Canadian educational institutions offering high school education to Canadian students and international students are renowned globally for their quality of teaching, modern facilities, and extracurricular activities. The high school program in the Canadian education system is well suited for preparing high school students to enrol in the world’s top universities.
In addition to the high quality of their knowledge-imparting methods, diplomas from high schools in Canada and other equivalent qualifications reap the benefits of a safe and stable political system. Further, with affordable tuition fees, Canadian high schools do not impose any major challenges for international students who want to live and study on a budget in Canada.
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These high schools offer a range of opportunities for international students because of their many tie-ups with premium educational institutions worldwide. These also help students with their university preparation. Furthermore, the Canadian secondary education degree or qualification is internationally recognised and won’t pose an issue for the student’s higher education at the university level.
These are the primary benefits reaped by international high school students in Canada. Let us now look at the kinds of high schools in the country where international students can take up admission.
Types of Canadian Schools
Broadly, there are two types — Canadian public schools (this category also comprises state-funded Catholic schools) and private schools (also called boarding schools). While Canadian public schools are very good in teaching quality and affordable tuition costs, private schools are considered more prestigious and costlier.
However, despite being more expensive than public schools in the country, Canadian private schools are cheaper than boarding schools in countries like Switzerland, the US, and the UK, making them a popular choice among international students.
Top 5 High Schools in Canada for International Students
Below is the list of the top 5 Canadian schools in the best Canadian cities offering admission to high school programs to international students:
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Rosseau College
Rosseau Lake College is a private boarding school located on the shores of Lake Rosso in the Ontario province. It has approximately 150 students, over 40% of whom are international students. The only language used here is English.
This school has expansive lush-green gardens with rich flora and fauna that open the students’ hearts and minds to environmental literacy. Additionally, the track record of the school is exceptional, with over 90% of its graduates taking admitted in some of the best universities around the world.
Popular extracurricular activities offered here include music, drama, and photography. The school pays equal importance to the child’s academic and personal growth by taking them into the world occasionally to open up new horizons.
Columbia International College
Columbia International College is the country’s largest boarding school situated in Hamilton in Ontario province. It is often regarded as one of the best high schools in Canada. A unique Personal Success Plan is designed for every student attending the school based on their intensity and duration of learning, their dream university for undergraduate studies, the core subjects they studied in each semester, and their academic strengths.
The institute has admitted many students outside Canada to the private high school. Keeping this in mind, the faculty has developed a special Total Care Education System for international students to better hone their academic, sports, creative and psychological pursuits in a new country and become on par with the Canadians in their class.
The school board is heavily focused on the students’ admission rate into the world’s top universities, such as Imperial College, University of Hong Kong, and King’s College. This shows in their 100% admission track record, which majorly attracts international students to the high school.
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Brookes Shawnigan Lake
This institute is ranked among the Top 30 prestigious secondary schools in Canada and the British Columbia province. There are nearly 450 students, each of whom is paid special attention by the faculty. The school promotes a friendly environment that inculcates the virtue of mutual respect among students and staff alike.
The students benefit from a cosmopolitan environment. Among other things, the school is known for its chefs, who prepare dishes from many cuisines. There is also a concurrent focus on physical activities. The school has many sports teams that have won awards at the national level under the guidance of the best coaches.
Moreover, the school offers many other creative activities that help students discover and build their talents and go on to be admitted to some of the best universities.
Ridley College
Located in St. Catharines in Ontario province, this high school has over 600 students, about 20% of whom are from abroad. Students enjoy the best of all worlds at the picturesque campus — excellent academic facilities to learn about technology, business, art, design, etc., recreational activities to unwind, and sports infrastructure to stay fit.
In this school, 100% of graduates are in the best universities of Canada and the US. The programmes at the high school level include high school education with and without AP courses (giving the opportunity to advance a particular subject’s knowledge) and International Baccalaureate.
Bodwell High School
The Bodwell High School is in North Vancouver in the British Columbia province and welcomes about 650 students from over 40 countries every year. The culturally rich and diverse environment at the institute makes it one of the best high schools in Canada, perfect for learning, having fun, playing sports, and making friends for a lifetime.
The school also offers scholarships to the students to help them in their education at the university level. By building individuals who possess strong leadership skills, academic capabilities, creativity, and initiative, the high school paves the way for its graduates to go on and become successful professionals in a multitude of fields.
The intakes take place in three terms: Autumn (September to February), Winter (February to June), and Summer (July).
Reasons to Attend High Schools in Canada
- Co-operative education
Cooperation learning, or “cooping,” combines academic education with full-time work experience. Literary and pay terms can be alternated in a cooperative program or several consecutive ones. The number of requested work terms is different according to the programme. You must spend at least 30 % of your time in class during the working period for programmes lasting more than two years. The ratio shall be 25 % regarding programmes lasting two years or less.
2. Globally recognised credentials
Canadian high school education and diplomas are recognised and respected worldwide by postsecondary institutions. In addition to high school diplomas, international programs are offered at many secondary schools to support students’ application for higher education. In many schools, for instance, there is an International Baccalaureate programme. The diploma uses a standardised grade system and an intensive curriculum, enabling universities and colleges to reintegrate these grades into their local systems rapidly.
3. Modern Classrooms
Technology is constantly evolving, and students need to be prepared for current needs to enter the labour market. Digital literacy is relevant for students entering higher education and a wide range of careers. High school students in Canada are allowed access to state-of-the-art learning technology thanks to the government-funded education system. Tablet computers, interactive whiteboards and technical laboratories can also be used.
