M College Canada: New Programs, Costs & Scope Guide 2025

Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Shreya Pandey

Updated on

Sep 10,2025

M College Canada: Complete Guide to Programs, Costs & Status - TerraTern

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The abrupt shutdown of educational centers is capable of destroying the future of thousands of international students who are dreaming of their destiny in another country. This is the case of M College Canada, which is one of the greatest failures of privately run colleges in Canadian history, that claimed over 2,000 students, most of whom are Indians who have lost millions in their college fees.

M College Canada was a privately operated post-secondary school in LaSalle, Montreal, Quebec, which provided AEC (Attestation of College Studies) programs to international students. The Rising Phoenix International-operated college offered courses in business management, multimedia integration, graphic communication and early childhood education with training in English and French. Nevertheless, in January 2022, M College Canada permanently shut its doors as a result of financial hardship, leaving hundreds of international students without their tuition fees back (to the tune of $15,000).

 

Is M College Canada Still Open? Latest Update 2025

Canadian flag on a pole; M College Canada: TerraTern

No, M College Canada permanently shut down in January 2022. The college and sister institutions, CDE College and CCSQ College, suddenly closed down, with the parent company, Rising Phoenix International, registering creditor protection. Students were deprived of millions in tuition fees, with M College of Canada students in very dire situations since legal claims to get damages proved unsuccessful in most cases. The college was in LaSalle, Montreal, and was offering four main programs of AEC before it was closed permanently.

Also Read: A Comprehensive Guide to Express Entry Canada

What Was M College Canada and Its Educational Programs?

M College Canada was a private college in the district of LaSalle in Montreal, and it specifically aimed at international students who were promised good AEC programs as well as a way to Canadian immigration. The institution belonged to a network of Rising Phoenix International (RPI) Inc., which also ran CDE College in Sherbrooke and CCSQ College in Longueuil. M College of Canada positioned itself as an alternative avenue to Canadian qualifications, especially for students from India who want to settle in the education system of Quebec.

Core Academic Programs Offered at M College Canada

M College Canada offered four primary AEC (Attestation of College Studies) programs designed to provide practical skills training for international students. The M College of Canada curriculum included:

  1. Business Management AEC Program: A comprehensive program covering entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, and business operations

  2. Project Management in Graphic Communication: Focused on design principles, digital media, and project coordination skills

  3. Multimedia Integration Techniques: Combining technology, design, and digital content creation

  4. Early Childhood Education: Training for work in childcare and educational support roles

Language and Support Services Available

M College Canada offered instruction in both English and French to accommodate diverse international student populations. The M College of Canada provided multilingual support services in:

  • Arabic

  • Bulgarian

  • Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese)

  • Farsi

  • Italian

  • Korean

  • Portuguese

  • Spanish

This holistic language support model at M College Canada assisted international students in overcoming their studies and the process of being integrated into the Quebec society. Cultural orientation programs and immigration guidance services were also offered by the M College of Canada in order to ensure that students were familiar with the Canadian system and demands.

What are M College Canada Costs and Financial Information in 2025?

The cost factor was one of the key reasons why M College Canada was preferred by international students, but these expenses ended up prevailing in the issues of the institution. M College Canada has positioned itself as a cheap option to more respected institutions, and tuition fees seem to be competitive when compared to the state colleges and universities. The M College of Canada's financial structure, however, entailed different latent costs and payment requirements that were to be the thorn in the flesh of education authorities later.

Historical Tuition Fees at M College Canada

M College Canada charges approximately $15,000-$29,500 CAD for complete programs, depending on the specific course of study. The M College of Canada fee structure included:

Program Component

Cost Range (CAD)

Annual Tuition

$15,000 - $29,500

Application Fees

$200 - $500

Technology Fees

$150 - $400

Material Costs

$300 - $800

Financial Impact of College Closure on Students

The closure of M College Canada had devastating consequences on the affected students, and the overall damages amounted to more than 17 million dollars across the three institutions.

  • The number of customers who lost their money in M College Canada was between 14,000 and 29,500, and many of them had paid their full program fees upfront.

  • The closure of the M College of Canada especially affected online learners (n=502) in India whose visa eligibility was revoked.

  • 1,173 current students who were already in Canada and had status complications. Families that had borrowed or sold property to finance schooling.

Also Read: Why Choose Canada For Study?

Why Did M College Canada Close? Complete Timeline of Events in 2025

Books in a shelf; M College Canada: TerraTern

M College Canada was also forced to close down after a mixture of financial mismanagement, regulatory investigations, and dubious business practices eventually caused it to become bankrupt. The case of M College Canada helps in drawing important conclusions for potential international students considering M College Canada as a learning institution in Canada. The closure of the M College of Canada was a trend of increasing, which ought to have acted as a lesson to the students and families that had invested in the institution.

