Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission and registration requirements for the program?

You would need to download the application form, complete, scan and send it back to isp@cqsb.qc.ca . There is a 400$ CAD non-refundable admission fee.

Do I have to submit English language test scores?

Yes. All students applying to one of our schools must complete a mandatory online English assessment administered by the International Program. The cost of the test is CAD $60.

To be accepted, students must demonstrate a minimum B2 level of English proficiency.

Proof of French proficiency is not required. However, we strongly encourage students to begin taking French lessons as soon as possible to help them integrate more easily into school life and the local community.

Do I need a Canadian Study Permit and/or a CAQ (Certificat d'acceptation du Québec)?

You will need a CAQ (Québec Acceptance Certificate) and a Canadian study permit for all programs longer than 6 months. Less than 6 months, you would need to apply just for the CAQ.  You must be approved for the study permit before you leave your home country.

Do you have an application deadline?
No. There is no application deadline. However, we recommend that you apply at least two months before your start date for study permit purposes.

What is a typical school calendar in Quebec?

Please find attached School Calendar 2026-2027

What are the tuition fees to study a full academic year with you? a partial year?
One full year is 13,800$ CAD
One half year is 7,750$ CAD

Please find attached CQSB fee schedule 2026-2027
Please find attached CQSB fee schedule 2027-2028

Can international students apply for financial aid and scholarships?
There are currently no scholarships available.

Which subjects will I take at school? Can I choose them, or are they compulsory?

The subjects you take will depend on the grade level in which you are enrolled. Some subjects are compulsory for all students, including English, French, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Arts Education.

In addition to these core subjects, schools offer a variety of optional courses and programs, such as Football, Hockey, Basketball, Multi-Sports, Visual Arts, Drama, Jazz Music, and Woodworking.

Please note that the availability of optional courses varies from school to school, and some of these programs may require additional tuition or activity fees.

What kind of extracurricular and sports activities do you offer?

Basketball, Drama Arts, Football, Hockey, Woodworking, Soccer, Visual Arts, Dance, Rugby, Music, Leadership, Volleyball, Spanish.
Some of these activities are not included in the tuition fees, the fees may vary depending on the activity chosen and the length of the course, please contact us for more information at isp@cqsb.qc.ca

How international are your schools?

The language of instruction spoken at our schools is 100% English. You will enjoy a truly Quebecois-Canadian experience with a modern and international touch as we have students from different cultures and countries coming from 5 different continents.

Once I am at school, what happens if I find the classes or the language too difficult?

Students who need additional support in French may enroll in private French language courses outside of school at an additional cost. We strongly encourage all students to begin learning French before arriving in Québec. Even if you do not speak any French at the time of registration, you should start taking lessons and practicing at home as soon as possible. Do not wait until you arrive to begin learning the language. Having a basic knowledge of French will help you adapt more easily to school and daily life.

If you find other subjects challenging, we encourage you to speak with your teachers and take advantage of any remedial help or academic support sessions offered by the school, including lunchtime tutoring and extra-help periods when available. Teachers and support staff are there to help you succeed.

Are there weekend and cultural activities for international students?

Yes. Our International Program offers a variety of extracurricular activities throughout the year, including cultural excursions, field trips, after-school gatherings, and sports-related activities.

Typically, we organize approximately two activities per month during the school year. Please note that participation in these activities is optional and that additional fees may apply, depending on the type of activity and its associated costs.

How are host families selected?

Canadians are well known as being friendly, warm, welcoming and outgoing people. Homes are visited prior the arrival of the student and host parents need to have good references and a police background check with no criminal records. Most of our families come from our own alumni and ex-alumni network. Global Peace Index ranks Canada among its 10 safest countries in the world.

How far are the host families from the schools?

The distance between host families and schools varies, but in most cases, students can expect a commute of approximately 45 to 50 minutes by public transportation.

In North America, cities and residential areas are often spread out over larger geographic areas than in many other parts of the world, so longer travel times are common. Students should be prepared to use public transportation on a daily basis.

During the winter months, weather conditions may occasionally affect travel times.

Will I receive a Québec High School Diploma and official transcripts at the end of the academic year?

If you successfully complete a full academic year with us, you will receive an official school report card showing your final grades and academic progress.

Students who attend for a minimum of two academic years and successfully complete all the requirements for a Diplome d’études secondaires (DES) may be awarded a diploma by the Québec Ministry of Education. In most cases, this requires completing at least Secondary IV (Grade 10) and Secondary V (Grade 11) in Québec.

If your home school, educational authority, or ministry requires specific documentation following your study-abroad experience, it is your responsibility to verify those requirements in advance and to arrange, if necessary, for translation, certification, authentication, or mailing of documents.

Please note that all international students must comply with the regulations and graduation requirements established by the Québec education system. Students who choose to study in Québec are expected to adapt to the local curriculum, policies, and academic standards.

It is also your responsibility to ensure that your home school and/or educational authority recognizes and approves your period of study abroad before you enroll in our program.

We're here to help!
If you have a question we haven't answered, get in touch at isp@cqsb.qc.ca