Adult International Education

As a world leader in public education, the Toronto District School Board welcomes international learners from all over the world into our adult high schools every year. Our top priority is enabling our learners to realize and achieve their goals. We are proud to be Canada’s largest school board, offering high quality programs to international learners of all ages.

We offer learners a wide variety of programs to choose from.

• Improve your English language skills through our ESL credit courses
• Gain Canadian work experience and expand your professional network through Co-op
• Earn credits towards your high school diploma
• Upgrade high school grades
• Earn a professional certificate through one of our vocational training certificate courses
• Get the credits you need for college or university

We are pleased to inform you that all TDSB adult high schools are recognized as Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Programs for International Adults

Welcome to the Toronto District School Board. We are proud to offer valuable opportunities for language and academic development, including high school credits, vocational certificate programs, and Canadian experience co-op programs for international adult learners.

High School Credits

TDSB’s five adult high schools support more than 12,000 learners in finding a career and post-secondary pathways to meet their academic goals. Our co-op, certificate programs, and high school credits are offered through our adult high schools.

Co-op Programs

Experience life in Toronto, improve your English for the workplace, and gain valuable Canadian work experience through our 18 week co-op programs.

Adult Certificate Programs for International learners

Get career-building skills and prepare for post-secondary education with our technical certificate programs. Courses of study include business, technology, hairstyling, personal support worker and child care assistant.

Registration for international learners outside of Canada

International students who want to register for programs that are six months or longer are required to:

1. Contact us directly at international@tdsb.on.ca to express interest in joining one of our TDSB programs.
2. Complete the application form you receive from us by email.
3. Check to make sure you meet the requirements of the program you wish to join.
4. Submit to the TDSB a valid passport and any notarized supporting documents along with your signed and dated application form for assessment by the TDSB.
5. Make the tuition payment, payable to Toronto District School Board by: bank draft, money order, or wire transfer. Once full or partial payment is received, an Official Letter of Acceptance will be sent to your home country within 2-3 weeks.
6. You can use the Official Letter of Acceptance to apply for a Study Permit at the Canadian consulate or embassy in your home country. (Please note: Depending on your location, it may take from 2 weeks to 5 months for you to receive the study permit – please apply as early as possible).
7. Once you receive your study permit you can book your flight ticket.
8. Take our assessment at our school on one of the designated assessment days.
9. We help you pick your courses and make your timetable depending on your goals.
10. Start school.

If your visa application is denied, all your tuition fees are returned less your ($200) registration fees.

Cancellation and Refund Policy and Procedure

A full tuition fee refund, less the administration fee ($200), will be granted if Citizenship and Immigration Canada does not issue the Study Permit. To obtain a refund, you must provide:

• The original Letter of Rejection from Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• The original TDSB Official Letter of Acceptance
• The original receipt of tuition payment
• A written refund request by the student, including the name and address of the cheque recipient

There will be no tuition fee refund for the following circumstances:

• If the student chooses to withdraw for reasons other than the Study Permit has been denied by Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• If the student is found in violation of school regulations and asked to withdraw from the school
• If false medical information was given and conditions were not disclosed

In the event that your immigration status changes during the school year, you must contact the Continuing and International Education Department immediately.

The School Year

Our school year has 4 semesters and each semester is called a quad. Each quad lasts for 9 weeks. A student can earn up to 3 credits in each quad.

• Quad 1: September – November
• Quad 2: November – February
• Quad 3: February – April
• Quad 4: April – June

Summer School – July (1 credit only)

Tuition Fees

All our tuition rates include health insurance and materials fees.

Accommodation

As an international student in Toronto you have several options for your accommodation. Staying at a homestay is a popular choice among many students and is a great way to experience the Canadian culture first-hand. Alternatively, students can also rent apartments or rooms.

Homestay

Living with a homestay family is an excellent way for international students to familiarize themselves with Canadian culture. Homestay families are here to help you navigate your way through the culture, customs and city. The homestay experience is valuable and contributes greatly to raising your cultural awareness and global understanding.

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and the TDSB invites you to celebrate and share that culture by staying with a homestay family.

The TDSB does not arrange accommodations for international students. We can provide you with a list of reliable and reputable partners for your homestay solutions.