Education In Canada

High Quality Public Education in Canada

Canada’s public education system consists of schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12.   All public schools in Canada are provincially accredited, follow a standard curriculum, employ only government certified teachers and are publicly funded. While the education system in each province contains many similarities, each has its own Study Canada curriculum and guidelines to reflect the culture and history of its region.

Over 95% of Canadians choose public school education for their children.

Canada spends more on education (per capita) than any other country in the G8. Canadian public high school students consistently rank near the top in the world on standardized tests. Canadian high school graduation diplomas are recognized throughout the world.

Canada’s public schools have been accepting international students since the 1980’s and have well-developed infrastructure and support including ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction and carefully supervised homestay programs. Almost all public schools are co-educational and accept international students for high school graduation programs or for shorter stays of weeks, months or a year or two. Many elementary schools also accept young students for short term and full-year programs.

Most school boards offer non-religious education although in a few provinces some religious schools are also publicly funded.

Affordability & High Standard of Living

International students and their parents choose Canada as a study destination because tuition fees are competitively priced yet provide for a high standard of living. The standard of living in Canada is among the highest in the world.

“The United Nations ranked Canada fourth on its Human Development Index for 2007-08. The country’s standard of living, health care system, educational attainment, housing, cultural and recreational facilities, level of public safety and tourist opportunities are all of an exceptionally high quality.” (Source: Human Development Report 2007-08, Human Development Index 11/2007)