Canada Schooling Visa Guide
Planning your child’s education abroad? Canada stands out as one of the most secure, advanced, and future-focused destinations in the world. With a Canada Schooling Visa, your child gains access to globally recognized education, a multicultural environment, and long-term pathways to permanent residency.
But before you start the application, it’s essential to understand the total cost of a Canada Schooling Visa, including tuition fees, custodianship, living expenses, visa processing, and more. This comprehensive guide covers it all—especially tailored for Bangladeshi parents looking to give their children the best start in life.
What is a Canada Schooling Visa?
The Canada Schooling Visa is a study permit issued to international students—typically aged 5 to 17 years—to study in a Canadian primary or secondary school (Grades 1–12). This visa allows the child to live and study in Canada, either with a legal guardian (custodian) or a parent.
Top 10 Schools for Canada Schooling Visa (Grades 1–12)
1. Toronto District School Board (TDSB) – Ontario
Location: Toronto, ON
Why TDSB: Largest and most diverse school board in Canada
Programs: ESL support, academic enrichment, special education
Annual Tuition (Intl): CAD 16,000–17,000
Website: www.tdsb.on.ca
2. Vancouver School Board (VSB) – British Columbia
- Location: Vancouver, BC
- Why VSB: Excellent academic results, international student programs
- Annual Tuition: CAD 15,500–16,500
- Website: www.vsb.bc.ca
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3. Lester B. Pearson School Board – Quebec
Location: Montreal, QC
Why: Offers both English and French immersion, multicultural support
Annual Tuition: CAD 14,500+
Website: www.lbpsb.qc.ca
4. York Region District School Board (YRDSB) – Ontario
- Location: Just north of Toronto
- Why: Safe neighborhoods, tech-integrated learning, top performance scores
- Tuition: CAD 16,750
- Website: www.yrdsb.ca
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5. Calgary Board of Education (CBE) – Alberta
Location: Calgary, AB
Why: Strong STEM programs, diverse student support
Annual Tuition: CAD 13,000–15,000
Website: www.cbe.ab.ca
6. Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) – Ontario
Location: Ottawa, Canada’s capital
Why: Focus on academic excellence, arts, athletics
Tuition: CAD 16,000–17,000
Website: www.ocdsb.ca
7. Thames Valley District School Board – Ontario
Location: London, ON
Why: Affordable living, strong academic & cultural support
Tuition: CAD 15,000–16,000
Website: www.tvdsb.ca
8. Burnaby School District – British Columbia
Location: Metro Vancouver
Why: Advanced placement courses, vibrant community, ESL programs
Tuition: CAD 16,500+
Website: www.studyinburnaby.ca
9. Halton District School Board – Ontario
Location: Burlington/Oakville area
Why: Strong academics, focus on student safety and well-being
Tuition: CAD 16,500
Website: www.hdsb.ca
10. Surrey Schools (Surrey School District) – British Columbia
Location: Surrey, BC (near Vancouver)
Why: One of Canada’s fastest-growing and diverse districts
Tuition: CAD 15,500+
Website: www.surreyschools.ca
Canada Schooling Visa Cost Breakdown (2025)
Here’s a detailed look at all the major costs associated with applying for a Canada Schooling Visa:
1. Annual Tuition Fees
Tuition varies by province and whether your child attends a public or private school.
| School Type | Annual Tuition (CAD) | Annual Tuition (BDT approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Public School | CAD 13,000 – 17,000 | BDT 1,300,000 – 1,700,000 |
| Private School | CAD 20,000 – 35,000 | BDT 2,000,000 – 3,500,000 |
đź’ˇ Public schools are more affordable, but private schools offer enhanced facilities and smaller class sizes.
2. Custodianship & Accommodation
For students under 18, Canada requires a legal custodian to be appointed if they’re not living with a parent.
| Expense | Average Annual Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Custodianship Fee | CAD 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Homestay Accommodation | CAD 800 – 1,200/month (CAD 10,000–14,000/year) |
| Food & Utilities | Included in Homestay or ~CAD 300–400/month |
3. Travel & Visa Processing Costs
| Expense | Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | CAD 150 | Study Permit for child |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD 85 | Required for each applicant |
| Custodian Notarization (Both in BD & CA) | CAD 200 – 400 | Legal requirement |
| Flight Ticket (One-Way) | CAD 1,500 – 2,000 | Depends on time & airline |
| GIC / Proof of Funds | CAD 10,000+ | Required as financial proof |
4. Other Educational Costs
| Item | Approximate Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Books & Supplies | CAD 300 – 500/year |
| Health Insurance | CAD 500 – 1,000/year |
| Field Trips & Activities | CAD 300 – 800/year |
Total First-Year Estimated Cost
(Public Schooling with Custodianship)
| Component | Total (CAD) | Total (BDT approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | 15,000 | 1,500,000 |
| Custodianship + Homestay | 12,000 | 1,200,000 |
| Visa, Travel, Legal | 2,500 | 250,000 |
| Other Educational Expenses | 1,000 | 100,000 |
| Total | 30,500 | 3,050,000+ BDT |
Canada Schooling Visa Requirements
Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
Proof of Funds (bank certificate, affidavits, GIC, or sponsor documents)
Valid passport and photographs
Custodianship declaration (for minors not accompanied by parent)
Police clearance & medical exam (if required)
Statement of Purpose (parent or student, depending on age)
Benefits of a Canada Schooling Visa
âś… Access to world-class public education
âś… Safer and cleaner environment
âś… Pathway to higher education and permanent residency
âś… Parents can apply for visitor visa to accompany their child
âś… Exposure to global language, culture, and technology from an early age
Should a Parent Accompany the Child?
Yes, it’s common for one parent to go on a temporary resident visa while the child studies. This enhances the child’s care and simplifies custodianship. However, parents cannot work unless they apply for an open work permit through another route.
Pro Tips for Bangladeshi Applicants
Apply early – 4 to 6 months before the intended intake
Prepare strong bank statements and financial documents
Choose a DLI-approved public school board
Get custodianship documents notarized in both Bangladesh and Canada
Work with experienced study abroad consultants like Scholars Zone to avoid mistakes
How to Apply for a Canada Schooling Visa:
- Choose a DLI-approved school board like one of the above.
- Submit documents: passport, academic transcripts, and language scores (if applicable).
- Receive a Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
- Apply for the study permit (schooling visa).
- Secure custodianship and accommodation (homestay or parent guardian).
- Prepare financial documents showing funds for tuition and living expenses.
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Final Thoughts
Getting a Canada Schooling Visa is a major investment in your child’s future. With proper planning and budgeting, the benefits far outweigh the cost. Your child will not only receive world-class education but also build a strong foundation for higher studies, career, and eventual settlement in one of the world’s most progressive countries.
Need Help with Canada Schooling Visa Application?
Scholars Zone is your trusted guide in Bangladesh for Canada Schooling Visa support.
âś… School selection & application
âś… Custodianship arrangement
âś… Visa file preparation
âś… SOP and notarization guidance
✅ Parent’s visa & post-arrival support
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