There is no single national minimum age; high school usually starts at about 13 or 14, in Grade 8 or 9, and each district sets its own age and grade limits.
- Typical entry age: Secondary school begins in Grade 8 or Grade 9 depending on the province. Vancouver, for example, accepts students born 2011 to 2014 into Grades 8 to 11 for September 2027.
- Younger children: Minors can also hold a study permit for primary school. Many districts require elementary students to live with a parent; Toronto requires them to live with a parent or custodian.
- Custodian rule: IRCC requires a child under 17 to come with a parent or legal guardian or to have a custodian in Canada. For 17-year-olds a custodian is optional unless an officer asks for one.
- Upper limits: Districts also set maximum ages. Comox Valley Schools, for example, does not generally consider students aged 19 or older.
- Late starters: Older students with limited English may have too little time to graduate. Vancouver does not recommend secondary entry at 17 with minimal English.
Please note: Age limits are set by each district and school; confirm them for your child's year of birth.
Official sources: IRCC: Minor children studying in Canada · Vancouver School Board: Applicant information, September 2027 · Toronto District School Board: International students FAQs
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More questions on this topic
- What is the minimum grade average (GPA) accepted at the application stage?
- Is an English test score such as IELTS or TOEFL required for admission?
- Is ESL (English as a Second Language) support available for students whose English is not yet strong enough?
- Which documents are required for the application, such as report cards and reference letters?
- How long does the application process take, and how soon is the letter of acceptance issued?
- Can courses from a high school program started in another country be transferred to Canada?
- Is an interview required?
- Can a student start mid-year, in the second semester?
- How is middle or high school education from your home country converted to its Canadian equivalent?