• Only student applications submitted during the registration period will be considered
• Student needs to meet the age requirement for enrolment- age 12 to 17 years old.
  • The minimum age to enroll in Grade 7 (first year of high school) is 12 years old on September 30 of the requested school year.
  • The maximum age to enroll in Grade 11 (final year of high school) is 17 years of age on June 30 preceding the start of the school year.
• The following documents are required at the time of the online application:
  • student’s valid passport,
  • original and certified translated birth certificate,
  • Legal Student Agreement duly signed by parent, guardian and student,
  • Immunization Records
  • Previous two years final and current years academic transcripts.
  • Recommendation letter from their current school
• Student needs to demonstrate good standing in their current educational institution.
• At a later date, communicated by a representative of the International Student Program, student needs to submit their Duolingo English proficiency test results.
  • Duolingo is used to test the English proficiency of the student. All fees associated with the test are the sole responsibility of the student and are non-refundable.
  • If you have taken a Duolingo English Test in the past twelve months, you can share them with the English Montreal School Board or submit your results in the online application as an attached document.

Below are the recommended English proficiency levels (comprehension, written, spoken) to succeed in our high schools:

• • Secondary I to III (Grade 7 to 9): beginner level proficiency in English written and
  • Secondary IV (Grade 10: intermediate level proficiency in English
  • Secondary V (Grade 11): intermediate level proficiency in English

• The EMSB will request enrolment in the students’ top three school choices; but, the final decision on any placement is determined solely by the
• School placement will be determined according to availability in the EMSB schools and in the recommended academic program for the student.
• The school principal reserves the right to change the grade level or the program of the student if the English language skills are not at the required proficiency

The English Montreal School Board (EMSB) accepts international students for enrollment at the secondary level, from Grade 7 to Grade 11. Accepted students are fully integrated into the standard secondary school curriculum, which follows the Basic School Regulation set by the Ministry of Education of Quebec.

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 a snapshot of the secondary curriculum: 

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 30
• Academic Calendar: link 2025-2026 EMSB school calendar
• Orientation Dates: Third Week of August
• Tuition Due Dates: New Students- August 14 and Returning Students- May 31