of Quebec to a level close to the fees for the 2023-2024 academic year. “The granting of this scholarship, which is intended to compensate for the increase in tuition fees, is guaranteed for a period of up to four years,” said a press release on Tuesday afternoon.
McGill management estimates that 80% of Canadian students who come there to study are eligible for this scholarship.
In addition to raising tuition fees, the Legault government made funding for McGill and Concordia universities conditional on 80% of their non-Quebec students becoming French.
“The university must make financial sacrifices to offer this scholarship, but welcoming students from across Canada is part of our DNA. We believe that the diversity of the McGill student body enriches learning and therefore benefits each individual member,” said McGill President Deep Saini.
The Minister of Higher Education confirmed last week that these students will have to reach a “French level 5” orally according to the Quebec scale at the end of their bachelor's degree. No written level is required.
With this level of French, a person is able to reserve a hotel room over the phone or give and understand simple instructions to “meet everyday needs.” This is the first “intermediate” level of the Quebec scale, which includes 12 levels.
The rector of McGill University vehemently condemned this government decision, arguing that this francization goal was “both academically and technically unattainable” and risked discouraging students from coming to Quebec.