High School Programs in Canada

Canadian public high schools are provincially accredited, publicly funded, follow a standard curriculum and employ only government certified teachers. The education system in each province contains many similarities, but each has its own Study Canada curriculum and guidelines to reflect the culture and history of its region.

Of all the G8 countries, Canada spends the most per capita on its education system. The performance of Canadian public high school students consistently ranks near the top in the world on standardized tests. High school graduation diplomas from Canada are recognized throughout the world.

Canada's public high schools have been accepting international students from age 13 – 18 since the 1980's and have well-developed infrastructure and support as well as carefully supervised homestay programs. Almost all public high schools are co-educational and accept international students for various programs ranging from high school graduation programs, an academic year or one-semester programs to shorter stays of 1 to 4 months.

University Preparation Program

University Preparation Program offers pre-university preparation for students to gain entry into college or university. The program is for students who have completed or almost completed their high school graduation requirements and is designed to assist students in meeting admission requirements for post-secondary education in North America and the rest of the world. The program offers students opportunities to acquire further English language proficiency in academic settings, as well as foundational skills for success in university life. Both International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) curricula are available for those in pursuit of more academic challenge.

Program Duration
1-3 years

Start of Program
September (Application Dateline: May 31 of same year)
February (Application Dateline: Nov 30 of previous year)

Academic High School Program

Students are fully integrated with Canadian students for durations of one or two semesters. Instruction is based on the public school curriculum of the respective province and students benefit from a consistent, world-class academic program. In addition to required courses, students can tailor their studies to suit their individual interests and career goals with a wide range of elective subjects in applied skills, business education and fine arts. Students in this program have the added advantage of appreciating other forms of enrichment such as music, art and sports.

Program Duration
5 months or 10 months

Start of Program
September (Application Dateline: May 31 of same year)
February (Application Dateline: Nov 30 of previous year)

Short-Term High School Program

Provides students with the opportunity to gain an insider's view of life in a Canadian high school. Students study English and attend classes alongside Canadian students their own age, for the experience and would not receive academic course credit. While enrollment in a variety of courses is possible, emphasis will be made upon courses that encourage an understanding of Canadian culture and offer an opportunity for students to practice their English language skills in a highly interactive environment, with Canadians at school, at home and in the community.

Program Duration
1 month, 2 months, 3 months or 4 months

Start of Program
Flexible, according to student's needs, in the period between September - June
Application Dateline: 2 months prior to program start