Academic Program Overview
Programs from Kindergarten to Grade 12
Burnaby School District’s International Student Program welcomes students from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. International students have the opportunity to study alongside local students for one academic year or more, leading up to high school graduation. Burnaby has 41 elementary (kindergarten to grade 7) and 8 secondary schools (grade 8 – 12).
Academics & Much More!
Burnaby schools offer a wide variety of excellent academic, advanced placement, honours, visual and performing arts, technology, computer studies and sports courses. Students have the additional opportunity of joining clubs, having volunteer and leadership experiences, participating in academic workshops and going on various excursions, all of which provide a well-rounded education with a strong academic base. Many international students intend to obtain the British Columbia Graduation Diploma, which allows them the opportunity to enter colleges and universities in North America and many countries abroad.
View This Video to Learn What Past Students Say About Our Programs!
Homestays & Other Living Arrangements
All students are encouraged to participate in school clubs and extracurricular activities to maximize their cultural experience. For secondary students learn more about Excursion Programs and Additional Course Opportunities
All schools are co-educational. Secondary aged students (13 – 18 years) may live with family members over the age of 25, or in an approved homestay. All students not living with a parent must have a custodian. Elementary students up to Grade 5 must live with a parent. Students in Grade 6 may live with a relative (aunt, uncle, grandparent). Under special circumstances, students in Grade 7 may live in an approved homestay. A large part of the Canadian cultural experience is living with a Canadian family. See our Homestay page for more information.
Graduation Requirements
In order for a student to graduate, he/she must complete the following graduation requirements. Students will receive some course transfer credit for courses completed in their home country.
Age Requirements to Apply
Please note we do not accept applications from students who turn 18 years of age before December 31st of the calendar year in which they want to start. While our age limit is 17 years, we strongly recommend students wishing to graduate start at a younger age in order to have a better chance at success.
Students who turn 18 years of age before December 31st and are interested in earning an Adult High School Diploma can apply to study at our Adult High School. For more information about this, please contact burnabycce@burnabyschools.ca
Admissions
Each applicant’s acceptance in the Burnaby School District’s International Student Program and subsequent placement in a Burnaby public school will be determined by:
The applicant’s educational background and present academic standing as indicated on the school transcripts provided. Generally, the equivalent of a Canadian C average on the academic subjects is required.
The availability of space in the International Student Program. Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible as space is limited and Citizenship & Immigration Canada processing requires several weeks.
Initial acceptance into the International Student Program is not dependent upon the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score or any other English language proficiency level. Students with any level of English can be accepted. Students with low English proficiency will be placed in a combination program of English as a Second Language support with a number of appropriate academic courses.
Study Permits
International students studying in Canada for more than 6 months must have a Study Permit. For programs less than 6 months most international students may enter Canada and study on a Visitors Visa. However, we recommend such students apply for a study permit in case the student decides to extend their stay. Changing from a Visitors Visa to a Study Permit cannot be done in Canada. Students must check with their nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate whether they can obtain a visa at the point of entry to Canada or must obtain it outside of Canada prior to entering Canada.
Minor children who come to Canada to study and who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian must appoint a custodian. Legal arrangements must be made to give the custodian in Canada permission to act in place of a parent. Two notarized documents are required. A notarized document is a document that has been certified by a notary.
Additional Opportunities
Other Sports Opportunities
Simon Fraser Aquatics, located at Simon Fraser University, offers high-performance swim training and competition. Read On!
Latin
Burnaby School District is the only public school district in British Columbia to offer Latin during the academic year. Learn more!
French Immersion
French Immersion Programs offered by Burnaby International Education. Students learn French as a second language while following the regular curriculum.
School Clubs
Both elementary and secondary schools in Burnaby offer extra-curricular activities. All schools offer many different clubs to join. Learn more here!
AP Capstone Diploma Program
Explore AP Capstone Education Programs offered by Burnaby School District’s International Education Department, Greater Vancouver BC Canada!
Honours Program
Burnaby School District has honours courses, offering advanced and motivated students the opportunity to learn in an enriched environment with peers.
English Language Learning (ELL)
Learn about ‘English Language Learning’ (ELL) Programs offered by Burnaby School District’s International Education Department, Greater Vancouver BC!
Advanced Placement (AP)
Explore Advanced Placement (AP) programs offered by Burnaby School District’s International Education department, Greater Vancouver BC Canada!
Arts Program
Learn about Arts Programs offered by Burnaby School District’s International Education Program, located in the Greater Vancouver area, BC Canada
Sports Academies
SD41 in Burnaby, British Columbia has multiple sports academies for students to take advantage of. Ice Hockey, Soccer, and Volleyball. Learn More!
Have questions? Feel free to contact us!