Rising Phoenix International Financial Problems

M College Canada's parent company, Rising Phoenix International (RPI) Inc., faced mounting financial pressures that ultimately forced all three colleges into creditor protection. The financial troubles at M College Canada began surfacing when:

  • Quebec authorities investigated the institution for "questionable" recruitment practices in India during 2020-2021.

  • M College of Canada was temporarily suspended from enrolling international students.

  • Cash flow problems emerged as regulatory scrutiny increased.

  • The company requested creditor protection in January 2022.

Impact on International Students from India

The closure was especially heartbreaking to the students of Punjab, Haryana, and other states because M College Canada had a majority of Indian students. Indian students were impacted by the M College of Canada closure in:

  • Indian 502, online student complications in terms of visa.

  • Economic crisis among families that invested their life savings.

  • Little legal opportunity given to cross-border jurisdiction. Credit and time spent in programs.

 

What are the Legal Proceedings and Student Refund Attempts for M College Canada 2025?

The students who had lost their funds in M College Canada sought different legal remedies to compensate their losses, but to no success, as the institution was in bankruptcy. The legal tussle surrounding M College Canada brought to light the complicated situations that international students are exposed to in the case of failure of private educational institutions. M College of Canada students were collaborating with legal firms and community organisations to see ways in which they could recover their financial damages and be given academic credit.

McCarthy Tétrault Class Action Lawsuit Details

M College Canada and the other institutions affected students tried to file a class action lawsuit against the Quebec and federal governments to be compensated for damages of 17 million. The lawsuit filed by the M College Canada contended that:

  • Lack of government control allowed the fraudulent activity.

  • There was poor security for international student consumers.

  • Institutional failures should be put on the shoulders of regulatory agencies.

Current Bankruptcy Status and Student Options

M College Canada has been in the state of bankruptcy with little assets to repay students under the care of the court-appointed monitor, Richter Advisory Group. Available choices to M College Canada students are:

  • A few government bonds of under 100,000 are reimbursed.

  • Attempts to transfer credit to other institutions.

  • Special protection of immigration status.

  • Replacement institutions (students who had not been expelled and continued their studies in Canada)

What are the Alternative Colleges to M College Canada for International Students in 2025?

Brown building; M College Canada: TerraTern

There are several acceptable substitutes in Montreal and other parts of Quebec for the prospective students who desire similar programs to M College Canada. The consideration of alternatives to M College Canada must be done with ample consideration of institutional accreditation, financial security, and adherence to the principles of regulations. The closure of the M College of Canada showed the need to ensure that one picks institutions that have well-developed government control and consumer protection.

Legitimate Private Colleges in Montreal

Several well-established private colleges in Montreal offer programs similar to those formerly available at M College Canada. Recommended alternatives to M College Canada include:

Institution

Programs Offered

Accreditation Status

LaSalle College Montreal

Business, Arts, Technology

DLI Designated, Established 1959

College Inter Dec

Multimedia, Business

Government Recognized

Institut Supérieur d'Informatique

Technology, Programming

Quebec Ministry Approved

College Ahuntsic

Various AEC Programs

Public Institution

Public College Options in Quebec

The Quebec CEGEP system provides the most secure alternative to private institutions like M College Canada. Public alternatives to M College Canada include:

  • Dawson College: Comprehensive programs with government funding

  • John Abbott College: Strong international student support

  • Vanier College: Established reputation and accreditation

  • Champlain College: Multiple campus locations

Also Read: Immigration To Canada From India: All Different Pathways

How to Verify Canadian College Legitimacy Before Enrollment in 2025?

The closure of M College Canada points to the fact that it is extremely important to carefully check the educational institutions prior to enrolling. Potential students may prevent the kind of experience that the M College Canada had when they adhere to the systematic checking procedures. The case of the M College of Canada gives a good example of warning factors that students are supposed to consider when assessing Canadian educational institutions.

Designated Learning Institution (DLI) Verification Process

All legitimate Canadian colleges, including M College Canada before its closure, must maintain DLI (Designated Learning Institution) status. Steps to verify DLI status (which M College Canada initially held):

  1. Check the official Government of Canada DLI list

  2. Verify provincial education ministry recognition

  3. Confirm current operational status

  4. Review any suspension or warning notices

  5. Contact institutional references and alumni networks

Warning Signs of Questionable Educational Institutions

The case of M College Canada raised a number of red flags that ought to be noted by potential students. Warnings indicative of the M College Canada experience: 

  • Needs full program payment in advance. 

  • Rude methods of recruiting certain nationalities. 

  • Lack of information on faculty qualification or accreditation. 

  • Guaranteed immigration results. 

  • Absence of an existing alumni network or job statistics. 

  • Abnormal payment systems or offshore financial systems.

M College of Canada Student Experiences and Testimonials

Tab over books; M College Canada:  TerraTern

Knowledge of the actual experiences of M College Canada students can give good insight into the operations of the institution and the effects of its shutdown. The human aspect of the failure by the institutions can be seen through the student testimonials of M College Canada and the difficulties faced by international students at the time of the collapse of educational institutions. M College of Canada students expressed their experiences in terms of protests and media interviews, as well as community advocacy work.

