Where to Study in Canada

You may not believe it but Canada is the most educated country in the world! In 2021, it tops the list of all countries, with 56.27% of adults having taken some form of higher education. Within Canada, each province and territory manages its own education system. The federal government only establishes the strategy and main objectives of the country’s overall education policy. As a result, there are several region-specific peculiarities. For example, in most provinces, pre-elementary education becomes available for children who are five years old; but in Ontario and Quebec, children can start at the age of four. Our article about the education system of Canada provides more details.

If you have a child 14 years old or older who wants to study abroad Canada offers many high-quality secondary education options for you. The quality of Canadian secondary education is recognized as one of the country's greatest strengths. According to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports, Canada’s high school students are among the best educated in the world, ranking 8th in science, 6th in reading, and 12th in mathematics. A growing number of international students choose to study high school in Canada each year. They receive academic and social support and can choose from a range of specialty high school programs.

Why Complete Secondary Education in Canada?

1. Studying in a Canadian secondary school is one of the most effective ways to prepare your children for Canadian colleges and universities. They will become acquainted with the local education system as well as culture.
2. Your children will not need adaptation time when their tertiary studies begin.
3. Most of Canada's schools provide access to the latest classroom technology and curriculum, including tablets, interactive whiteboards, and information labs.
4. Canadian high-school diplomas are widely recognized by tertiary institutions all over the world and are respected for preparing students well.
5. Internship opportunities for foreign high school students are available, unlike in many other countries. They provide an excellent opportunity to explore future careers, practice skills, and gain experience.

There are two main options for students to study in a Canadian secondary school:

1. Public high schools: Publicly funded schools deliver a standard curriculum or program of study. Students can take increasingly challenging courses to prepare for their university acceptance. After school, they can join various extracurricular activities, such as sport teams, arts clubs, model UN, debate club, etc. In all provinces and territories of Canada (except Quebec), international students can choose to study in English, French, or both.
2. Private high schools: Private schools are more expensive than public schools. They deliver the same curriculum as public schools but usually offer more specialized courses. Class sizes in private schools are often smaller than public schools, where students may benefit from personal attention. Private schools can sex-segregated (i.e. a boys only school or a girls only school) or they can be co-educational. Some private schools also offer boarding programs.

Public high schools provide support for international students who have a low level of English fluency. Students can be placed in varying levels of ESL (English as a Second Language) courses to help them improve their language skills.

Canada has — not only the most educated population but also — some of the world's highest-ranked universities. 10 of the top 250 universities in the world are located in Canada. All of these educational institutions welcome international students. Therefore, Canada is an excellent choice for international students who wish to pursue graduate or post-graduate education.

The choice of educational institution is arguably the most important decision in any education plan. Your choice of a university or college may define your future in many significant ways. Since this is an important life-decision, it should be made with thought and consideration. There are several factors students and their parents should consider while making this decision:

Education in Canada is more affordable than education in the USA, Australia, or the United Kingdom. However, you should establish a budget for your student journey to Canada. This will help you to avoid unexpected financial difficulties and make your study more predictable.

Common foreign student expenses consist of:

1. Tuition fees: They vary significantly in Canada. Tuition fees depend on the location of your educational institution, your chosen program of study, etc. International students generally pay significantly more in tuition than Canadian students.
2. Housing and accommodation: Most universities offer on-campus residence for their students within walking distance to the campus, so you do not have to pay for transportation. The average cost varies between cities and universities: it may be from CAN$900 to CAN$1,300 per month. These prices include cafeteria meal plans. You may also choose to live off-campus (CAN$2,000 per month, but you can share apartments) or homestay (typically CAN$1,000 per month).
3. Study Permit fees: You must pay CAN $150 for a Study Permit plus CAN $85 for biometrics. You will be granted a Visitor Visa for free.
4. Food and groceries: If you plan to live on-campus, you generally need to purchase a meal plan. However, you will still need to budget for monthly essentials. You can find out the costs of products online by looking at Canada’s major national grocery store chains.
5. Transportation: You should plan your transportation cost by estimating the amount of money you will need for:
   1. Public transit within your city of residence, like buses and subways;
   2. Plane ticket from and to home;
   3. Bus or train tickets to travel across the country. However, you can buy a bike, like many other international students do, and enjoy bike paths in recreational areas and bike lanes on busy streets. This is the most economical and healthy way to travel within your city.
6. Health insurance: International students in Canada are required to obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay in Canada. Thus, students must buy private health insurance or register for insurance through their universities. It costs around CAN $75 per month.
7. Entertainment: Be sure to include some expenditures for recreation in your budget plan. The best time to explore Canada is during the summer and winter holidays. You can see a hockey match for CAN $60-70 or go to the cinema to watch a new blockbuster for CAN $10-15, etc.

You can learn more detailed information about tuition fees in Canada, cost of living for students, and other financial expenditures.

Do not forget that there are often discounts for international students in Canada. Many attractions and transportation systems offer significantly reduced prices for students. You should have a valid student ID or International Student Identification Card (ISIC) to make use of those discounts.

Once you choose a school, college, or university, you must apply and secure a spot, especially in competitive post-secondary programs. Please note that every school, university ,or college has different rules on how to apply. The application process begins:

• For secondary school: Approximately six months before the studies start;
• For post-secondary schools: Approximately one year before studies start.

You should directly contact the educational institution where you want to study and learn its application process. They will provide you with a detailed guide on how to apply, including the list of necessary documents. Admission to a Canadian high school is typically less difficult than to university, and the list of documents required is shorter. Note that all of the required documents must be submitted in English or French.

The university can also provide you with information about:

• Tuition fees;
• Required health insurance;
• Language test results;
• Accommodation, etc.

If your educational institution admits you as a student, you will be issued a Letter of Acceptance. This document is a prerequisite for your application for a Study Permit in Canada, which is your final step in the application process.

Applying for schools in Canada is a rather complicated process. It requires a set of documents to be well prepared in advance, completion of nitty-gritty details that you can unintentionally forget to do. Contact our team of professionals, and we will become your student advisors. We can provide you with many opportunities in different designated learning institutions that match your budget and dreams. We can even help you write a motivation letter to guarantee you a letter of acceptance from the university. Use our services, and we will guide you through the whole enrollment process and visa process. We are here to make your study venture in Canada unforgettable and comfortable!