International students and families or agents must apply to the GECDSB online via TRUE North, our secure, multi-user, web-based system that allows parents and agents to manage applications and share documents.
The application deadline for September is June 1. The application deadline for February is November 15.
Application requirements
Please collect and complete documents prior to applying. 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 the passport with photo and identifying information. The passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival to Canada
- Transcripts or report cards for the last two years translated into English
- Immunization records translated into English
- GECDSB Mandatory Student Participation Agreement
- GECDSB Student Information Form
- Parent Accommodations Contract (required for elementary school students only).
Application procedures
- Submit the online application form in full. Incomplete applications may be delayed or returned to the applicant
- Pay the application fee. Applications received without payment will be returned to the applicant for payment.
- Upon acceptance to the GECDSB International Students Program, a Letter of Acceptance and Letter of Accommodation will be uploaded to the TrueNorth portal (you will receive an email notification). These documents are required to make an application for a Study Permit, obtained from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
- Pay tuition and medical insurance fees. Payment is due 30 days before the start of your program. For payments from outside of Canada, applicants can pay via Convera (formerly Western Union). For payments from within Canada, applicants can pay by certified cheque, bank draft or wire transfer.
- Apply for a Study Permit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid Study Permit. In most cases, applicants are required to provide fingerprints and a digital photo (biometrics). Upon approval by IRCC, the Student Visa will be issued by mail or email. It must be provided to the Canada Border Services Agent upon arrival in Canada.
- Complete the Vital English and Math online assessments and the Pre-Arrival Learning modules. Within two weeks of acceptance to the GECDSB International Students Program, a link will be emailed to the student email address provided on the TrueNorth application form. The assessments must be completed promptly in order to determine school placement and homestay location.
- Secure local accommodations. Secondary school students (Grades 9-12) may apply to MLI Homestay. Elementary school students (Grades K-8) MUST reside with their parent for the entire duration of their elementary school studies. Parents of elementary students must submit the Parent Accommodations Contract (located in the TrueNorth portal) at the time of application. Elementary students are NOT permitted in the MLI Homestay program. There are NO exceptions.
- Unaccompanied minor high school students travelling and residing without their parent must submit a fully executed Custodianship Declaration Form IMM 5645. This is a Government of Canada form in two pages. It must be completed, signed and notarized by a parent and the custodian. It must be submitted to the International Students Program office prior to arrival and provided to the Canada Border Services Agent upon arrival in Canada.