On July 13, 2026, two private Quebec colleges—Collège supérieur de Montréal and its sister campus in Sherbrooke—announced an immediate cessation of operations, abruptly leaving several hundred international students without classes or housing. The shutdown was reported at 5:32 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and took effect the same day, providing no transition period for the enrolled students.
Both institutions are privately run schools that have historically attracted a large proportion of overseas learners. Their programs, which combine academic coursework with on‑campus residence, have been a popular option for students seeking to study in Canada while living in a supportive environment. The sudden closure has left those students stranded in Montreal and Sherbrooke, forcing them to seek alternative accommodations and to look for new academic placements.
University officials said the decision to cease operations was taken without warning, and no public explanation has been offered to date. As a result, the affected students are confronting immediate logistical challenges, including the loss of tuition refunds, the need to secure temporary housing, and the uncertainty of transferring credits to other institutions.
Local authorities in both cities have been notified of the situation, and immigration services are being consulted to determine the impact on the students’ study permits. Some students have begun to contact other colleges and universities in the province in hopes of enrolling for the upcoming semester, while others are considering returning to their home countries.
The abrupt termination of Collège supérieur de Montréal and Collège supérieur de Sherbrooke underscores the vulnerability of private post‑secondary providers that depend heavily on international enrollment. Until the schools' administrators provide a clear plan for reimbursement and academic continuity, the stranded students remain in a precarious position.