February 19,2026
RED FM News Desk
On Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, the B.C. government introduced the Post-Secondary International Education (Designated Institutions) Act, aimed at improving oversight of the province’s international education sector and protecting international students.
The proposed legislation will:
Establish a legal framework for B.C.’s Education Quality Assurance (EQA) program, giving government the authority to inspect designated institutions and take enforcement action against non-compliant operators.
Prohibit non-designated institutions from advertising, enrolling, or delivering programs to students who require a federal study permit.
Codify EQA standards into law, ensuring institutions meet clear requirements to host international students and uphold high-quality education.
Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, said the legislation prioritizes student protection and reinforces B.C.’s reputation as a top education destination. “This law provides the enforcement tools needed to crack down on bad actors, strengthen oversight, and ensure institutions meet the highest standards. International students deserve the quality education they were promised, and we are taking action to deliver exactly that,” Sunner said.
The act will create legal requirements for institutions seeking designation, including criteria they must meet to apply, maintain, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to quality international education. It will also provide government with new compliance and enforcement powers, including the ability to cancel a designation and revoke the institution’s ability to host international students, while establishing a fair and transparent appeal process.
By prohibiting non-designated institutions from enrolling students on study permits, the legislation ensures only institutions meeting established standards can recruit or offer programs to international students, strengthening governance and protecting students from bad actors.
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