We often associate studying abroad with universities or colleges, but a growing number of international students are taking their high school education in places like Canada. International students can enjoy a high school education in Canada at significantly lower fees than in other study abroad destination countries.
For students interested in taking their secondary studies abroad, Canada is an excellent choice! To help make your decision easier, here are nine things to know about going to high school in Canada.
1. Why Should International Students Attend High School in Canada?
Canada is known worldwide for its high quality of life and respected education system. Around 642,000 international students studied in Canada in 2019. In 2020, this number dropped to around 531,000 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this drop, enrollment rates in 2020 are still the highest Canada had seen up until 2018 and 2019. Provincial and federal governments have continued supporting international students, and are helping post-secondary students stay in the country after graduation.
Modern Classrooms
Technology evolves quickly, and students need to keep up with current demands as they prepare to enter the workforce. Digital literacy is important for students entering post-secondary education and for many careers. Canada’s government-funded public education system means that high school students have access to the latest classroom technology. This may include tablets, interactive whiteboards, and tech labs.
Co-op and Internship Opportunities
Co-op and internship placements help international students supplement their studies with work experience. These optional opportunities are a part of Canada’s high school education system. This then allows students to earn high school credit by participating in a work environment.
These are also an excellent chance for students to explore future careers, practice skills, and gain experience. Afterwards, students can start post-secondary education or enter the workforce with the skills they need to succeed.
Exceptional Staff
Canada’s teachers are trained with specific qualifications. This means that students can expect consistency in the high quality of education they receive. High school teachers are specialists in their fields, which ensures that teachers have in-depth knowledge of the specific subjects they teach.
In addition to experienced teachers, Canadian high schools offer support to staff and guidance counsellors to help students succeed. Guidance counsellors, for example, are available to support students with any academic struggles and to guide them with career advice.
Internationally Recognized Credentials
Canada’s high school education and diplomas are recognized and respected by post-secondary institutions worldwide. In addition to high school diplomas, many secondary schools offer international programs that can support a student’s post-secondary application. For example, the International Baccalaureate program is offered in many schools. This diploma uses a standardized grading system and rigorous curriculum that allow universities and colleges to convert grades into their local systems very quickly.
Education in Canada is overseen on a provincial level, so the duration can vary by province or territory. Most provinces and territories offer high school for four years, from grades 9 to 12, although high schools in some provinces, like Alberta, start in grade 10. Students typically graduate the year they turn 18.
Quebec considers secondary school as grades 7 to 11. In Quebec, students may apply to college with their grade 11 diploma but must complete a Diploma of College Studies if they intend to enroll at a university.
Canada’s school year runs from September to June and is often broken into two semesters. One runs from September to January and the next from February to June.
3. Is High School in Canada Free?
Public high schools in Canada are free to Canadian residents, but most charge tuition fees for international students. These typically range from C$8,000 to C$16,000.
Students are usually also responsible for providing their lunches and stationery, although books and other materials are often available on loan through the school.
4. What Is the Canadian High School Admission Process for International Students?
Admission to a Canadian high school is typically less strenuous than applying to a Canadian university. The minimum requirement is often only a passing grade (50% average).
Students will also be required to provide several documents as part of their application, including:
A copy of their passport
School history from the past three years
A completed application form
A declaration of eligibility
International students will need to have an intermediate to high level of English language ability to study at an English-speaking high school in Canada. Applications can often be submitted without an English language test, but students may be required to complete one online after they receive their acceptance offer. If a student has a low level of English, they may be required to take ESL courses, sometimes at extra cost.
Each province and territory in Canada offers a relevant, engaging curriculum with a wide variety of courses for students to select. These courses teach students to address real-world issues, develop critical thinking skills, and prepare for their future careers.
Students are required to take a certain number of credits in core subjects like math, science, and English to receive their high school diplomas. These subjects are offered at different levels, including courses designed to fulfill standard university admission requirements.
High school students can also take unique classes to fulfill specific interests or specialties, such as business, film, and social science credits.
6. Can High School Students Work in Canada?
Canada’s minimum working age varies by province, but is typically 14 to 15 years old. The Canada Labour Code allows people under 17 to work, as long as it doesn’t conflict with school hours. However, international high school students studying in Canada on a student visa are not eligible to work.
7. How Is High School in Canada Different From the United States?
The Canadian high school system is quite similar to the American high school system. One key difference is that each country’s schooling is designed to support post-secondary applications within the same country. Because of this, US high schools will usually help students prepare for the SAT exams, which Canadian universities don’t require.
Some terms may differ from Canada to the US. For example, American high schools tend to use terms like “freshman,” “sophomore,” “junior,” and “senior” to refer to different grades. In contrast, Canadian high schools more commonly refer to them as grades 9, 10, 11, or 12.
There is also less of an emphasis on sports in Canadian high schools, although athletic leagues and sports teams are still popular.
8. What Does Having a Canadian High School Education Mean for Post-secondary Education Options?
Having a Canadian high school diploma can significantly increase international students’ chances for admission to Canadian post-secondary education when compared to an international diploma. This is because Canadian colleges and universities can quickly evaluate a student’s learning based on the quality of Canada’s high school education.
For international students who want to apply to post-secondary education in the US, Canadian high school credentials are valued as much as US diplomas. Canadian students can even take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes that you may find in American high schools.
US colleges and universities typically have standardized testing requirements for admission. High school students in Canada can find local SAT and ACT prep courses and testing centres that allow them to meet these requirements.
9. Where Can International High School Students Live in Canada?
Canadian high schools accepting international students often arrange for students to live with a host family near the school. It’s a great way for international students to learn about the local culture and practice English. Homestays and high schools also provide support for their international students, so families can feel comfortable knowing their children are being cared for.
