Canada has no national school system: each of the 10 provinces and 3 territories runs its own, and students earn a provincial diploma by collecting course credits rather than passing one final national exam.
- Provincial responsibility: Each province sets its own curriculum, graduation requirements and diploma. The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) confirms that every province and territory has its own ministry or department of education.
- Credit-based learning: Students take compulsory and elective courses each year and earn credits for every course they pass. The diploma is awarded when the required credits and any provincial assessments are complete.
- Public and private: Publicly funded schools are run by local school districts or boards and, according to CMEC, serve about 93% of students in Canada. Private (independent) schools operate under provincial rules and charge their own fees.
- International students: Public districts and private schools admit international students as fee-paying students. A student without a parent in Canada needs a study permit, and those under 17 need a custodian in Canada.
- Two languages: English and French are Canada's official languages. Each province has both English-language and French-language schools.
Please note: Details differ by province, so always check the rules of the province where the school is located.
Official sources: CMEC: Education in Canada, An Overview · IRCC: Minor children studying in Canada
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