A Guide to Education & International Schools in Canada

Jump right in:

• The Education System in Canada
• Daycare and Kindergarten
• Primary and Secondary Schools
• International Schools
• Higher Education
• Language Schools

The education system in Canada

The public education system in the Great White North is strong, well-funded, and managed provincially. This means while general structure is similar across the country, some aspects can vary slightly from province to province. Still, the federal government oversees national standards to ensure high-quality education everywhere.

Facts about education in Canada

• Canada offers both public and private schooling.
• It’s one of the most educated countries in the world.
• The government subsidizes education from kindergarten through post-secondary levels.
• Around 6% of Canada’s GDP is spent on education — higher than the average among other OECD countries.
• The system is divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and post-secondary.
• Canada is home to some of the world’s top educational institutions.

What is education like in Canada?

One of the reasons Canada stands out in its education is its focus on high-quality teachers. Teachers’ college is highly competitive, typically requiring a four-year university degree plus additional teaching experience. Canada also promotes vocational education, which encourages students to stay engaged, reducing dropout rates, and prepares them for the workplace.

Another key advantage is that provinces are not required to follow a centralized national Ministry of Education. Instead, each province has its own Ministry, allowing education systems to be tailored to local community needs. If a province or school community is underperforming, it can receive extra support and funding to improve.

An overview of Canadian schools

• If needed, special education teachers are available to support students with learning disabilities. Boys and girls usually go to school together, but there are private all-girls or all-boys schools as well. There are also publicly funded Catholic schools, which are open to students of all religions, along with private religious schools.

• Up until secondary school, public schools provide textbooks to students, but they’ll have to buy their own school supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, binders, etc.).

• School buses are usually available. Your child’s school will give details on pickup times, bus stops, and routes.

• Daily attendance is expected. If your child is sick or needs to miss classes for any reason, a parent needs to inform the school.

• Some schools have a dress code; Catholic and private schools may require uniforms.

• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are available for non-native speakers.

• Report cards are issued throughout the year to track your child’s progress.

• Field trips are sometimes organized to places like museums, workplaces, cultural institutions, and city neighborhoods.

• School closures and “snow days” are common. The school, radio, or television will notify you if your child’s school is closed due to a snowstorm or extreme cold.

• Many schools offer extracurricular activities after classes, including school clubs, sports teams, hobby clubs, study groups, etc.

• Bullying is not tolerated. If you suspect your child is being bullied, contact your school’s principal or teacher immediately.

Main differences between private and public schools

The biggest difference is cost. Public schools are funded by the government and free to attend, while private schools can cost anywhere between 14,000 and 30,000 CAD (approx. 10,400–22,300 USD) per year in tuition fees — though some more affordable options may start around 8,000 CAD. Elite boarding schools can exceed 60,000 CAD annually.

As mentioned before, textbooks are usually provided. In private schools, students may need to purchase their own materials. Private schools tend to be more selective — admission may require an interview and entrance exam.

Private schools usually offer smaller class sizes, offering more one-to-one attention and stronger focus on university preparation. Many also follow alternative education models like Montessori or Waldorf.

Required documents to enroll in a Canadian school

The exact documents needed may vary depending on the school and province, so it’s best to contact the institution directly for a list of forms you’ll need to enroll your child. Generally, most public and private schools will ask for the following:

• birth certificate
• proof of guardianship or custody
• proof of residency e.g., utility bill, rental agreement
• record of immunizations
• completed application form
• emergency contact forms
• report cards or transcripts from previous schools
• standardized test results (if applicable)
• recommendation letter from a previous or current teacher (mostly for private schools)

School system and ages in Canada

Education in Canada is mandatory from around age 6 or 7, depending on the province or territory. While kindergarten is offered in all provinces, it’s not compulsory in most. It serves as an important preparatory stage for elementary education, though. Here’s an overview of the age ranges for the different levels of school:

*Note: In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the minimum compulsory attendance age is 7. In Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, attendance is compulsory until the student turns 18 or graduates from secondary school.

What is the school year like in Canada?

The typical school year usually begins the first week of September until the end of June (ten months). Some schools (especially private ones) may operate on slightly different schedules, such as mid-August to late May, or year-round systems with shorter breaks throughout the year.

School schedule

School usually runs Monday through Friday, with weekends off. The school day varies slightly depending on the grade level and province.

Elementary School (Grades 1–6):

• 08:30 to 15:30
• Includes a 1-hour lunch break and two 15-minute recesses Secondary School (Grades 7–12):
• 08:30 to 14:30
• After-school activities, including sports, often take place after regular school hours

Please note that exact start and end times can vary by school board and region. For instance, some schools may begin at 09:00 and end at 15:00. It’s advisable to check with the specific school for the most accurate information.

Grading system in Canada

Grades vary by province. Here’s a breakdown of three examples:

British Columbia

Ontario

Manitoba

Note: Grading systems vary by province. Some use percentages (like BC and Ontario), while others, such as Manitoba, use a GPA scale.

