International students and families must apply to the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) online.
The deadline to apply to start school in September is June 1. The deadline to apply to start school in February is December 1.
Application requirements and fees
As you complete the online registration process, please have these documents ready to upload. Each document must be uploaded individually as a scanned PDF file that is less than 5 MB in size. You can save your online application progress, but it must be submitted within 30 days after you begin.
- A copy of your passport with photo and identifying information. The passport must be valid for at least six months upon arriving in Canada
- Your transcripts or report cards for the last two years, translated into English
- Your immunization records, translated into English
- Your completed Mandatory Student Participation Agreement
Non-resident fees
Your fees as a non-resident student include:
| Fees (in Canadian dollars) | 2022-23 full year | 2023-24 full year |
|---|---|---|
|
Application fee (non-refundable) |
$300 |
$300 |
|
Tuition for secondary school (Grades 9 to 12) |
$14,300 |
$14,500 |
|
Tuition for elementary school (Kindergarten to Grade 8) |
$13,300 |
$13,500 |
|
Mandatory medical insurance |
$500 |
tba |
Application procedure
- Submit your completed online application. Incomplete applications will result in a delayed or declined application.
- Pay your application fee.
- We will send a confirmation email with your invoice and payment instructions.
- Pay your tuition and medical insurance fees. Payment is due 30 days before the start of your program. Payments from outside of Canada should be made through Western Union. You can pay by certified cheque, bank draft or wire transfer.
- Upon acceptance, your Letter of Acceptance and Letter of Accommodation will be uploaded to the TrueNorth portal (you will receive a link and instructions). These are required to make an application for a Study Permit, which you will receive from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
- Apply for your Study Permit. In most cases, you will need to provide your fingerprints and photo (biometrics requirements). It is your responsibility to make sure that you have a Study Permit.
- Upon acceptance, your Visa will be issued by mail or email. Your Study Permit will be provided when you land in Canada at Canada Customs.
- Complete your Vital English and Math online assessments. You will receive an email with a link to the assessments.
- Upload a copy of your Study Permit to the TrueNorth portal as soon as you can after receiving it. You may not register at your school until your Study Permit has been uploaded.
- After we receive your Study Permit and you have completed your Vital English and Math online assessments, we will direct you to your designated school to register for class.
Refund policy
Please submit all requests for refunds by email to [email protected]. Please allow up to eight weeks for processing after submitting your refund request with all necessary documents.
- Your application fee is non-refundable.
- A full refund of the tuition fee, less the application fee, and banking fees if applicable, will be given if Immigration Canada does not approve the Study Permit.
Your refund request must include:
- Your Letter of Refusal from Immigration Canada
- Your Letter of Acceptance from GECDSB
- Two-thirds of your tuition fee will be refunded if a student withdraws before the program begins.
- One-half of your tuition fee will be refunded if a student withdraws after the program begins, but before 30 calendar days have elapsed.
- No refund will be granted to a student who:
- Withdraws 30 days after the program begins
- Is dismissed from the program due to a breach of law, policy or regulation as determined by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, the police, and/or GECDSB