Why River East Transcona School Division?
For a student interested in music, design or digital production, hands-on courses matter as much as academic programs. With facilities such as a high-school-level music recording studio, the division offers creative students a different path. It is Manitoba's second-largest public school division and has run its international program since 1999.
- Those interested in creative fields: students who want to try music production, animation, photography or fashion technology.
- Those seeking the assurance of a large division: parents who prefer a long-established public division with extensive resources.
- Those who want to start early: families considering a move into Canadian education from grade 4.
Reasons: what makes River East Transcona stand out
- Music Production Technology: thanks to a state-of-the-art high school music recording studio, students learn music production on real equipment.
- Six high schools: international students are accepted at any of the six high schools, so the school can be chosen according to the student's interests.
- Scale of the division: as Manitoba's second-largest public division hosting between 100 and 125 international students, the proportion of foreign students is low.
- Arts and design courses: a creative portfolio can be built through Dramatic Arts, Jazz, Band, Choir, Visual Communications, Website Design and Fashion Technology courses.
- Academic options: the Advanced Placement and French Immersion programs mean academic goals can be met as well.
- Homestay accommodation: screened Canadian families provide a private room, three meals a day and snacks.
- Established program: the international program was founded in 1999, so the division has more than a quarter of a century of experience.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 13,750 | $13,750 (for 10 months) |
| Application fee | 300 | $300 (non refundable) |
| Health insurance | 620 | Medical Insurance Fee: $620 (for 10 months) Mandatory |
| Homestay, 10 months at CAD 1,000 | 10,000 | Homestay Placement Fee: Not applicable; Homestay Monthly Fee: $1,000; Custodianship Fee: Not applicable |
| Homestay placement fee | 0 / included | |
| Custodianship fee | 0 / included | |
| Estimated first-year total | 24,670 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,375 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 2,467 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 district has also published CAD 14,250 for the 2027–28 school year.
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 13,750, this fee is CAD 750 above the median of CAD 13,000 among 7 public school districts in Manitoba.
Outcome: what the student and family gain
- Portfolio and diploma together: while progressing toward a high school diploma, the student produces concrete work in creative fields. This work supports post-secondary applications in art or design.
- The right school match: the high school that best fits the student's goal can be chosen from among six. The location of the host family is considered alongside the school's courses.
- Easy travel in the city: Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport is in the same city, so the journey is easy and families can fly directly to Winnipeg to visit.
- Clear costs: ten-month tuition is CAD 13,750, accommodation is CAD 1,000 per month and compulsory health insurance is CAD 620. The current position on items such as guardianship and placement should be checked with the division when applying.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Suitable profile: students interested in art, music or technology who can adapt to a city environment. Having 100 to 125 international students in a division of 19,000 shows that the environment is predominantly Canadian.
- Timeline: the application deadlines are November 1 and April 30. Preparation for the Study Permit process should begin before these dates. Study longer than six months requires a Study Permit, which is decided by IRCC.
- Fees: the application fee is CAD 300 and is non-refundable. Five-month tuition is CAD 6,875. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying. Full-year, single-semester and short-term program options are available. A student under 17 who arrives without a parent must have a guardian in Canada.
To bring your child's creative side together with a high school education in Canada, book a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre, where we can identify the right high school together.