Primary, secondary education in Canada for international students

Canada is one of the most popular country for studying abroad. It's famous all over the world for excellent quality of education and its low cost. Studying at 40 best secondary schools in Canada highly increases chances to enter world leading universities in the future. Foreign students have a great opportunity to use modern equipment, communicate with native speakers as teachers and study interesting programs.

Studying in Canada is popular due to several reasons:

• Modern Canadian primary and secondary education programs in Canada based on European and North American experience;
• Comfortable studying and living conditions;
• Low tuition fees;
• Diploma of the international standard

The top 40 secondary schools in Canada offer dynamic programs that cater to both English and French speakers. By attending these leading schools, international students can significantly enhance their linguistic skills in two foreign languages, gain insights into Canadian culture and traditions, and chart a clearer path for future specializations. After completing their program at these top Canadian schools, students are often eligible to enroll in universities without the need for entrance examinations.

Tuition for many Canadian schools frequently encompasses accommodation within a host family, though students can also opt to live on campus with fellow students. These schools are at the forefront of integrating the latest technological advancements into their curricula, ensuring students have access to innovative learning tools. Thanks to their preparatory courses, international students can attain proficiency in English, enabling them to cope with mandatory school subjects.

Upon completing secondary education in Canada, students receive a certificate bearing their exam scores. In Canada, attending school is mandatory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. Of the over five million students in Canadian schools each year, a staggering 95% enroll in public or Catholic schools. While public schools offer co-ed education, Catholic schools typically segregate by gender. Only 5% of students attend private schools, known for their prestige and higher tuition fees.

Interestingly, many international students gravitate towards private institutions in Canada. One appealing aspect of these institutions is their affordability; their programs are generally more cost-effective compared to boarding schools in the US, UK, and Switzerland.

What will you get after graduating Best Schools in Canada

The environment at the 40 best schools in Canada is one of the main draws for international students. Beyond just the allure of competitive pricing, Canada offers a welcoming and safe community. The educators are keenly invested in both academic pursuits and ensuring students have an engaging, fulfilling experience outside the classroom.

For those interested, some secondary schools in Canada offer separate housing for boys and girls, a practice that has been seen to benefit students by offering specialized academic and extracurricular programs tailored to foster academic, creative, and communicative growth.

Nadya Shupta

Regional Marketing & Recruiting Manager at London International Academy (until 2021)

TOP Canadian boarding school rankings - what criteria are they based on? How accurate is it today?

There are no official school rankings (as universities) in Canada; many of the private rankings are paid for by schools that want to be included. I think we need to look at the opportunities that the school provides - living conditions, the number of people in the class, the percentage of admission to universities, the availability of additional programs (STEM, art, etc.), the presence of IB, participation in Olympiads.

Canadian boarding schools boast top-notch accommodation. Students typically reside in single or shared rooms and benefit from the constant guidance of educators living within the same premises. This close-knit setting aids students in acclimating to a new culture and environment.

• The senior school program, known as the High School Diploma, spans four years. Completion grants students a recognized graduation certificate, opening doors to universities in Canada, the US, and other English-speaking countries.

• Age flexibility: Students don't need to be 18 to start university.

• Cost-efficiency: For instance, the Pre-University program at Columbia International College was priced at only 35,000 Canadian dollars in 2017, inclusive of lodging and meals.

• Both public and private institutions offer boarding-type education. While private ones can be pricier, their advanced facilities enable students to achieve top scores and gain admission to elite universities.

• Canadian schools often feature extensive sports complexes and offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to support holistic student development.

• Safety and international-friendly policies.

• The inviting climate and comfortable living conditions.

• Highly esteemed educational standards and globally recognized diplomas.

• Reasonable tuition fees.

Fees at the top secondary schools in Canada can vary based on school rankings, historical prestige, and examination outcomes of graduates. On average, tuition ranges from $35,000 to $60,000 annually, inclusive of accommodation. These fees are somewhat comparable to those in the UK's secondary schools and slightly higher than its primary schools.

Canada, known for its globally respected education system, attracts numerous international students each year. For foreign students considering studying in Canada, understanding the application process is paramount. Whether applying for primary, secondary, or post-secondary institutions, several general steps and considerations apply.

The first step is to determine the level and type of education desired. Canada has a vast array of institutions, including primary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, and vocational training centers. Once you've selected the education level, it's essential to research specific schools or institutions in the region of interest. Each province and territory in Canada manages its education system, so requirements can vary. For universities and colleges, many institutions will require standardized test scores, such as the SAT, ACT, or language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Primary and secondary schools may ask for previous school records, a statement of purpose, and possibly a language proficiency assessment.

After choosing a school or a set of schools, gather all the necessary documentation. This typically includes academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of language proficiency, a passport copy, and sometimes a statement of purpose or personal essay. Some institutions might also require an interview, which can often be done virtually for international students. Before submitting the application, foreign students should also ensure they can meet the financial requirements. Some schools might ask for proof of funds to demonstrate the student's ability to cover tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses.

Once accepted by a Canadian institution, the next crucial step is obtaining a study permit. This involves applying to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with the letter of acceptance from the school, proof of sufficient funds, and other necessary documentation. This permit is vital for foreign students wishing to study in Canada for a duration longer than six months. In summary, while the process might seem complex, careful planning, research, and timely submission of all requirements can make the journey smoother for foreign students aspiring to study in Canada.

The criteria for choosing a school can be different: rating, cost, programs of study offered by the school, type of school (public or private), number of students, mixed or separate education, list of universities to which students progress after graduation, availability of sports clubs, school facilities, teaching staff. In order not to make a mistake with the choice of school, it is necessary to clearly understand the student's level of English, academic performance and what he/she would like to get from the school.

The application process starts at least 1 year in advance. It includes collecting the necessary documents, checking all the documents for compliance with the school requirements, filling out the application form, taking the school exams, signing a contract, paying tuition fees, collecting documents and applying for a visa, and buying airline tickets.

An international student can study in a Canadian school through the Canadian K-12 Education junior, middle and high school programs, the international IB Diploma program or the British A-level program. Schools also offer ESL (English as a Second Language) and summer language camp programs.

The cost of education depends on many factors, such as class, program of study, school rating, and form of education (full-time or boarding). The cost for international students in public schools per year with accommodation starts from 25,000 Canadian dollars, in private schools from 30,000 Canadian dollars. The cost of tuition and living in a boarding school starts at 40,000 Canadian dollars per year.

When a student is admitted to a Canadian school, he or she is evaluated on the basis of basic parameters: academic performance in the previous 2-3 years of study, letters of recommendation from teachers, and English language level. Schools also conduct matriculation tests and interviews with the prospective student.

An international student can be enrolled in a boarding school in Canada from the age of 10.

A child's student visa does not automatically entitle the child to an accompanying visa. A parent must apply for a tourist visa separately if they wish to accompany their child.

School starts in September or at the end of August. Some schools allow students to join at the beginning of the second or third trimester (January or March).

Applicants take an English language test and a math test. The admissions office also often conducts an online interview. This is to get to know the applicant better, to check his or her English language skills, and to see if the student is interested in studying.

The educational program includes compulsory subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science and Social Sciences, as well as a variety of elective subjects so that students can choose subjects that interest them.

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