INTRODUCTION
In Canada, it’s the law that children go to school. Depending on the province or territory, they can start primary school as young as 4 years old and finish secondary school when they’re 18 years old. Education is free in Canada up to Secondary School (Grade 12). Schools in Canada:
- Start with kindergarten and continue with grades 1 to 12
- Usually start at the end of August and finish around the end of June
- Run from Monday to Friday during the school year (except during holidays)
- Give high school diplomas to students who successfully complete secondary school (high school)
- Can be either English or French-language focused, even in areas where the other language is more common
As the parent or guardian, it’s up to you to choose a school system. Depending on where you live, your options may include
- Free public schools
- Paid private schools
- In-home education
- English or French schools
Education Systems
The education system in Canada differs significantly from those in other parts of the world. The following presents a comparison of the various education systems and the names used for each level in Canada, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom (British / IGCSE System)
| Education Level | 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇵🇰 Pakistan | 🇮🇳 India | 🇹🇭 Thailand | 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 🇬🇧 UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Primary / Kindergarten | Kindergarten (Junior & Senior KG) | Nursery, KG | Nursery, LKG, UKG | Kindergarten 1–3 | Tadika / Kindergarten | Nursery, Reception |
| Primary / Elementary School | Grades 1–6 | Classes 1–5 | Classes 1–5 | Prathom 1–6 | Standard 1–6 | Year 1–6 (Key Stage 1–2) |
| Middle / Lower Secondary | Grades 7–8 | Classes 6–8 | Classes 6–8 | Matthayom 1–3 | Form 1–3 | Year 7–9 (Key Stage 3) |
| High School / Upper Secondary | Grades 9–12 (High School Diploma) | Classes 9–10 (Matric / Secondary School Certificate) | Classes 9–10 (Secondary School Certificate) | Matthayom 4–6 | Form 4–5 (SPM) | Year 10–11 (GCSE / IGCSE / O Level) |
| Higher Secondary / College (Pre-University) | Grades 11–12 (Senior High School) | Classes 11–12 (Intermediate / FA-FSc) | Classes 11–12 (Higher Secondary / PUC) | (Integrated in upper secondary) | Pre-University / Foundation / STPM | Year 12–13 (AS / A Level) |
| College / Diploma Level | College Certificate / Diploma | 2-year college diploma (optional) | 2-year college diploma (optional) | Vocational Diploma / Certificate | Polytechnic / Diploma | Further Education (Vocational / BTEC) |
| University (Undergraduate) | Bachelor’s (4 years) | Bachelor’s (3–4 years) | Bachelor’s (3–4 years) | Bachelor’s (4 years) | Bachelor’s (3–4 years) | Bachelor’s (3–4 years) |
| Postgraduate | Master’s, PhD | Master’s, PhD | Master’s, PhD | Master’s, PhD | Master’s, PhD | Master’s, PhD |