Why New Brunswick French International Student Program?
For students who have been educated in French, or who want to bring their French to a native-like level, options in Canada are limited. The program answers the needs of families who want their child to learn French in North America on an affordable budget.
- Language goal: gaining fluency in French and receiving a French-language high school education.
- Budget: one of the most affordable tuition levels in Canada.
- Setting: bilingual communities where English is also heard in daily life.
Reasons: what makes the program stand out
The program was founded in 2010. It accepts international students at 19 high schools in the province's French-language school network. Full-year, single-semester and three-month options are available, and enrolment takes place in September and January.
- French-language education: because the language of instruction is French, students take all their courses in French and learn to use the language at an academic level.
- Bilingual province: New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, so students studying in French also encounter English around them.
- French-speaking family: participants stay with carefully selected French-speaking local families in a bilingual city, so language practice continues outside school.
- French Second Language (FSL) support: students whose French is not yet sufficient can also adapt to the program with this support.
- IB and university courses: the International Baccalaureate and university course options are available, so strong students can work at an advanced level.
- Sports-Studies: sports academies let student-athletes continue training alongside their education.
- Free placement: no separate fee is charged for homestay placement, so no extra item is added to the budget.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 10,900 | $10,900 (additional charges: $250 validation/covalidation fee and $50 per wire transfer) |
| Application fee | 400 | $400 (non-refundable) |
| Health insurance | 750 | $750 |
| Homestay, 10 months at CAD 1,025 | 10,250 | Annual Homestay Placement Fee: $0; Homestay Monthly Fee: $1,025 |
| Homestay placement fee | 0 / included | |
| Estimated first-year total | 22,300 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,090 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 2,230 per month. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The tuition figure for the 2026–27 school year was confirmed on the district's own website on 11 October 2026.
The other items are taken from the district's CAPS-I member page, read on 11 October 2026. Items shown as "see text" could not be read as a single amount and are left out of the total.
How this fee compares
At CAD 10,900, this fee is CAD 4,100 below the median of CAD 15,000 among 104 Canadian public school districts on this site.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
These features add up to a genuine French-language education outside France, within North American culture. For parents, the budget is predictable and accessible. High school study is exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement. Students under 17 travelling without a parent need a guardian in Canada. Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority.
- Advanced French: the student progresses quickly by using the language at school, at home and in social life at the same time.
- Affordable cost: low tuition and accommodation fees make long-term study sustainable.
- Close attention: in a program with about 90 international students, each student is known as an individual.
- Flexible start: with no application deadline, preparation can be planned comfortably.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: full-year tuition is CAD 10,900, a single semester is CAD 5,600 and the homestay fee is CAD 1,025 per month. Added to these are a non-refundable CAD 400 application fee, a CAD 250 orientation fee, a CAD 300 airport pickup fee and CAD 750 per year for health insurance. A monthly surcharge applies for special diets. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Language level: because classes are taught in French, students with no French may struggle in the first months. The program is not suitable for families whose goal is focused on English.
- Location and procedures: schools are in small cities and towns. The nearest airports are Moncton, Fredericton and Bathurst. Study longer than six months requires a Study Permit.
New Brunswick may be the right address for your child's French goal. Book a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre and we can assess language level and program options together.