Studying in B.C.

All children between the ages of 5 and 16 must get an education. The Government of British Columbia sets laws and regulations to make sure every child gets educated. Most parents send their children to public schools. Public schools are paid for and regulated by the government. Some parents choose to pay for independent (private) schools. Some children learn at home through homeschooling or distributed (online) learning.

Public schools

Education in public schools is free. Boards of education (school boards) manage public schools in their communities. They must follow the laws and regulations set by the B.C. government. School boards plan and deliver programs and services for students.

Registering your child in a public school

Children usually attend the public school closest to their home. To register your child in a public school, contact your school board.

When you register your child, you will be asked for official documents showing your child’s date of birth, your resident status in British Columbia, and your address. You will also be asked to show your child’s immunization record. This shows what vaccinations your child has received. Schools need to know what vaccinations students have so they can keep students safe if there is an outbreak of disease. Learn more about vaccine reporting.

Some school communities have a program called Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS). Settlement workers help newcomers adjust to their new school and community. You can ask the school if they have the SWIS program when you register your child.

Private schools

B.C. also has independent schools (also called private schools). Most independent schools charge tuition (school fees). Some independent schools are based on religion or culture. Some independent schools offer special programs.

For more information about independent schools, contact the Federation of Independent School Associations.

Find an independent school near you.

Homeschooling and online learning

While all children in B.C. aged 5 to 16 must receive an education, some do not go to school. They may live too far away from a school. Some children are sick and cannot travel to school. Some parents may prefer to let children learn at home. There are 2 ways students can learn at home: homeschooling and distributed learning.

• Homeschooling is when parents teach their children at home instead of sending them to school. Parents are the teachers. They must register their child with a school before they begin teaching at home. They must also prepare the lessons and make sure their children are learning. Learn more about homeschooling.
• Distributed learning is when students take courses and do coursework without going to the school or classroom. Most distributed learning programs are done over the internet. Some distributed learning is done by phone or mail. Distributed learning classes are taught by certified teachers in B.C. The teachers are responsible for preparing the lessons and helping the students. Learn more about distributed learning.

StrongStart BC programs are for children up to age 5. They help young children learn to talk, move, solve problems, manage their emotions, and play with other children. They also help children get ready to start school. Children learn through play, stories, music, and art. They make friends and play with other children. Parents or caregivers take part in the program with their children. StrongStart BC early learning programs are usually held in elementary schools. They are free to attend. Learn more about StrongStart BC and find a program near you.

Many schools have Ready, Set, Learn programs for children aged 3 to 5 years. Children learn new skills by playing. Parents can get information to help their children learn.

British Columbia’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K–12) programs help build a solid foundation for our children's future.

Schools will provide English Language Learning (ELL) for all students who need help. Most students get help learning English during regular classes. 

Kindergarten to Grade 7

Elementary schools teach children from Kindergarten to Grade 7. Children usually start elementary school in the year they turn 5. They finish elementary school when they are 11 or 12. The first year of elementary school is called Kindergarten. School days start between 8:30 and 9 am and end around 3 pm. Learn more about Kindergarten in B.C.

Grade 7 to Grade 12

After elementary school, students go to middle school and secondary (high) school.

• Middle schools teach Grades 6 to 9. Students in middle school are around 10 to 15 years old.
• Secondary schools teach Grades 8 to 12. Students in secondary school are 13 to 18 years old.

Not every school district has middle schools. Some districts have elementary school (Kindergarten to Grade 7) and secondary school (Grade 8 to Grade 12).

After secondary school, most students get a graduation certificate (diploma). After secondary school, students can get more education (post-secondary). This includes college, university, and vocational training (specialized job training).

French programs

There are 3 kinds of French programs in B.C. public schools.

• Students whose parents speak French may qualify for the francophone program. They will study and learn in French, in a francophone environment. Contact Le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (School District 93) for more information and to find out if your child is eligible.
• French Immersion: Students will become bilingual and learn about francophone cultures. French is the main language spoken in the classroom. English is added in higher grades. Math, science, social studies, and all other subjects are taught in French.
• Core French: Students in English programs can also take classes to learn French as a Second Language (FSL). All other classes are taught in English.

For more information about French Immersion or French classes, talk to your local school board. 

Parent participation

If you have a child in school, you can be part of the school community. Talk with your child’s teachers. Ask questions about your child’s schoolwork. The school holds parent- teacher meetings 1 or 2 times a year. You can go to these meetings to speak with your child’s teacher. The teacher will tell you how your child is doing in school.

There are Parent Advisory Councils (PAC) at public schools. If your child is in the school, you are automatically a member of the PAC. You can go to meetings, meet other parents, learn how the school works, make suggestions, and help with school activities. Learn more about Parent Advisory Councils.

You can also volunteer at your child’s school. You can help in the classroom or on field trips. Field trips are classes that happen outside of the classroom. Many teachers take students on field trips to museums, or to outdoor places where they can learn about nature.

The school will send you information about your child’s studies and school activities. Watch for emails, letters, and notes from the teacher, the principal (the person in charge of the school), the school board, or other people in the school. Ask your child if they have any letters to give you. These letters may contain important information.

After Grade 12, many students continue their education. This is called post- secondary. Students go to universities, colleges, institutes, and organizations that have training for skilled trades.

There are 25 public universities, colleges, and institutes in B.C. Public institutions are funded by the provincial government. Students pay tuition (school fees) to attend.

There are also more than 300 private institutions in B.C. Private institutions are not funded by the provincial government. Tuition usually costs more at private institutions.

