Law 14 (adopted by Quebec’s National Assembly in May 2022), has an impact on English-language CEGEPs, but it’s important for future and prospective students to understand what exactly is changing.

It’s a common misconception that students who don’t have a certificate of eligibility to study in English and have attended French high school are no longer allowed to apply to an English-language college. This is incorrect!

All Quebecers, regardless of their status, can still attend English-language CEGEPs.

Applicants do not need to have a certificate of English eligibility to attend an English-language college.

So what is changing for incoming students?

Depending on whether a student has a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or not, there are different admission, course, and graduation requirements.

Exit Exams

As of Fall 2023, all CEGEP students in the province must pass either an English Exit Exam or a French Exit Exam to receive their Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS). Under Law 14:

  • Students with a COE attending an English CEGEP will need to pass the English Exit Test to graduate (no change).
  • Students without a COE attending an English CEGEP will now need to pass the French Exit Exam, whereas before they wrote the English Exit Exam.

Admissions

As of Winter 2024, priority will be given to English certificate holders during the admissions process. Priority of admission should not be interpreted as a guaranteed admission and all applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements.

Courses

As of Fall 2024:

  • Students with a COE will have to take three program courses in French OR three additional French language courses.
  • Students without a COE will have to take three program courses in French.

If you have questions about the admissions process, please read our Admissions Information page.