📚 Studying in Canadian Schools (K-12)
Every year, many families choose Canada as a destination for their children’s education.
Schooling in Canada typically starts at the age of 5 or 6 and continues for 12 years, commonly referred to as the K-12 education system. However, the province of Quebec is an exception, where students complete 11 years of school and then attend a 2-year pre-university college program (CEGEP).
Canadian students attend school 5 days a week, and the academic year usually starts in September and ends in late June.
👨👩👧 Children of International Students Can Study for Free
If you’re an international student in Canada, your children may also be eligible to attend public elementary, middle, or high school—often tuition-free depending on the province.
🎓 VisaHouse Offers Exclusive School Admission Support
At VisaHouse, we provide personalized support and special pathways for school admissions in Canada.
Whether you’re applying for a study permit for your child or looking to relocate your family, we can help you choose the right school and handle the full application process.
👉 Contact us today to learn more about your options.
🏫 Types of Schools in Canada and Study Options
1. Public Schools in Canada
Public schools in Canada are funded by the government and are often tuition-free for permanent residents and children of international students (depending on the province). These schools follow the official provincial curriculum and offer high academic standards in a diverse and inclusive environment.
2. Private Schools in Canada
Private schools charge tuition fees and may offer smaller class sizes, specialized programs (like arts, sciences, or faith-based education), and sometimes international curriculums such as IB (International Baccalaureate). They are known for their personalized attention and enriched learning environments.
3. Day Schools in Canada
Day schools operate during regular school hours, and students return home at the end of the day. Both public and private schools can be day schools. They’re ideal for families living in Canada with their children.
4. Boarding Schools in Canada
Boarding schools provide on-campus accommodation for students, offering a structured and immersive educational environment. These schools are popular among international families seeking a secure and high-quality education for their children while living abroad.
🎓 Studying in Canadian Schools: Tuition, Types, and Admission Requirements
🏫 Studying in Public Schools in Canada
Public schools in Canada are free of charge for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. However, international students are required to pay tuition fees, which typically range from CAD $16,000 per year, depending on the province.
At the time of enrollment, students are usually asked to complete:
An academic placement test
An English language assessment
If the student needs language support, they will be placed in an ESL (English as a Second Language) program before joining regular academic classes. These support classes are designed to improve language proficiency and ensure the student succeeds in a Canadian classroom environment.
🏫 Studying in Private Schools in Canada
Private schools in Canada are a premium option for families seeking:
Smaller class sizes
High academic standards
Enriched extracurricular and cultural programs
Annual tuition for private schools typically ranges between CAD $30,000 to $60,000, depending on the grade level and city. Many private schools offer exceptional campus facilities, after-school activities, and a globally diverse student community.
🏠 Studying in Canadian Boarding Schools
Boarding schools are an excellent option for international students who wish to live and study in a secure, structured environment while away from home.
Tuition fees at boarding schools generally range from CAD $30,000 to $60,000 per year, and include:
Accommodation
Meals
Academic instruction
24/7 supervision and care
🟡 Important Note:
Mid-year intake is possible in many Canadian schools. In such cases, only half of the annual tuition fee is typically required.
In some provinces such as British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, children of international students may be eligible for free or significantly reduced tuition at public schools. However, in most provinces, families should expect to pay between CAD $10,000 to $16,000 per academic year.
📋 What Are the Requirements to Study in Canadian Schools?
Here are the general admission requirements for studying in Canadian elementary, middle, or high schools:
✅ An official letter of acceptance from a Canadian school (public or private)
✅ Proof of financial support to cover tuition and living expenses
✅ A custodian declaration for students under 18 (guardian living in Canada)
✅ Identity documents and transcripts from the last 2 years
✅ A safe accommodation plan, such as a homestay program or accompanying parents
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🏠 Accommodation Options for Students in Canada
Homestay vs. Accompanying Parents
There are two main options for your child’s accommodation while studying in Canada:
Being accompanied by one or both parents, using a multiple-entry visitor visa (TRV)
Living with a Canadian host family, known as a Homestay
In the homestay option, your child lives in a private room within the home of a Canadian family. This method is popular because it helps students learn English quickly and adapt faster to Canadian society. These host families are approved by the provincial Ministry of Education and receive a fee for providing accommodation.
