College directors express concern about new Bill 96 addition

College directors in Quebec are expressing concern about an addition to Bill 96 that would require international students to pass a French exit exam to graduate from some Attestation d’études collégiales (AEC) programs. AEC programs are short technical training programs that prepare students to enter the job market. CTV News reports that students in English programs will need to pass a standardized test to prove that they have reached “Level 7 in oral expression and comprehension” and “Level 4 in written expression and comprehension.” These requirements will come into effect for students who are starting programs in July. Vanier College director general John McMahon noted that the new requirements put an additional burden on students and that international students might choose to study in other provinces to avoid the language requirements.