FAQ
01. What is the deadline for applying?
The application deadline is October 31 for the February intake and April 30 for the September intake. ALL applications should be submitted through our online portal, and our office no longer processes hard copies of applications.
02. How early can I apply for admission to your school?
The earlier you apply, the sooner the application can be evaluated and a school placement allocated. We start to accept applications in December (of the previous year) for the September intake and August (of the last year) for the February intake.
03. Do I need to submit English proficiency test marks (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS) for my application to your high school program?
No. The TOEFL or IELTS scores are generally required for your admission to university if you have studied in an English language high school for less than four years. We will evaluate and approve your application for admission based on your official translated transcripts or school reports from the current school year (if applicable), the last two years, and the letter of recommendation.
04. Are international students required to write an admissions test?
No. There is no test to determine admission to a TDSB school. However, secondary students must complete online English and Mathematic assessments after issuing the Official Letter of Acceptance. Links for the assessment tests will be sent to students by email. All secondary students must complete the evaluation tests before reporting registration at school. Course selections in our school system for newly arrived secondary students will depend on the results of the assessment tests.
05. The TDSB secondary schools are generally organized on either a semester model (half-year) or a non-semester model (full-year). What's the difference between these two models, and how do students select a suitable school?
In a full-year, non-semester school, students take eight courses simultaneously from September to June. Course contents are spread out throughout the entire school year. Students receive eight credits for their classes after passing the June exams. In a semester school, students take four courses from September to January and will receive four credits after passing the January exams. Students will take four different classes from February to June and receive four credits after passing the June exams. Due to a more concentrated timeline, courses are taught at a faster pace. Many senior students in grades 11 and 12 will find it more advantageous to study in a semestered school, which allows them to schedule flexibility and complete courses faster than in a non-semester school. Also, students might find it easier to concentrate on completing four courses per semester than on the eight courses full-year non-semester program. The TDSB reserves the right to determine final school placement.
06. How is grade placement determined?
Your age and academic background generally determine grade placement. The school reserves the right to determine final grade placement. It is understood that the grade level of your course selections in our school system depends on the results of the online assessment tests you will take. It may take two or more years to graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and meet the requirements for admission to a university or college in Canada.
07. How long will it take me to finish my degree?
BFA degrees typically take four years to complete, while MFA/MA programs vary from two to three years. The Performer-Composer DMA Program is three years.
08. How long does it take before a letter of acceptance is issued?
Every effort is made to process each application as quickly as possible. However, please allow a minimum of 15 working days once the application is submitted through our online portal successfully and all required documents are uploaded.
09. Does the TDSB admit International students with Special Education requirements?
No. The TDSB does not provide any exceptional education support to international students with a disability.
10. Does the TDSB provide the services of a custodian?
The TDSB does not provide a custodian for international students. Families are responsible for making arrangements or asking for assistance from the homestay service provider.
11. Can I get a refund if I do not get the study permit?
The application fee is non-refundable. If Canada Immigration and Citizenship Canada reject your study permit, your tuition fee minus the $500 administration fee shall be refunded. Please refer to the details in our refund policy.