Education

You can find many educational opportunities in Ontario. Find information about how to continue your education, improve your English skills, and help your children succeed in school.

Elementary and Secondary School

How do I enrol my child in school?
When you enrol your child in publicly funded schools in Ontario you will need to provide only certain documents to register your child.
Where can my child learn our home language?
It is very important to speak English or French to be successful in Canada, but your home language and culture are also important.
EQAO Testing
In some grades, all Ontario students write tests in reading, writing and math. This tip sheet will help you understand the purpose of these tests, and how to help your child prepare.
What counselling services can students get?
Ontario schools approach students’ overall well-being, both physical and mental; not just academic.
At what age do children attend school?
The Education Act is the law that governs public schools in Ontario. It says that children aged 6-18 must attend school. Most children begin kindergarten programs at age 4.
Does it cost anything for my child to attend school in Ontario?
There is no tuition cost to attend publicly-funded schools in Ontario. Generally, you have to pay to send your child to a private school.
What does a student need to graduate from high school?
Students need to complete a certain number of courses, do community service hours, and pass a literacy test.
Can I talk to my child's teacher?
It is important for you to talk with your child's teacher to find out how your child is doing in the class.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Discover how to prepare for parent-teacher interviews so that you can find out how your child is doing in school. This guide is available in 10 languages.
The Newcomer's Guide to Elementary School in Ontario
This guide provides information about Elementary Schools in Ontario and suggestions that will help you understand the Ontario education system and how to support your children in school.
The Newcomer's Guide to Secondary School in Ontario
This guide provides information about Secondary Schools in Ontario and suggestions that will help you understand the Ontario education system and how to support your children in school.
Who does what in Ontario's public education system?
What is the role of the Ministry of Education, school boards, schools, teachers and school councils? This tip sheet will help you understand who does what in Ontario’s education system. From People for Education. Available in more than 10 languages.

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Colleges, Universities and Institutes

How do I apply for admission to a university or college?
Each school (college or university) can decide on admission requirements and select which students to accept.
Do I need a study permit? How do I apply?
If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, then you might need a study permit to study in Canada.
How do I choose the right university or college for me?
There are no real "rules" about how to choose a school and a program, but these general guidelines can help make the process easier.
6 Tips for Choosing a Post-Secondary School
These tips can help you select the right post-secondary school for you.
I am an international (foreign) student. Can I get financial assistance?
Unfortunately there is very little financial assistance available to international students.
What kinds of financial help can I get for my education?
There are a number of sources of financial assistance for students. These sources include educational institutions, the government, private companies, charities and community organizations.
Who is eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)?
To be eligible to apply for financial assistance from the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), you must be a resident in Ontario and be a Canadian citizen; Permanent resident; or Protected person/convention refugee.
Is there financial assistance available for post-secondary students with disabilities?
Depending on your individual need or your program there may be different types of financial assistance available.
How do I renew my study permit?
If your study situation changes while you are in Canada, you must notify Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You may need to change the conditions of your permit or extend (renew) it.
I am an international student. Can I apply for permanent residence?
Currently, international students in Ontario can apply for permanent residence under a few different programs.
What is the difference between college and university in Canada?
Universities focus on academic and professional programs. Colleges focus more on career training and trades.
What are private career colleges?
Private career colleges focus exclusively on preparing students for employment in a specific trade or occupation.

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Adult Education

What is Occupation-specific Language Training (OSLT)?
OSLT is a language program that helps internationally trained newcomers improve their communication skills for Canadian workplaces.
What is GED/High School Equivalency Certificate?
The GED or High School Equivalency Certificate shows that you have a level of knowledge equivalent to a high school graduate.
Where can I take high school courses as an adult?
Most school boards in Ontario have programs for adults who want to earn a High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate.
What are general interest courses and where can I find them?
General interest courses are courses you take out of interest rather than for academic reasons. You can find them in many places in your community.
What is ''continuing education''?
Continuing education are courses that let you develop your knowledge and skills in a specific area.
Who is a ''mature student''?
A "mature student" is usually applicants who are over 19 years old and do not have a high school diploma or GED.

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English as a Second Language (ESL)

Where can I get my English level evaluated?
Sometimes you have to write a test given by the school or organization where you are making an application. Sometimes you have to take a standardized test.
What different kinds of ESL programs are available?
English as a Second Language (ESL) programs are designed for specific skill levels, groups of learners, and specific purposes.
Where can I take ESL classes?
There are many different organizations that provide English Second Language (ESL) classes.
What is Enhanced Language Training (ELT)?
ELT programs provide job-specific, advanced-level English training to adult newcomers.
Where can I learn French?
There are public and private schools that teach French as a Second Language (FSL). Usually, you have to pay for these classes.
When Children Speak More Than One Language
As a parent of a child who will learn two or more languages, you may have questions. This guide will give you information based on research to help you.
ESL Corner: Listening and Reading Activities
These interactive listening and reading activities can help you learn about Ontario and practice your English skills. This section is also useful for ESL teachers, mentors and volunteers.
What is the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program?
LINC is a free language training program for eligible adult learners.
How do I enrol in LINC classes?
Go to a LINC assessment centre and take a language assessment test.

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Evaluate My Credentials

What are credentials?
"Credentials" often refer to academic or educational qualifications, such as degrees or diplomas that you have completed or partially completed. "Credentials" can also refer to occupational qualifications.
Where can I get my international credentials evaluated for employment?
These organizations can evaluate the education that you completed outside of Canada. They charge a fee for their services.
Where can I get my international credentials evaluated for education?
Generally, elementary and secondary schools can evaluate your child's education themselves. However, each college and university has its own process for evaluating your previous education.

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Literacy

What are first language literacy and English Literacy Development (ELD) programs?
Literacy and ELD programs are for people who need to improve their basic reading and writing skills.

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Education

Elementary and Secondary School

How do I enrol my child in school?

Where can my child learn our home language?

EQAO Testing

What counselling services can students get?

At what age do children attend school?

Does it cost anything for my child to attend school in Ontario?

What does a student need to graduate from high school?

Can I talk to my child's teacher?

Parent-Teacher Interviews

The Newcomer's Guide to Elementary School in Ontario

The Newcomer's Guide to Secondary School in Ontario

Who does what in Ontario's public education system?

Colleges, Universities and Institutes

How do I apply for admission to a university or college?

Do I need a study permit? How do I apply?

How do I choose the right university or college for me?

6 Tips for Choosing a Post-Secondary School

I am an international (foreign) student. Can I get financial assistance?

What kinds of financial help can I get for my education?

Who is eligible for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)?

Is there financial assistance available for post-secondary students with disabilities?

How do I renew my study permit?

I am an international student. Can I apply for permanent residence?

What is the difference between college and university in Canada?

What are private career colleges?

Adult Education

What is Occupation-specific Language Training (OSLT)?

What is GED/High School Equivalency Certificate?

Where can I take high school courses as an adult?

What are general interest courses and where can I find them?

What is ''continuing education''?

Who is a ''mature student''?

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Where can I get my English level evaluated?

What different kinds of ESL programs are available?

Where can I take ESL classes?

What is Enhanced Language Training (ELT)?

Where can I learn French?

When Children Speak More Than One Language

ESL Corner: Listening and Reading Activities

What is the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program?

How do I enrol in LINC classes?

Evaluate My Credentials

What are credentials?

Where can I get my international credentials evaluated for employment?

Where can I get my international credentials evaluated for education?

Literacy

What are first language literacy and English Literacy Development (ELD) programs?