&nbspEveryone knows that going abroad to study in a university is a major mission that requires careful consideration.——So, what about going abroad for high school? If you are considering Canada, you will be relieved because it is not difficult to go to high school in Canada. You only need to figure out a few basic steps, prepare and complete them one by one. Let ’s take a closer look at these steps to clarify your plan:

1. Choose a school that suits you

First, we need to understand what types of high schools there are in Canada.
Canadian high schools are broadly divided into public and private categories.
  &nbspPublic high schools are affiliated with each provincial Ministry of Education. The schools in towns and regions are managed by local district school boards. For example, in the Greater Toronto Area there is the Toronto District School Board. Similarly, there are the York Region District School Board, the Peel District School Board, and the Halton District School Board.
  &nbspPrivate high schools are also managed by the Ministry of Education, but each one operates independently. Private schools are more strictly managed and tuition fees are higher, often offering both boarding and day school options.

Next, we recommend that you consider these factors when choosing a school.

Public high schools tend to have lower tuition fees than private high schools, and parents should consider what they can afford. Public schools can cost up to $16,000 a year, and private tuition fees are generally no less than $20,000 a year. The tuition fees for prestigious private schools, such as Upper Canada College, can be as high as $60,000.

Public high schools are often limited to classes during the day, and students need to arrange their own accommodation. Private high schools will have two options: day and boarding. If parents are concerned about their child's safety and ability to care of themselves, boarding may be a better option.

&nbspThere is a big difference between public and private schools in terms of the students’ origins. Public high schools are mainly for local residents, and some schools under the Ministry of Education recruit international students as well. However, locals still account for the majority in these public schools. The schools have a pure English language environment. Local students attend public high schools for free and there are basically no barriers to enrolling, these schools reach out to a wide range of people. Private school students are often locals with a good family background or who place special emphasis on academics. The type of private schools that international students are most likely to apply to mainly targets the international market. Therefore, there are many Chinese international students in private schools and it is difficult to guarantee a full English-speaking environment. However, these schools also pay more attention to the needs of international students. The English language courses (ESL) and small classes provide a new and comfortable environment for foreign students who are not native speakers.

  &nbspEnrollment dates for public schools are fixed, twice a year. As an example, the Toronto District School Board sets their enrollment date in September in the fall semester, and application is closed by the end of April. Private schools often have multiple admission times a year, usually 4-5 times a year, allowing parents and students to choose flexibly.
  &nbspPublic school applications can be directly submitted through the website of the Ministry of Education, where the applicant can fill in three choices of schools. However, if all spots are filled at the applicant’s chosen schools, the Ministry of Education will then designate other schools in your district. The sooner you apply, the more likely you are to get into your selected school. At the school of your choice, applications for admission in February of the following year will open in September, and applications for admission in September of the following year will open in December. But overall, the results are somewhat unknown. Private schools have independent admissions departments. You can apply directly to the admissions department at the school you want to go to, so you get more control over your choice of school.

2. Prepare materials for your application package

After deciding which school you want go to go, open up the websites for the Ministry of Education and the school’s website to find out what materials are required for the application. The requirements vary between schools, but these are the basic items you need:

  • School Application Form (may be filled out directly online)
  • Transcripts in Chinese and English (stamped issuing school)
  • Recommendation form
  • Notarized passport photo page or birth certificate
  • Notarized immunization records (may be required by certain school districts)

3. Pay the application fee and submit the application package

The general application fee is $200-300 CAD, which can be paid by credit card on the school website.

  &nbspMost schools now accept online applications and it is not necessary to send application materials by international courier. The application form can be completed online, along with functions to upload scanned copies of the application materials, it can be emailed it to the admissions office. Although some schools accept scanned documents when reviewing materials, students are still required to submit original transcripts before entering the school, so be sure to check the specific requirements of the school.
  &nbspAfter the application materials are submitted, the admissions office will review your materials. If you meet the requirements, they will send you a Conditional Letter of Acceptance.

4. Finding a reliable guardian

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requires that minors who want to study in Canada must be under the care of a custodian. Parents can either choose to accompany their children to study abroad or appoint a Canadian resident as a custodian for their minor child. The guardian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. You will not receive a formal offer of admission until you submit a Custodianship Declaration Form required by immigration.

