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Programs

TDSB International Student Programs (TISP)

The TDSB welcomes students from all over the world. International students coming to study at the TDSB can choose an educational path that best suits their personal interests and academic goals.

Attending school in Toronto is a rewarding experience. Toronto is a beautiful, clean and safe city. International students will learn about other diverse cultures, gain new perspectives and meet new friends while getting a first rate education.

Our teachers and counsellors understand the needs of our international students and know that they often require help adjusting to life in a new country. Our staff speak a variety of languages and they are always willing to offer friendly guidance on academic and personal issues.

Elementary Schools (Kindergarten to Grade 8)

Children living in Toronto with parents or relatives may attend one of our 470 plus elementary schools.

School placement is based on the residential address of parent/custodian. Proof of address includes lease agreement, property tax assessment documents, utility bills, bank statement or telephone bills.

All students at Grade 8 or under must live with their parents, blood relatives or custodians.

Admission Requirements

  1. An average of C+ (65%) or higher in the past two years of school
  2. Letter of recommendation from a teacher or principal
  3. English ability: Although there is no English-speaking requirement for elementary students, we recommend that students have some knowledge of English that includes reading, writing, listening and speaking skills

Click here for more information on how to apply.

Secondary Schools (Grade 9 to 12)

Secondary students can attend high school while preparing for post-secondary attendance at either a Canadian college or university. Two academic streams are available. More information can be obtained by contacting the guidance department of each TDSB school designated for international students.

The TDSB secondary schools offer comprehensive support to international students and a full range of academic, language and elective courses., AP courses, extra curriculum activities, clubs, and sport teams. All schools offer a wide range of art programs including music, drama, fine arts and visual arts.

A selection of secondary schools has been selected for hosting international students. These schools are located throughout the City of Toronto in a variety of communities. The spaces available at the designated secondary schools are regularly updated on our website (www.studytoronto.ca). Please check the website often in order to have the most up-to-date information. Placements will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Every attempt is made to place incoming international students in their school of choice; however, this may not always be possible.

International students applying to TDSB secondary schools are only eligible to regular-track programs.

An International student under 18 years of age is NOT allowed to live by her/himself during study at the TDSB. He/She may choose to live with parents, a relative, his/her custodian or a hosting family arranged by the parents/custodian.

Admissions Requirements

  1. An average of C+ (65%) or higher in the past two years of school
  2. Letter of recommendation form a teacher or principal
  3. English ability: Intermediate or higher level of English Language Proficiency

Click here for more information on how to apply.

TDSB Cultural Immersion Program (1 to 2 months)

The TDSB short-term Cultural Immersion Program is specifically tailored for international school groups (10 students or more) of Grade 7 to Grade 11 students. The Program is run during regular school semesters (except for Christmas holiday sand March Break) and is 2-8 weeks in duration. For individual students, the minimum length of stay at TDSB schools is 3 months.

The Program offers visiting students:

  • Customized program
  • Authentic immersion experience in TDSB schools
  • Learning with local Canadian students
  • Same curricular as local students
  • Local buddies for very visiting students
  • Experience with local hosting families
  • Reasonable cost

Please note that a chaperone teacher is required for every 10-15 students.

Programs for International Adult Students

  1. Adult High School and Academic Pathways

The Academic Pathway Program is available to adult international students who wish to attend a Canadian college or university but do not meet the English language proficiency or other admission requirements. The program is offered through any of TDSB’s five adult high schools. We support more than 12,000 learners to find career and post-secondary pathways and meet their academic goals. More information is available at the program’s webpage.

  1. International Leadership & Peer Support Summer Program

TDSB welcomes students from all over the world to join us for a fun and interactive learning experience every summer. The International Leadership and Peer Support Program prepares international students to act in leadership and peer support roles. The program will bring together students from all over the world for a fun and interactive learning experience by applying 21st century global competencies and improving their English language skills. Students will engage in intensive study of the English language, life skills, and academic research skills, while developing skills in communication, collaboration, teamwork, and problem solving. Upon the successful completion of this program, students will receive a Leadership and Peer Support GPP3O Ontario secondary school credit towards an Ontario high school diploma. For more detailed information about the program, we invite you to visit the program’s webpage.

Testimonials

Each year thousands of international students from around the world make the TDSB their educational destination. Some of our students and teachers wanted to share the excitement of learning, making friends and becoming global citizens with potential TDSB students. Please watch the videos below to learn more about TDSB students and one of our schools.

What students say about studying in the TDSB!

What teachers say about teaching in the TDSB!