Public Education System

Canada's public education system is decentralized, administered entirely at the provincial level. There is no federal department of education.

K-12 Education

Public schools are funded by provincial taxes and local property taxes. They are generally of high quality across the country, and the vast majority of Canadian children attend public school. Catholic school boards are also publicly funded in some provinces (notably Ontario and Alberta).

• Cost: Free for citizens, permanent residents, and most temporary workers.
• Curriculum: Varies by province (e.g., Quebec operates on a different system culminating in CEGEP).

Post-Secondary Education

Canadian universities are heavily subsidized by provincial governments, which keeps domestic tuition relatively low compared to the United States. However, international students pay significantly higher deregulated fees (often 3-4x the domestic rate).

Implications for Newcomers

If you arrive on a temporary work permit, your children can generally attend public school for free. However, if you are an international student, the rules vary by province and your specific study level regarding whether your minor children pay domestic or international fees.

Next Steps

If you are planning to study in Canada, review the Study Permit requirements and calculate your potential PGWP length. If moving with a family, consider the impact of provincial differences in our Cost of Living comparisons.