Selina Robinson announced on Monday that British Columbia will set minimum language requirements for private institutions so that international students can better prepare before coming to the province.

She said in a statement that there will be frequent inspections of schools to ensure standards are met, adding that many students are being exploited.

"Therefore, we are introducing stricter requirements for institutions and strong protective measures to safeguard international students from bad actors, give them a better path to succeed, and ensure that British Columbia has the capacity to succeed." The minister added that the university will continue to attract talented students who will fill significant gaps in the labor market and drive our economy forward.

This measure comes after the federal government announced last week that it will set a limit on the number of study permits it will approve over the next two years to slow down the growing international student program.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller also said that this limit will reduce the number of new student visas by 35 percent this year.

The student program has grown significantly, jumping by 31 percent to more than 800,000 students in 2022 compared to 2021, increasing pressure on the housing market in Canada.

Robinson said the temporary halt on new institutions will continue until February 2026.

The statement also said the new standards include higher assessment criteria for the quality of certificates, clear labor market needs for graduates, adequate resources, and student support.

Institutions will also be required to publish the cost of education throughout the time a person studies.

This will ensure that new students know the full value of their education before starting the program, according to the statement.

Also according to the statement, about 54% of international students enroll in private institutions after high school.