4. Exceptional Staff
The teachers of Canada are trained to the highest standards. Thus, students can be assured of the quality of education they receive. Teachers are highly skilled in their fields, and they ensure that teachers have a thorough knowledge of the specific subject matter. Canadian high schools provide staff and guidance counsellors with support in addition to experienced teachers to help students succeed.
5. Placements/Internships opportunities
An internship or placement is supervised whole- or part-time work experience. Or it could be an internship related to your field of study. You can work for free or pay, but you get university credit when you’re done with your training. During your research, you can complete an internship. Or, if you have completed your course and are in the final stages of study, you can achieve it before graduation. The duration of the internship usually ranges from 12 to 16 months.
Cost of living for international students
Canada offers free education to students aged between 18 and 21 years because it is an immigrant-friendly, culturally diverse, technologically advanced country that has been fully developed. In the case of international students studying in Canada, average living costs range from 904266 INR to 1205688 INR per year, excluding fees for your studies at a university. This range is subject to considerable fluctuations in your budget expenditure from city to city.
| Variable | Average expenditure per year in INR |
| Food | 144682-217023 |
| Medical Insurance | 36170-60284 |
| Transport | 84398-180853 |
| Accomodation | On Campus:180853-452133 |
| Off Campus:542559-1567394 | |
| Miscellaneous | 4,34,047-5,06,389 |
*Note- All the expenses mentioned above are approximate figures per existing data and are subject to change. Your expenses will vary based on factors like the school you attend, its location, and the type of school it is. The expense numbers provided are meant to give you a general idea and can vary.
Scholarships in high schools in Canada
In Canada, students from India may be eligible for scholarships, fellowships and grants. You can access funds from the Canadian Government, provinces and territories, and many educational institutions. To manage their studies and lives, many colleges and universities in Canada offer students scholarships. You can also apply to Canadian colleges that do not charge an application fee to cut the cost.
Requirements for enrolling in high school in Canada
You may have to prove the following to attend high school in Canada:
- The unique grades corresponding to level levels have been completed in Canada.
- Competent in English or French language skills.
- The results from school or report cards from your home country.
Visa requirement to study in high school in Canada
Study permits visas for students enrolled in secondary school in Canada from grades 9 to 12 in all provinces and territories except Quebec. Grades 9 to 11 in Quebec can be issued for the entire length of the intended study period at a secondary school in Canada (maximum of 4 years).
Final Thoughts
Studying in Canadian high schools can prepare students for their lives by nurturing their personal and professional skills in unique areas of interest. To get admission to these high schools, international students must submit a motivation letter, English proficiency proof (IELTS or TOEFL score), and a previous school report, among other requirements.
For more information on Canadian cities that are best to study and live in for Indian students, read more blogs at LeapScholar and begin your study abroad journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are there any drawbacks to studying in a public high school in Canada?
A. not. Canadian public schools are as good as Canadian private schools, though the latter category is more popular among international students. Public high schools in Canada offer top-notch education along with various opportunities to hone personal and extracurricular talents.
Q. At what age is the high school in Canada?
A. The most common age for high school in Canada is 16 to 18 years. These two years comprise the Indian equivalents for grades 11 and 12 in Canadian higher secondary education.
Q. How much does studying in a private high school in Canada cost?
A. Private high schools in Canada are costlier than public schools. The expenses involved in enrolling in a private school vary across cities in Canada. However, you should expect expenses from CAD$4000 to CAD$26,000.
Q. Are high schools in Canada free for international students?
A. In Canada, international students are subject to a yearly fee for tuition in primary and secondary schools. Fees vary from one type of school to another. For example, a public school can run between $9,500 and $17,000 annually.
Q. Is life easy for Indian students in Canada?
A. Yes, India’s students have an excellent choice in Canada. This provides an environment conducive to safe, diverse and inclusive learning. It is the most preferred destination for students from India due to quality of life, health care and education.
Q. How much is the cheapest high school in Canada?
A. Canadian citizens or permanent residents are entitled to free public secondary and high school education in Canada. Schools generally charge fees of approximately 10,000 to 17,000 annually for international students.
Q. Can I move to Canada for high school?
A. You can apply your children to one of the elementary and high schools in the best schools in Canada. Canada’s education system is the same for all students, including international students, who can continue their studies in one of the best education systems in the world.
Q. How much do international students pay for high school in Canada?
A. Tuition, accommodation with a loving Canadian host family and ongoing guidance and support are part of the fees for international students who attend public schools in Canada. The cost starts at about CAD 23,000 for an academic year and can be much higher.
Q. How many years is the high school in Canada?
A. High school begins in grades 8, 9 or 10 through to grade 12 in most Canadian provinces and territories, except Quebec, which starts in grade 7 and ends in grade 11. Students may go to higher education or study after successful completion of high school at the age of 17 or 18.
Q. How many subjects are there in Canadian high schools?
A. Canada, too, has what they call “semester high schools”, where four subjects are taught every term instead of the usual eight, with one long lesson each day, usually 70 minutes on each subject.
Q. What subjects are compulsory in Canadian high schools?
A. The required courses shall be English, mathematics, Natural Sciences, Canada’s History, Geography, Arts, Health and Physical Studies, French, Vocational Training, Citizenship Courses or any other subject. In addition to business, natural sciences, the arts, social sciences and technology, a wide range of topics are covered in elective courses.
Q. What are the benefits of living in Canada?
A. Canada is a very good place to live due to the following reasons:
1. The quality of life is very good.
2. Sufficient employment opportunities.
3. Publicly funded healthcare.
4. Free public school and subsidized higher education for the press and citizens.
5. Diversity and multiculturalism.
6. Safety and peacefulness.
7. Social services and benefits.
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