Continuing Education – F-151
Champlain College Saint-Lambert
900 Riverside Drive
Saint-Lambert, Québec
J4P 3P2
(450)-672-7364
Law 14
Law 14, adopted by Quebec’s National Assembly in May 2022, brings significant amendments to the Charter of the French Language, commonly known as Bill 101. Certain aspects of the Bill affect English-language CEGEPs.
This document was originally compiled by Dawson College and made available for public use.
What does it mean to hold a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to English-language education?
In order to understand Law 14and its implications for CEGEPs, it is important to understand what a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to receive education in English is. Under Quebec law, only certain citizens meeting defined criteria have the right to attend publicly funded English-language schools and hold a COE. Conversely, those without a COE must attend French-language schools in Quebec, with very few exceptions. At the CEGEP level, students with and without a COE may pursue their studies in English, but their status will determine different course and graduation requirements.
Who can receive a Certificate of Eligibility to education in English in Quebec?
At the moment, the Ministry of Education defines the criteria. A detailed description is available on the Ministry’s website:
http://www.education.gouv.qc.ca/en/parents-and-guardians/instruction-in-english/eligibility/
How does Law 14 affect English CEGEPs?
The law sets limits on the total number of students English-language colleges can accept.
In addition, students without COEs attending English-language colleges will need to pass the Épreuve Uniforme de Français (EUF) (French exit examination).
If I qualify for a Certificate of Eligibility, how can I get it?
Eligibility Certificates: CEGEPS now have access to a database that compiles the names and permanent codes of students with English eligibility certificates.
This means if you have a certificate of eligibility, you do not need to submit it to the college as part of your application.
If you are eligible but do not have a certificate on file, the Ministry of Higher Education provides guidance on how to obtain your certificate.
When are these changes coming into effect?
These new changes take effect as of July 1, 2023.
This means students without a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) beginning a new program after July 1, 2023 will have to pass three French courses and a French exit exam to graduate from their program.