Daycare, preschool and kindergarten

Daycare, preschool, and kindergarten are the first steps in your child’s education, and it helps to know the difference.

• Daycare is mostly about care and supervision for kids up to age 5. It focuses on keeping children safe and happy while parents work, rather than formal learning.
• Preschool is usually for children ages 3 to 5. It’s more structured than daycare, with early learning activities that prepare kids for school.
• Kindergarten is the first year of formal school, often held at public schools. Kids are typically 4 or 5 years old, depending on the province, and the focus is on basic literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Some provinces, like Ontario, have two years of kindergarten: Junior (4-year-olds) and Senior (5-year-olds).

Is kindergarten mandatory?

Kindergarten is only mandatory in three Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick.

What age do children start kindergarten?

Kindergarten enrollment age varies by province and territory:

Alberta

• Children can start kindergarten in September if they turn 4 on or before 1 March.
• They may also start at age 5 if they turn 5 on or before 31 December.

British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and Prince Edward Island

Children start kindergarten in September of the year they turn 5.

Northwest Territories, Ontario, Québec, and Yukon

Children can start at age 4 or 5, with two years of kindergarten offered:

• Junior Kindergarten (JK) at age 4
• Senior Kindergarten (SK) at age 5

Saskatchewan

Children must be 5 years old by 31 January of the year they begin kindergarten.

Costs of daycare, preschool, and kindergarten

• Kindergarten in public schools is free across Canada.
• Daycare centers, childcare centers, and preschools are usually privately run and may not receive full government subsidies, depending on the province.

Average licensed childcare costs:

• Around 22 CAD (approx. 17 USD) per child per day in many provinces, thanks to government fee caps under the CWELCC program.
• In Quebec, subsidized childcare costs 9.35 CAD (7 USD) per day.

*Preschool monthly fees (private):

• 450–1,300 CAD (approx. 335–968 USD), depending on location and type
• Montessori preschools typically cost around 1,000–1,500 CAD (approx. 745–1,100 USD) per month ( around 12,000–18,000 CAD per year).
• Religious preschools (Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Islamic) range from 450–1,100 CAD (approx. 335–819 USD) per month.

Early educational approaches

*Preschools and early childhood education centers in Canada may follow different learning philosophies. The goal is to support cognitive, social, and emotional development through age-appropriate methods. Common approaches include:

• play-based learning
• academic-focused programs
• Montessori
• Waldorf
• Reggio Emilia
• cooperative learning
• religious-based education (e.g., Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Islamic)

Primary and secondary schools in Canada

Knowing where to begin your search for the best primary and secondary schools in Canada can be tricky. As with everything in this country, the best schools depend on the province and city where you live. Then you also need to factor in each school’s teaching methods, enrollment requirements, costs, and your own child’s specific needs.

School Cost

Unless your child is attending private school, in which case tuition fees will apply, primary school (elementary school) and secondary school (high schools) are free in Canada, but there could be extra fees for extracurricular activities, school field trips, school supplies, or uniforms (if required).

Enrollment Requirements

School boards (sometimes called school divisions, school districts, or district education councils in some areas) are responsible for student enrollment. To enroll your child in elementary or high school, get in touch with your local school board. Make sure you register your children as soon as possible before the school year begins (September).

If this is your child’s first school enrollment in Canada, the school board will:

• Assess your child.
• Decide what level your child should be placed in.
• Determine whether your child needs language support such as English or French classes.

Settlement workers are also available at some schools to help you out with the enrollment process.

Documents Require to Enroll

Documents required for school admission are:

• Child vaccination record
• School transfer certificate
• Birth certificate
• Proof of residence

Typical Schedule

In elementary school, a typical class schedule will include classes such as math, science, history, geography, and civics. There is a strong focus on “hands-on” learning and creative projects. As pupils get into the higher grades, the subject matter stays the same but with greater detail and stricter standards of grading. The focus also moves from creative projects to more group activities, written assignments, and test-driven learning. In high school, subjects become much more specialized and specific. For example, instead of general science, students can opt to take courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. Tests and written assignments are longer and more detailed. Teachers are stricter and become more demanding with their pupils’ work. Students must also pass provincial exams to graduate and gain access to a good university. For those pupils wishing to pursue a university or college education, there are several scholarships, bursaries, and grants available to them. ScholarshipsCanada is a great online tool for researching and the perfect starting point for students.

International Schools

There are plenty of schools in Canada for international students, offering the International Baccalaureate, the UK national curriculum, a US-style model, or the International Primary Curriculum. Below is a list of some of the best international schools you will find across the country.

Alberta

** British Columbia**

New Brunswick

* Newfoundland and Labrador**

Nova Scotia

Ontario

Québec

Saskatchewan

International School Tuition Fees

The price of international schools in Canada can vary – and can be very expensive. Apart from monthly or annual tuition fees, keep in mind that registration and application fees may also apply as an added cost. As an example, the average price of an international school per month in Toronto is 1,977 CAD (1,472 USD).

