Public school boards follow the provincial curriculum, usually cost less for international students and arrange homestays through an international office. Private and independent schools often have smaller classes, may offer boarding, and set their own fees and rules. Both issue letters of acceptance that can be used for a study permit, and both normally expect minors to have a custodian.
Key facts
- Public schools: run by school boards, provincial curriculum
- Private schools: set their own fees, may offer boarding
- Both: can issue letters of acceptance for a study permit
- Custodian: expected for minors in both
Public school boards
Public schools are run by local boards and follow the provincial curriculum. International students pay tuition set by the board. Most boards have an international office that handles admission, homestay placement and the documents you need for the study permit.
Private and independent schools
Private schools set their own admission and fees. Many have smaller classes, and some offer boarding, so the student lives on campus with staff supervision. Some follow the same provincial curriculum and diploma, while others add programs such as International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement.
What to compare
- Total cost: tuition, homestay or boarding, insurance and fees
- Location: city, suburb or small town, and distance to an airport
- Support: English language help, guidance counsellors, university advising
- Housing: homestay, boarding or living with relatives
- Rules for custodians and how the school communicates with parents
Housing and supervision
In a homestay, the student lives with a local family. In boarding, the school supervises the student on campus. Either way, the custodian is a separate role: the adult who acts for the parents and can be reached in an emergency.
Our advice
Shortlist schools by location and budget first, then ask each school for their international student handbook. It will tell you their fees, homestay rules, custodianship requirements and how they keep parents informed.
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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