After the student receives the pre-admission notice and decides to enroll, they can find a host family near the school, with the host family's host as the custodian;

Many boarding schools or the Ministry of Education will arrange custodians for students, and monthly custodian fees range from $200-300 CAD per month.

Of course, UtoCanada has a wealth of experience in this field, so we can help you find  the most reliable custodian in Canada.

5. Pay tuition fees and receive a letter of acceptance

The pre-admission notice sent by the school will often provide details of tuition payment, including the school’s bank account information. Students do not get the formal admission notice until they pay the tuition fees. But how do people pay tuition fees from China?

Many schools use online payment methods. If you have a multi-currency credit card, this is the most convenient way to pay.

UnionPay International has also launched a tuition fee payment service for overseas UnionPay cards. The account is debited in Chinese RMB and there is no currency conversion fee. The process is simple, and the payment can be received in 3 business days.

Of course, the most traditional method is bank transfer. The tuition fee is directly transferred to the school account through online banking, and your name, school ID, and tuition fees are clearly indicated. Usually, payments can be received in 2-3 business days.

6. Apply for a student visa

After getting the formal admission notice, you can start applying for a student visa. Here’s a list of the application documents:
If you are under 18:

  • Application for a Study Permit Made Outside of Canada（IMM1294）
  • Family Information Form (IMM5707)
  • Details of Education/Employment Form
  • Letter of acceptance from a Canadian educational institute
  • Passport (valid for the duration of your intended period of study)
  • Two photos taken within the last 6 months (35 x 45 mm); name and date of birth written on the back of each
  • Proof of funds (bank balance of no less than $10,000 CAD)
  • First year’s tuition payment receipt
  • Statement of purpose: Describe your study plan and future career goals
  • Custodian Declaration
  • Medical examination report
  • Report card/transcript in Chinese and English
  • Chinese ID card copy (front and back)
  • Original household registration booklet (Hukou)
  • Parent’s proof of employment
  • Proof of Funds – Currently, at least $10,000 CAD a year is required. Relevant proof includes: 1. Documentation of deposits in the last two months 2. House ownership certificate 3. Original motor vehicle registration certificate
    Original bank book
  • * If studying in Quebec, a letter of acceptance from Quebec (CAQ) is required.

If you are 18 years or older:

  • Visa application form
  • Letter of acceptance from a Canadian educational institute
  • A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of return)
  • Two photos taken within the last 6 months (35 x 45 mm); name and date of birth written on the back of each
  • First year’s tuition payment receipt
  • Statement of purpose: Describe your study plan and future career goals
  • Medical examination report
  • Report card/transcript in Chinese and English
  • Letter of explanation: Explain why you want to study in Canada and briefly describe your plans for study
  • Chinese ID card copy (front and back)
  • Original household registration booklet (Hukou)
  • Criminal Record Check (from every country you have stayed in for 6 months or more in a row from the time you were 18 years old)
  • Parent’s proof of employment
  • Proof of Funds——Currently, at least $10,000 CAD a year is required. Relevant proof includes:
    • 1. Documentation of deposits in the last two months
    • 2. House ownership certificate and motor vehicle registration certificate (originals)
    • Original bank book
  • * If studying in Quebec, a letter of acceptance from Quebec (CAQ) is required.

for Chinese citizens applying for a study permit. For the latest information, please refer to the Immigration Service website.（http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp?countrySelect=CN#applications）http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/student.asp?countrySelect=CN#applications)

7、Admission

After you get your student visa, your preparation from your home country is basically complete.
Be sure to determine the required date of arrival at your school. Some schools require students to come to the school to participate in orientation activities in August.

In addition, most schools will provide airport pick-up services. You need to inform the admissions department in advance, and provide them with your flight information so that the school can make arrangements.

With this clear step-by-step guide, you get an idea of the process of applying to high schools in Canada. If you still trouble deciding on a school, or if you are still confused about the preparation process, please contact us. With our knowledge and experience, we can give you peace of mind.