Studying in Canada in 2026: Public or Private High School?
With tighter study permit caps for post-secondary programs, high school remains a stable starting point. Public and BC-certified private schools award the same diploma; the differences are admissions, class size, AP and university support.
Canada's study permit rules for international students have changed a lot in the past two years. Families planning ahead usually ask two questions: is high school in Canada still a good option, and should we choose a public or a private school?
High school remains a stable entry point
Since 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has capped study permits for post-secondary programs. Under current IRCC rules, K-12 students are not counted in that cap. Finishing high school in Canada and applying to university with a local diploma is a more predictable path. Policies change, so always check IRCC's website before applying.
Same diploma, different experience
In British Columbia, Ministry-certified independent schools award the same B.C. Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma) as public schools. The real differences:
| Public school (district international program) | BC-certified independent school | |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | Apply to the district; school usually assigned | Apply directly; visit and interview first |
| Class size | Usually larger | Usually smaller |
| AP and competitions | Depends on the school | Depends on the school; some are test centres |
| University guidance | Counsellors serve many students | Usually earlier and more individual |
| Homestay | District or third party | Usually arranged by the school |
Four questions for parents
- Is the school Ministry-certified, and will my child earn the Dogwood Diploma?
- How many students actually sit in each class?
- When does university guidance start?
- Where will my child live, and who is responsible for them?
How Johnathan Academy does it
A BC-certified Grade 8–12 independent school on Vancouver's West Side: classes of about 10, an authorized AP and SAT test centre, university planning from Grade 10, 1,900+ university offers for the classes of 2024–2026, and screened homestays arranged by the school.
International admissions → Book a tour →
Policy information checked November 2026; see IRCC for current requirements.