People can study many different subjects at college and university. Programs include arts, education, sciences, technology, medicine, nursing, engineering, law, and many more. It takes about 4 to 5 years of full- time study to complete a bachelor’s degree. After earning a bachelor’s degree, you can get a master’s or a doctorate (graduate) degree. There are also many 1- and 2-year programs where students earn a diploma, associate degree, certificate, or micro- credential (short courses to build skills).

Some students start their post-secondary education at a public college or institute, then transfer (change) to a university to finish their degree. When you transfer from one school (or institution) to another, the second school will check the courses you took and give you credit for them. Not all courses will get credit in all schools. You should think about transfers before you start your post-secondary education. If you plan to start in a school and transfer to another, check to see what courses will get credit in the second school. The list of public post- secondary institutions in British Columbia lets you search for your courses and check where they are recognized (given credit).

Colleges, technical institutes, and some universities have trades (skilled labour) and job training programs. You can get specialized job training for many different careers. For example, there are programs to help you become a carpenter, mechanic, early childhood educator, or computer technician.

Research your career plan. If you plan to enrol (register) in a career training program, check the prerequisites (the education and qualifications you need to enrol). Check what courses you will need to complete your program. See the list of public post- secondary institutions in British Columbia.

EducationPlannerBC can help you explore education and careers, find programs, and apply for programs.

Learning about types of post- secondary institutions

B.C. has excellent post-secondary education options—whether you’re upgrading skills, learning English, training for a career or enroling in an academic program.

Public post-secondary institutions are authorized under provincial legislation to deliver post-secondary education and training in B.C.

Private post-secondary institutions are regulated by the Private Training Institutions Branch, a part of the provincial government.

Public post-secondary institutions

B.C. has 25 public post-secondary institutions. All public universities, colleges, and institutes in B.C. are designated (qualify for funding through student aid programs), and financial aid is available. See StudentAid BC.

Learn more about public post-secondary institutions.

Private post-secondary institutions

B.C. has more than 300 private post- secondary institutions. These include private universities, colleges, business schools, technical schools, and language schools. Financial aid is available for students at some private institutions. Find out if your institution qualifies for funding through student aid programs.

Learn more about private post-secondary institutions.

Distributed (“distance”) learning 

Many colleges and universities offer distributed learning programs. You can get a post-secondary education no matter where you live.

• Explore online programs listed on EducationPlannerBC 
• Explore programs offered at Thompson Rivers University Open Learning 
• Contact your local college or university

Getting your education credentials recognized

If you have started your post-secondary education outside Canada, you can continue your studies here. Find out if your courses are recognized in Canada.

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials will confirm if your school is recognized by the Government of British Columbia and tell you if your academic credentials are accepted here.

StudentAid BC

Post-secondary education can be expensive. There is financial aid to help B.C. residents get post-secondary education. Before you choose your education plan, you should check all the costs and learn about the financial help you can get.

• Students taking post-secondary courses must pay tuition and other fees. Students must also buy books and materials. If you plan to go to school in a different city, you will have to pay for housing, living costs, and transportation.
• The B.C. government may provide funding (extra money) to students who need help to pay for their studies. You can apply for loans, grants, and bursaries. Loans are money you borrow. You need to pay the loan back after you complete school. Grants and bursaries are money that is given to you. You do not need to repay grants and bursaries. To qualify for financial aid, students must live in B.C. and be permanent residents or Canadian citizens.

For information, talk to the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, or visit StudentAid BC.

Post-secondary students who do not have permanent residence or Canadian citizenship will pay higher tuition. They may also need to apply for a study permit. Find out more at LearnLive BC.

Many Canadians sign up for classes after they have finished school. They may want to gain a new job skill, learn a language, or study something they are interested in. These programs are called “Adult Education” or “Continuing Education”.

Find classes by searching online for “adult education” and the name of your community.

Adult upgrading

Adult upgrading courses and programs help adults who want to improve their education, prepare for a new job, improve their high school grades, or take courses they need to enrol in post-secondary level programs.

Courses are available in-person and online through public post-secondary institutions and school district adult education centres.

Adult upgrading grant

Permanent residents and Canadian citizens do not pay tuition for adult upgrading or English Language Learning (ELL) courses. However, students may have to pay other costs, including student fees, books, and supplies. The B.C. government offers a grant (extra money) to help students cover these costs. It is called the Adult Upgrading Grant. If you are taking Adult Upgrading, English Language Learning, or Accessible Education and Training courses at a public post- secondary institution, you may be eligible.

Adult secondary school completion

Some adults did not finish secondary school (high school) when they were younger. They can take Adult Upgrading to complete the courses they need to graduate from high school. This is called the British Columbia Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD).

Students can take the courses they need through a public post-secondary institution or a school district adult education centre. Students can take classes full-time or part-time, in person or online. B.C. Adult Graduation Diploma classes are free for permanent residents and Canadian citizens.

English is the main language spoken in B.C. There are English Language Learning (ELL) programs and courses available to help people of all ages improve their English language skills:

• Public schools offer ELL classes to all students who need English language help. When you register your child for school, ask about the ELL program.
• Settlement agencies offer classes to help newcomers improve their ability to speak, read, and write English. Some agencies offer English Language Learning preschool programs for children under age 5. They may also know about other English language learning opportunities in your community, such as English practice groups at public libraries. Contact your settlement agency directly to find out about the language supports in your community.
• The Canadian government offers Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). Adult refugees and permanent residents can take these classes for free. You can ask your settlement agency for more information.
• Adults who want to upgrade their language skills can take an ELL course through the local high school or post-secondary institution. Most of these programs are free for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and refugees. However, there may be other related costs, such as books and learning supplies. Learn more about adult ELL programs. 

Many private English schools and tutors (teachers) provide English language training. Most of these schools and classes are not regulated by government. Visit the Private Training Institutions website to find approved programs.