Study in Canada at the OCSB
Students from all over the world choose to study at the Ottawa Catholic School Board. From Kindergarten to Grade 12, we offer world-class education in Canada’s beautiful capital city of Ottawa. Our International Student Program Manager, Jenny Perla-Leon, is excited to welcome our 2021 international students!
Protocols for Pre-Departure, Travel, Arrival into Canada & Homestay Accommodation. Download the PDF.
Updated Ottawa Catholic School Board Refund Policy. Download the PDF.
Five reasons international students choose the OCSB
Application process

Step 1
Submit your application form. In your application, you will need to upload a recent transcript and signed copy of the International Student Agreement. If you are approved, we will send you a letter of acceptance. This process usually takes one week.

Step 2
Apply for a Study Permit. To study in Canada, you will need a study permit from the Government of Canada. You cannot apply for a study permit until we send your letter of acceptance.

Step 3
Pay international student fees. All payments are made payable to the “Ottawa Catholic School Board” and should include the name of the student on your method of payment. Payment options from within Canada are a bank draft, money order, or certified cheque. Make a payment outside Canada.
International student fees
Fees 2020-2021
Fees 2020-2021 | Kindergarten to Grade 8 | Grade 9 to 12 |
---|---|---|
Application fee (one time fee) | $400 CAD | $400 CAD |
Tuition | $13,000 CAD per year | $14,000 CAD per year ($7,000 per semester) |
Medical insurance | $450 CAD per year | $450 CAD per year |
MLI Homestay | Not applicable | $11,500 CAD per year (approximate) |
Fees 2019-2020
Fees 2019-2020 | Kindergarten to Grade 8 | Grade 9 to 12 |
---|---|---|
Application fee (one time fee) | $300 CAD | $300 CAD |
Tuition | $12,000 CAD per year | $13,000 CAD per year ($6,500 per semester) |
Medical insurance | $450 CAD per year | $450 CAD per year |
MLI Homestay | Not applicable | $11,500 CAD per year (approximate) |

Live with a Canadian host family
Students in Grades 9 to 12 can participate in a homestay program that places them with a Canadian host family. This program offered by MLI Homestay allows students to learn about Canadian culture while giving them the opportunity to share their culture with a Canadian host family.

English as a Second Language
We provide English as a Second Language (ESL) support to all of our International Students. ESL programming is offered at all of our schools from Kindergarten to Grade 8 (Visit our School Directory) and at the following six high school locations for Grades 9 to 12.

Excellent high schools throughout Ottawa
International high school students who do not require English as a Second Language (ESL) support may attend one of our 15 high schools based on where they will be living in the city. Visit our Online School Locator.

International leaders in Deep Learning
The Ottawa Catholic School Board is a global leader when it comes to Deep Learning. Michael Fullan, the man who coined the term “Deep Learning,” mentions the Ottawa Catholic School Board by name in one of his books as an example to follow. In 2019, we were recognized as the District of Distinction by the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning Global Network for how we live out the concept of Deep Learning in our classrooms throughout Ottawa. Throughout the school year, delegations of educators from around the world come to visit our schools to see our innovative and impactful approach to teaching children.