Before Closure: Student Life at M College Canada

Prior to its closure, M College Canada offered what appeared to be a supportive environment for international students pursuing Canadian education. Students described M College Canada as providing:

  • Small class sizes with personal attention

  • Multilingual support services

  • Cultural integration programming

  • Immigration guidance and counselling

  • Practical skills training in modern facilities

Post-Closure Impact: Financial and Educational Consequences

The closure of M College Canada created immediate and long-term challenges for affected students and their families. M College Canada students faced:

  • Loss of student status and work authorisation

  • Inability to complete degree programs

  • Accommodation and living expense challenges

  • Immigration status complications

Also Read: Express Entry Canada

 

Conclusion

M College Canada is a critical case study for international students who are looking at the opportunities for education in Canada. Although M College Canada used to provide attractive AEC programs in Montreal, the failure of the college in 2022 because of financial misconduct left hundreds of students without degrees and without refunds. The experience in the M College of Canada proves that future international students should carefully check the credentials of colleges using official DLI databases and should not rely on colleges whose recruitment methods are dubious. Visit the official Quebec Government website to verify legitimate colleges and check the current status of Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Quebec. To know more about M College in Canada, visit TerraTern now!

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Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly did M College Canada close permanently?

M College Canada closed abruptly in January 2022 when parent company Rising Phoenix International filed for creditor protection. The closure came after the college faced investigation for questionable recruitment practices in India during 2020-2021. Students received only a few days' notice before the permanent shutdown, leaving many unable to complete their programs or recover tuition fees.

How much money did students lose when M College Canada closed?

Students at M College Canada lost between $10,000 to $29,500 CAD each in tuition fees, with total losses exceeding $6.4 million across all affected institutions. Over 633 students requested refunds totaling this amount, but most received nothing due to the college's bankruptcy status. The financial impact was devastating for families who had invested life savings or taken loans to fund their children's education.

What programs were offered at M College Canada before closure?

M College Canada offered four main AEC (Attestation of College Studies) programs in business management, project management in graphic communication, multimedia integration techniques, and early childhood education. The programs were designed for international students seeking Canadian credentials and immigration pathways. Classes were conducted in both English and French with multilingual support services available to help students integrate.

Were students able to transfer credits to other institutions after closure?

Some M College Canada students successfully transferred to replacement institutions that took over operations in March 2022, but credit recognition varied significantly. Students who remained in Canada had better opportunities for continuing their education compared to those studying online from India. However, many students had to restart their programs entirely, losing significant time and additional financial investment in their education.

What legal action did students take against the college closure?

Students from M College Canada attempted a class action lawsuit seeking $17 million in damages from Quebec and federal governments through law firm McCarthy Tétrault. The lawsuit alleged government oversight failures enabled the fraudulent operation and inadequate protection for international student consumers. However, the Quebec Superior Court ultimately dismissed the claims, leaving students with minimal legal recourse for financial recovery.

How can future students avoid situations like M College Canada?

Prospective students should verify Designated Learning Institution (DLI) status on official Government of Canada websites and check with provincial education ministries for current institutional standing. Red flags include demands for full upfront payments, aggressive recruitment targeting specific nationalities, and promises of guaranteed immigration outcomes. Students should research institutional history, alumni networks, and financial stability before making any payments or commitments.

What support did the Indian government provide to affected students?

The Indian High Commission in Ottawa issued advisories warning prospective students about proper verification procedures and worked with Canadian authorities to provide support. The consulate facilitated communication between affected students and Canadian government officials to seek resolution and reimbursement options. However, practical financial assistance was limited, with most recovery efforts focusing on helping students transfer to legitimate institutions.

Are there any refunds still available for M College Canada students?

Limited refunds may be available through Quebec government bonds of $100,000 for M College Canada, but this covers less than 1% of total student losses. The college's bankruptcy proceedings revealed minimal assets available for student reimbursement through court-appointed monitor Richter Advisory Group. Most students have accepted that their tuition fees are permanently lost with no realistic prospect of recovery.

What happened to students who were studying online from India?

The 637 students studying online from India through M College Canada faced immediate visa refusals and lost their opportunity to travel to Canada. These students were left without valid study permits and no pathway to complete their education or recover their fees. Many had to abandon their Canadian education plans entirely and seek alternative institutions, often requiring additional financial investment and starting over.

How did this closure affect Quebec's reputation for international students?

The M College Canada closure created a "black mark" on Quebec's reputation among South Asian students and their families, according to community advocates. The incident prompted stricter oversight of private colleges and changes to immigration pathways for graduates of non-subsidized institutions. International student enrollment in Quebec private colleges decreased significantly as families became more cautious about institutional verification and financial protection.