Homestay families are required to provide:
A private room
Three full meals per day
A safe and supportive environment for the student
| Service Provided | Approximate Cost (CAD) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Homestay Accommodation * | $13,500 | Includes one year of accommodation, three meals per day, and student health insurance |
| School Orientation Package (Optional) | $550 | Two weeks of support to help student adjust to school and accommodation |
| Custodianship Fee * | $1,500 | For students under 18 arriving without a parent or legal guardian |
| Initial Registration Fee ** | $300 | Non-refundable. Payable upon receiving the letter of acceptance |
* In case of visa refusal, both the Homestay and custodianship fees are refundable.
** The initial registration fee is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances.
Important Note: Homestay arrangements must be made **before the semester starts**, as spots are limited and may fill up quickly.
Key Features of Homestay Families for International Students
- ✅ Full criminal background checks conducted by Canadian police before approval
- ✅ Parents have access to an online profile of the host family
- ✅ Maximum of 2 students per household to ensure personalized care
- ✅ Three full meals daily provided by the host family
- ✅ Ongoing monitoring and evaluations by the education provider
- ✅ 24/7 emergency support available throughout the student’s stay
- ✅ Homes located close to schools and public transportation routes
- ✅ Friendly families offering a safe environment and fluent English communication
- ✅ Formal interviews conducted with each host family before final approval
- ✅ Option to select families that meet special needs or student preferences
- ✅ Dedicated emergency contact number for both student and host family
- ✅ Complete photo documentation of the student’s room, bathroom, and kitchen prior to arrival
Who is a Custodian and What Are Their Responsibilities?
If you have relatives or family friends living in Canada, they can act as the custodian for your child while they study in a Canadian school. However, if you do not know anyone in Canada, you can contact the VisaHouse legal team for support and professional custodian services.
A custodian in Canada is a responsible adult (usually a Canadian citizen or permanent resident) who is officially appointed to care for an international student under the age of 18. Their main responsibilities include:
Being present on the day of school registration
Attending parent-teacher meetings
Responding to emergencies or school incidents in person
At VisaHouse, we have years of experience handling student visa applications and helping families with the Canadian school system. We are here to support you and your child through every step of the process.
Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining Admission and Student Visa in Canada
- Choose the grade level and preferred province: Decide the appropriate level for your child (elementary, middle, or high school) and select your preferred city or province in Canada.
- Contact the school and obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA): Reach out to your selected public or private school and submit the required documents to receive an official acceptance letter.
- Pay the first-year tuition fee: Most schools require the first-year tuition payment before issuing the final LOA.
- Obtain a Custodianship Declaration: For students under 18, a notarized custodianship letter from a Canadian resident is mandatory.
- Gather all documents and apply for the visa: Required documents include passport, LOA, proof of financial support, immigration forms, and the custodianship declaration.
- Complete biometrics: After submitting your application online, you must visit the nearest VAC center for fingerprinting and photo capture.
- Wait for application review and visa issuance: Processing times vary depending on the time of year and application volume—usually a few weeks to a few months.
- Receive your visa and prepare for travel: Once approved, you’ll need to submit your original passport for visa stamping at the VAC, then book your ticket and get ready to travel to Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Canadian Schools and Student Visas
1. At what age can a student apply for a Canadian study permit?
Children between the ages of 6 and 18 can apply for a Canadian study permit. School typically starts at age 5 or 6.
2. Is a custodian (guardian) required in Canada?
Yes. For students under the age of 18 (or under 19 in some provinces), a notarized custodianship letter from a Canadian resident is required.
3. Do public schools in Canada accept international students?
Yes, many public schools in provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario accept international students with tuition fees ranging from CAD 13,000 to 18,000 per year.
4. Can parents accompany their child to Canada?
In most cases, one parent can accompany the student on a visitor visa. However, they are not allowed to work or study unless eligible under other programs.
5. What documents are required for a Canadian student visa?
Required documents include the school acceptance letter (LOA), proof of financial support, custodianship declaration, academic transcripts, passport, photos, and immigration forms.
Studying in Canada: A Secure Future for You or Your Child
Whether you're planning to study in Canadian schools, colleges, or top-ranked universities, our team at Visa House is here to support your journey—backed by hundreds of successful cases.
Your future in Canada starts with a single step—contact us today to get started.
Bahram AmirHosseini
RCIC: R509154
Ready to take the next step towards your Canada Permanent Residency? We’re here to help! Our team of experienced immigration experts is ready to guide you through the process and answer all your questions. Contact us today for a consultation and let us assist you in making your dream of living and working in Canada a reality.
