Education in Canada is run by each province, not the federal government. High school usually covers grades 9 to 12, and students earn credits course by course. In Ontario, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma needs 30 credits (18 compulsory and 12 optional), 40 hours of community involvement and the provincial literacy requirement.
Key facts
- Who runs schools: each province and territory
- High school: usually grades 9 to 12 (Quebec ends at secondary 5)
- School year: early September to late June
- Ontario diploma: 30 credits, 40 community hours, literacy requirement
Each province runs its own system
Canada has no national ministry of education. Each province and territory sets its own curriculum, diploma and rules, so a school in British Columbia and a school in Ontario can work quite differently. Your child follows the rules of the province where they study.
School boards and schools
Public schools are run by local school boards, also called school districts. Most boards have an international student office that handles admission, fees, homestay and custodianship rules. Private and independent schools set their own admission and fees.
Grades, credits and semesters
High school is usually grades 9 to 12. Students take courses that each earn a credit when passed. Many schools use two semesters a year, with four courses per semester, while others run courses for the full year. Grade 11 and 12 marks matter most for university admission.
Graduating in Ontario
- 30 credits: 18 compulsory and 12 optional
- 40 hours of community involvement activities
- The provincial literacy requirement, usually met by passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
Students who arrive in grade 11 or 12 may get credits recognized from their home school. The school decides how many, so plan the timeline with the guidance counsellor early.
The school year
Classes run from early September to late June, with a winter break around the holidays and a March break. Many schools also accept students in February at the start of the second semester. Apply several months ahead, because study permit processing takes time.
Where a custodian fits
Most international students in high school are minors, so IRCC and the school board will expect a custodian in Canada. Arrange the custodian before applying for the study permit, because the IMM 5646 goes in with the application.
Sources: IRCC, Study permits: Guidelines on minor children. This article is general information and not legal advice. For your situation, talk to our team.
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