No. Public schools are free for residents of Canada, but international students on a study permit pay tuition set by the school district.
- Why fees apply: Public schools are funded by provincial taxpayers. In Ontario, for example, the Education Act requires school boards to charge tuition to students who are temporary residents or study permit holders.
- Typical amounts: Published full-year tuition for international secondary students in public districts ranges from CAD 9,500 to CAD 18,500 (Canada High Schools school database, October 2026).
- Limited exemptions: Some provinces waive fees in specific cases, such as children whose parent holds a work permit or is a full-time student at a public post-secondary institution. Rules differ by province.
- Public fee lists: CAPS-I member districts commit to publishing all fees, including tuition and homestay, so you can compare districts openly.
Please note: Fee exemptions are defined by each province; confirm with the school district before relying on one.
Official sources: Ontario Ministry of Education memorandum 2018:SB08 on tuition fees · CAPS-I: Standards of Practice
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