Application Requirements:

• Only student applications submitted through the secure online portal (True North) during the registration period will be considered- December to end of May

• Documents and information required at the time of application:

1. 1. Original long version birth certificate with parent’s names
   2. Certified translated (French or English) long version birth certificate with parent’s names
   3. Current photo of the student
   4. Legal International Student Agreement duly signed by parent legally responsible, Montreal guardian, and student.
   5. Contact information of parent and student (address, phone number and email)
   6. Contact information of Custodian and guardian - address, phone number and email
   7. Current and previous two years academic transcripts.
   8. Student’s valid passport
   9. Immunization Records
   10. Recommendation letter from current school

• Please note: for enrollment in the Primary sector, the student needs to meet one of the three criteria below:
  1. Student has a sibling enrolled or is enrolling as an international student in the secondary sector for the same school year
  2. Parent legally responsible will be living with the student and caring for the student during their education abroad in Montreal
  3. Parent is registered in a Vocational Education Program/Adult Education Centre with the English Montreal School Board

Age Requirements:

Students must be at least the minimum required age for their grade level by September 30 of the school year. 

 *To enroll in Grade 11, students must not be older than 17 years of age as of June 30 prior to the start of the school year. 

School Placement:

1. EMSB will request placement in the student’s top three school choices, but final school placement decisions are made solely by the English Montreal School Board.
2. School placement depends on availability at the school and the recommended academic program.
3. The school principal may change the student’s grade level or academic program depending on the students English or French proficiency
4. If the student arrives after the start of the program, the principal reserves the right to modify the academic program based on availability.

Language Proficiency:

• Duolingo is used to test English proficiency; all fees are the student’s responsibility and non-refundable.
• Deadline to submit Duolingo test results to the English Montreal School Board (EMSB): May 31 prior to the start of the school year.
• Recommended English proficiency levels:
  • Secondary I to III (Grades 1–9): Beginner level in proficiency.
  • Secondary IV (Grade 10): Intermediate level proficiency.
  • Secondary V (Grade 11): Intermediate level proficiency.

Program Length:

1. Full Year Enrollment: End of August to June 23
2. 1^st Semester Enrollment: End of August to January 31
3. 2^nd Semester Enrollment: February 1 to June 23

The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) accepts international students for enrollment at the primary and secondary level, from Grade 1 to Grade 11. Accepted students are fully integrated into the standard school curriculum, which follows the Basic School Regulation set by the Ministry of Education of Quebec.

For the secondary sector, in addition to the core curriculum, the EMSB offers a variety of specialized programs for students with interests in Arts, Sports, and Science and Technology. Several of our schools also offer the Advanced Placement (AP) Program and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.

English is the primary language of instruction across all EMSB schools. However, all students are required to take a French as a Second Language course at each grade level. Students with higher proficiency in French may qualify for enriched French programs or attend a French immersion school. To support language development, our International Student Program provides weekly after-school online tutoring sessions in both English and French for students who require additional assistance.

All students must achieve a minimum grade of 60% in each course to earn the required credits and progress to the next grade level. This requirement applies to all students, including those who are enrolled for only one academic year before returning to their home country. Students who need a validated report card for promotion purposes back home must pass all subjects, including French as a Second Language.

Below is the official link from the Ministry of Education of Quebec outlining the school curriculum for primary and secondary sectors.

PRIMARY (Grade 1-6):

https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/preschool-elementary-and-secondary-schools/programs-training-evaluation/quebec-education-program/elementary

SECONDARY (Grade 7-11):

https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/preschool-elementary-and-secondary-schools/programs-training-evaluation/quebec-education-program/secondary

EMSB does not provide homestay accommodation, but below is a list of recommended homestay companies who have accommodated EMSB international students in the past.  They can help provide services for custodianship and homestay for international students.

• Canada Homestay Network
• MLI Homestay
• MS Homestays
• Excel Abroad

Below are the benefits of using a homestay company for our international students: 

1. Cultural Immersion

• Living with a host family gives students direct exposure to the local culture, customs, and language.
• It’s an authentic way to understand everyday life in a new country.

2. Language Learning

• Students can improve their language skills more naturally and quickly through daily interactions.
• It offers conversational practice in real-life contexts, which boosts fluency and confidence.

3. Safety and Support

• Homestay companies usually vet host families for safety, ensuring a secure environment.
• Students often feel more supported emotionally and socially compared to living alone.

5. Personalized Experience

• Host families often provide guidance about the local area, transportation, customs, and more.
• Students may receive individualized attention that helps with their transition.

6. Convenience

• Many homestays are located near schools or universities, with easy access to public transport.
• Some companies help match students with families that meet specific needs (dietary restrictions, hobbies, language preferences, etc.).

7. Emotional Well-being

• A family environment can ease homesickness and reduce feelings of isolation.
• It fosters a sense of belonging, which is important for mental health, especially for younger students or first-time travelers.

• Student Registration Dates: December 1 - May 31
• Full Year Enrollment: End of August to June 23
• 1^st Semester Enrollment: End of August to January 31
• 2^nd Semester Enrollment: February 1 to June 23
• Academic Calendar: Youth Sector Calendar
• Orientation Dates: End of August
• Tuition Due Dates:
  • New Students- August 14 or upon student arrival in Montreal
  • Returning Students- May 31