Barriers vs. bridges: Undocumented immigrants' access to post-secondary education in Ontario

This working paper examines the legal, procedural, and financial barriers that undocumented immigrants face when attempting to access post-secondary education in Ontario, Canada. Grounded in a theoretical framework that views education as a binding international human right and an "empowerment right," the authors argue that both provincial governments and universities have a responsibility to ensure equitable access for all residents. While Ontario legally guarantees access to primary and secondary schooling regardless of status, significant obstacles remain at the post-secondary level, often exacerbated by the securitization of immigration and the social exclusion resulting from the negative framing of "illegal" status. The study also reviews emerging institutional responses, such as the pilot program at York University and proposals at the University of Toronto, which are designed to mitigate these exclusions. Ultimately, the paper seeks to bridge the gap in Canadian-specific research to inform policy discussions and advocate for pragmatic solutions that uphold the human rights of precarious residents.