For tuition fees, it is best to consult the website of your chosen school for this information.

International School Requirements and Admission

Admission to international schools in Canada can be very selective. Children may be subject to an assessment or required to take a standardized test. School reports, a personal profile or statement, and references can also be part of the prerequisites. It is advised parents contact the school for full information on this.0

Higher Education

Canada is home to some of the best universities in the world. Some of the top universities are:

• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta
• McMaster University

The Top Universities for International Students

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• McGill University
• McMaster University
• Université de Montréal

How Much Does it Cost to Study in Canada for International Students?

If you are an international student, university tuition fees in Canada can be quite pricey although it is not nearly as expensive as universities in other Anglophone countries such as the US, UK, and Australia. According to the latest Statistics Canada report, tuition fees for international undergraduate students increased by an average of 6.3% for the 2018/2019 academic year.

Average undergraduate tuition fees per year are 27,159 CAD (20,223 USD). Arts and humanities are the cheaper areas of study, while engineering and medicine are among the more expensive (an average of 30,742 CAD (22,891 USD) annually). For international postgraduate students, tuition fees are an average of 16,497 CAD (12,284 USD), increasing 1% from the previous academic year.

Top Faculties to Study in Canada for International Students

The following areas of study are the most likely to help an international student in Canada land a job afterward. They are also the top subject streams to study in Canada for immigration prospects.

MBA

While still a pricey area of study, getting an MBA in Canada is usually cheaper than in other countries. The average cost for an international student getting an MBA in Canada is between 30,435 CAD (22,662 USD) and 31,856 CAD (23,720 USD).

**Computer Science and IT **

Software engineers and IT project managers were among the most in-demand jobs in Canada in 2018. Other potential career opportunities following this area of study include information analysts and consultants; database analysts and administrators; software designers; computer programmers and interactive media developers; web designers and developers; Dev-Op and cybersecurity professionals.

Business and Finance

A degree in economics is very beneficial in Canada. Some of the most sought-after jobs in this field of study are asset management; broking; investment management; banking; insurance; and accounting.

Core Engineering and Engineering Management

The number of engineering jobs in Canada continues to grow each year, with Ontario and Québec being the best markets for engineers due to their strong manufacturing presence.  The top cities for engineers in Canada are Toronto, Montréal, Edmonton, and Calgary. The most in-demand jobs are mechanical, civil, electrical-electronics, chemical, engineering management, industrial and manufacturing.

Physical and Earth Sciences and Renewable Energy

Graduates with a background in Earth Sciences are in high demand in Canada. Renewable energy jobs and careers in this sector are growing and gaining popularity. The best subjects to study in this faculty are physics and astronomy; medical physics and nanotechnology; geoscience and oceanography; oil and petroleum engineering; mining, geology; geo-informatics; and renewable energy.

Agricultural Science and Forestry

The chances of landing a job in agricultural science and forestry are excellent for a student with a degree in this field. Typical jobs could be agricultural scientists; agronomists; and forestry and agricultural consultants.

Biosciences, Medicine, and Healthcare

Only the most dedicated of students should pursue this field of study as it will be arduous work. The most in-demand jobs in Canada for students with this educational background are nursing, biological sciences, biotechnology, pharmacy, nursing, medicine, and dentistry.

Media and Journalism

Digital media, social networking sites, and online marketing have taken over virtually everywhere around the world – including Canada. Therefore, many sectors are looking for creative digital talent. Open positions for a student with this educational background include digital media, advertising, marketing, public relations, journalism, interactive media, UX/UI design, visual effects and animation, and creative and graphic design.

Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science and Analytics

Quantitative and analytics experts are also very much in demand in Canada. Potential jobs for graduates with a degree in this field could be in the following sectors: FMCG, financial services, retail, healthcare, travel, media, education, and manufacturing  – even sports!

Psychology and Human Resources (HR)

Career advisors, counseling and industrial psychologists, and HR professionals are just as in-demand worldwide as they are in Canada.

Architecture

Jobs that could also help immigration prospects are urban and landscape architects.

Hospitality

If you are an accommodation or restaurant manager, this could also better your chances with immigration.

Education

Finally, teachers and education counselors are excellent career opportunities for international students and graduates in Canada.

Language Schools

Canada has two official languages: English and French. If you are an expat in Canada, it would be a good idea to enroll in a language school and learn one or both as being able to speak and communicate with locals, colleagues, and new friends will only make your expat experience easier and more enjoyable.

There are various language schools and intuitions across the country you can enroll in to fit your schedule, budget, and learning style. No matter where in the Great White North you choose to settle, you are sure to find a school close by.

Top Rated Language Schools in Canada

Language School Fees

The costs of language schools in Canada vary greatly depending on different factors, such as the type and length of classes you wish to take. A two-week English course, for example, can cost a student anywhere between 604 CAD to 873 CAD (650 USD). It is best to contact your school of choice for information on fees and course cost.

The Government of Canada also offers free language classes for permanent residents.