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EDUCATION SYSTEM FOR NEWCOMERS 

Designed by newcomers for newcomers, our Education Section is the most comprehensive online directory for Newcomers to Canada interested in learning more about the Canadian education system, both in terms of finding schools for their children (elementary or secondary) or finding suitable post-secondary education (Colleges and Universities) for themselves. This section also includes more information on getting your skills assessed and recognized in Canada, otherwise known as Foreign Credential Recognition. For those interested in learning more about improving their English or French, we also have a dedicated English & French Language section. 

Elementary and Secondary School System for your children 

The Canadian elementary and secondary school system make up the two basic levels of education for children and young people in Canada. Combined, these two levels of education represent up to 12 years of study, with most kids starting off in kindergarten (pre-school preparation), followed by grades 1 to 12 in elementary and secondary school. Some children spend more than 12 years in the system at various levels, kindergarten, elementary and secondary. If this has been helpful and you want to learn more about the elementary and secondary school system in Canada, visit our Canadian School System section.

Post-Secondary Education System for you or your children 

Within the post-secondary (or third level) education system in Canada there are various types of post-secondary institutions or establishments, as well as many forms of post-secondary education. With some institutions being recognized and others not, it is important to understand what the difference is. For example, being recognized generally means that a provincial or territorial government has given the institution the authority to grant degrees, diplomas and other formal qualifications. To learn more about whether an institution is officially recognized or not, please visit our Third Level Education section. 

Are you an Internationally Trained or Educated Professional? 

As a newcomer to Canada, you are likely to have obtained your trade or professional qualification outside of Canada. If this is the case, then you may need to have your skills assessed and recognized in Canada. Within Canada this is referred to as foreign credential recognition (FCR), while outside of Canada, it is often referred to as skills assessment, skills recognition and/or professional registration. Foreign credential assessment is the process of verifying that your education, training and/or work experience, obtained overseas, is equivalent to the standards in Canada for Canadian workers. Getting your skills assessed and recognized in Canada sometimes means wading through hundred’s of licensing bodies, educational institutions and professional associations but still not finding what you are looking for. Our Credential Recognition section should help you navigate this plethora of information, helping you find what you’re looking for quickly and easily.  

Learning or improving your English and French 

If you haven’t already discovered, Canada has two official languages, English and French. While the majority of people speak English, particularly outside of Quebec, French is equally as important and all official government services as well as publications and documents are available in both English and French. Having strong English or French language skills is essential for most jobs in Canada and if you are trying to successfully navigate the immigration system in Canada, you will also be required to meet basic English (or French) language proficiency requirements. Our English Language & French Languagesections will give you more information about workplace language skills and sitting your International English Language Test for Canada.  

Need more help? Meet us in person. 

Why not visit the Newcomers Canada Fair, the largest event of its kind in Canada, taking place in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. This exhibition uniquely promotes viable immigration pathways for temporary foreign workers and international students through employment, foreign credential assessment as well as English language training, job ready education and a host of arrival and settlement services. For newly landed immigrants with permanent residency, learn how to open a bank account, navigate the real estate market, meet with government supported newcomers networks, healthcare providers, business startup services, foreign exchange services, interstate relocation companies, government services and much more, all under the one roof.