Study In Canada

1) Primary and Secondary Education in Canada 

Primary (or elementary) and secondary (or high) schools combined is also commonly referred to as K-12 (Kindergarten through Grade 12), which starts with kindergarten and continues with grades 1 through 12. In Canada, depending on the province or territory, children can start primary school as young as 4 years old, study in grade 1 generally at the ages of 6 and go until grade 6 or 7 in elementary school. Secondary school typically runs from grades 8 or 9 to 12 in most Canadian provinces and territories, except Quebec, which starts in grade 7 and ends in grade 11. Some districts within provinces and territories also offer the option of middle school, running from grade 7 through 9 in most cases, as an intermediate between elementary and high school. Students usually finish secondary school when they are 18 years old. In the province of British Columbia, elementary usually means grades 1-7 and secondary means grades 8-12. After successfully completing high school at age 17 or 18, students can go on to college or university for higher education.  

All elementary and secondary schools in Canada can enroll international students.

2) Post-secondary Education in Canada

There are over hundreds of universities, colleges, and institutes that are authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to welcome international students. These educational institutions are called designated learning institution (DLI) and they exist to help international students learn in Canada and stay within the country after graduation， if they wish. In Canada, there are three different types of post-secondary schools: universities, colleges, and institutes. At most post-secondary schools, the school year is divided into 2 main terms, an optional summer term.

• Term 1: September to December
• Term 2: January to April
• Optional summer term: May to August

Preparing an application to a Canadian study program is a crucial step in the journey to becoming an international student in Canada. Many Canadian universities are working to attract international students by providing English as a second language programs and reserving specific scholarships for high caliber international students. While the exact admission requirements and procedures vary from school to school, the following factors should all be taken into consideration when preparing an application. 

1. Language Requirements. Canada’s two official languages are English and French. To qualify for an academic program, most English-speaking schools may ask students for whom English is not a first language to either pass an English examination test, such as Teaching of English as a Foreign Language test (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL), or enroll in their own language program or at an ESL partner school. French-speaking institutions may ask for a recognized French test, or the institution may have its own language assessment methods.
2. Entrance Requirements. There is no Canada-wide entrance test for post-secondary study programs. Each institution sets its own admission standards and assesses the qualifications of each applicant individually. It is important that an applicant verifies that he or she meets the admission requirements of an intended study program before applying. Candidates may contact individual institutions for further information, or consult the relevant websites. Each university in Canada has its own policy regarding admission requirements.
3. Application Deadlines. Application deadlines vary from school to school, with some schools accepting applications only at certain periods during the year. After an application is submitted, it may take two to six months to receive a decision from a school. It is important to apply to a program well ahead of the intended start date, in order to ensure the applicant has enough time to obtain a Study Permit and travel to Canada before the study program begins. This process may take several weeks. It is a good idea to begin gathering the necessary documents and information approximately one year in advance.
4. Academic Year. The academic year usually runs from September to May. Some schools are on a semester or trimester system, with all courses available even in the summer. Other institutions may offer a more limited course selection and timetable during the summer semester, with it being optional to enroll in many instances. Some programs also have a January and/or May intake.
5. Institution/Program Recognition. In Canada, the provincial and territorial governments are in charge of education. Through provincial and territorial legislation, colleges are regulated and designated, and universities are given the right to grant degrees. International students are required to pursue studies at a DLI, this status is regulated by the province and territory in which the institution is located. Before applying to an institution, prospective international students should verify that the desired institution is a DLI. For a full list of all DLIs by province, please refer to the Designated Learning Institution List.

It is important to note that prospective international students wishing to study in Canada must first apply to a study program at a DLI, especially for post-secondary students. All Canadian elementary and secondary schools are automatically designated, and no DLI number is provided.