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About Pre-Arrival Preparation
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International students are required to obtain a study permit for engaging in academic, professional, vocational or other education or training that is more than 6 months in duration at Durham Catholic District School Board. International students may enter Canada or remain in Canada without a study permit to attend a course or program of study of 6 months’ duration or less at DCDSB. Holding a study permit for short-term courses may allow students to apply later, from within Canada, to renew or change the conditions of their study permit for further studies. For more information, please go through the IRCC webpage. |
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How can I apply for a study permit to enter Canada? |
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It is the international student's responsibility to obtain the required Citizenship & Immigration Canada study permit from the Canadian Consulate or Embassy before leaving their home country, and to keep the study permit up to date. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will usually require a letter of acceptance from Durham Catholic District School Board, an official receipt of payment of tuition fees, and proof of sufficient funds to maintain the student for one year. A medical examination may also be required. To know more about how to apply for study permit, please visit the Study in Canada as an International Student page. |
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Are there any scholarship available for international students at DCDSB? |
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DCDSB does not offer any financial support to international students. However, students are encouraged to search for any financial assistance offered by their home countries or other organizations. |
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What school supplies do I need to prepare? |
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You will need binders, lined paper, writing utensils, math kits, scientific calculator, and storage items including a backpack, lunch bag and food containers. |
About Life in Durham Region
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What is the weather like in Durham Region? |
| Durham Region has a humid continental climate with all four seasons including spring, summer, fall and winter. On average July is the hottest month while January is the coldest month. Colder weather usually begins in November, and by December our grounds may be covered in snow. Wonderful summer time is from June to September, and it can be hot, humid and with many sunny days. |
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What can I discover in Durham Region? |
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Located immediately east of the City of Toronto, Durham Region is characterized by a series of major lakeshore urban communities; contrasting a variety of small towns, villages, hamlets and farms. Things to do and Places to Visit in Durham Region:
For details about culture and tourism in Durham Region, along with a listing of events, visit Durham Tourism. |
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How can I use the public transaction in Durham Region? |
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Public transportation is available in Durham Region, offering student fares at a reduced price. Please visit the following transportation provider websites for more information: Durham Transit: www.durhamregiontransit.com GO Transit: www.gotransit.com Via Rail: www.viarail.ca |
About School Life at DCDSB
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How can I find a desired school in DCDSB? |
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Students can search the school listing and visit the school websites to discover the programs and courses offered at each school. If you know where the applicant is going to live in Canada, please check Find My Local Catholic School Page to find the closest school by entering your address. |
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If I am not a Catholic, can I apply for the programs at DCDSB? |
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Yes, there is no faith requirement for the international students. Our school board respects international students' different religious beliefs. |
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Which grade level will I be placed in? |
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International students are usually placed into the grade level based on their ages. Their grade levels in the home countries and courses completed can be taken into considerations as well. International students can discuss the grade placement with the school guidance counsellor and the principal. |
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Can I transfer credits from my local high school in home country? |
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Yes, the guidance counsellor will review international students’ transcripts from previous study in your home country and complete the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. You will receive transferred credits based on the courses successfully completed in your previous school. Please discuss the credit transfer process with your guidance counselor. |
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How can I earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma? |
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To receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, students must earn 30 credits - 18 compulsory credits, 4 credits in religious education and 8 optional credits. In addition to earning 30 credits, students must complete 20 hours of community involvement activities (for the 2021-2022 school year only); and pass the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). Please go through the Graduation Requirement page. |
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Who should I contact about the course selection as a secondary student? |
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The guidance counsellors can assist international students with academic counselling and planning student timetables. Appointments are available at the guidance office and students can meet their guidance counsellors to discuss course selection and future pathways. A list of preferred courses which students want to enroll can be sent to International Education team after the application submission. |
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What should I do if I find the courses are too difficult for me? |
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If you find that you are struggling with the course material, you can meet with a guidance counsellor to discuss school supports and possibly, a revised timetable. Note that a revised timetable will require permission from a parent/guardian and the Passport to Excellence program coordinator. International students are encouraged to contact the ESL teacher at school for advice and strategies about their academic study at school. |
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How can I contact school teachers and staff from home? |
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The easiest way for international students to reach their teachers are to send messages through Edsby which is a learning management system. Students can see their classes and teachers, submit works, check course materials and updates, and contact their teachers on Edsby. The guidance counsellor will send you the student login information for Edsby after your school registration. For more information about how to use Edsby, please check the videos on the Edsby page. |
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Is school uniform mandatory for the international students at DCDSB? |
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Our secondary schools require all students to wear a uniform while attending school. This is part of our community culture and is an important part of the school’s identity. McCarthy Uniforms is our only uniform provider. Each school has their own uniform policy which is outlined in the School Website and will be discussed during registration. Uniforms are available to purchase online or in person. Secondary International students must purchase the uniform online or in person before the first day of school. Store Address (In-Person Showroom): 700 Finley Avenue Unit 14, Ajax, Ontario L1S 3Z2. Elementary students are not required to wear uniform at school. |
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What is the student activity fee? Do I need to pay that? |
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Student Activity Fee (SAF) is $75.00 CDN/School Year, and $40.00 CDN/Semester. Short-term students' SAF amount will be prorated. All the secondary students will need to pay the SAF for their duration at the school, including the international students (not covered by the tuition fee). SAF includes the fees for a new lock, student picture ID card, retreats, and yearbook, etc. International students can go to the school main office to make the payment, and the SAF receipt will be issued. |
About Homestay and Medical Insurance
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Where will I live during the study at DCDSB? |
| International students can live with their relatives/family friends in Canada or the homestay families. Durham Catholic District School Board works closely with MLI Homestay to support international students with safe, caring, and friendly accommodation offered by responsible host families. For more information about MLI Homestay, please visit the homestay program website. You can also go through our Homestay and Custodian section. |
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What should I do if I need to see a doctor? |
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Before going to see the doctor, you may need to contact your medical insurance provider to see if the insurance will cover the costs. The following places will offer medical services in Canada.
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