The International Student Program of the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) welcomes and provides our international students with the opportunity to study alongside Canadian students under the Ontario public education system. Our 60+ elementary schools and 10 secondary schools offer exceptional academic programs for students at all grade levels. UGDSB schools are in traditional Canadian communities, where over 95% of residents speak English as their first language.
Our region is rich in culture, architecture, parks, riverside and green spaces. Our Southwestern Ontario climate boasts four greatly varied and visually striking seasons: autumn, winter, spring and summer. Many outdoor and indoor recreational and leisure activities are available throughout the year.
Our highly regarded academic institutions with state-of-the art equipment and facilities, our culturally-rich region, as well as our areas of high tech industry make the Upper Grand District School Board an amazing location for students to experience Ontario and Canada.
Program Established: 2012/2013
Programs Offered: Full Year, 1 Semester
Specialized Programs: French Immersion, Advanced Placement, IB, Fine Arts and Hockey Academy, Sports (including hockey and dance), International Baccalaureate, Specialist High Skills Major, ESL
Language(s) of Study: English, French
Total number of schools: 76
High schools for international students: 10
Total Students: 34,000
Total International Students: 200
International Students Accepted for Grades: 9 -12
Nearest Airport: Toronto Pearson International (YYZ)
The UGDSB is located one hour from Toronto Pearson International Airport. It is comprised of both urban and rural settings and serves approximately 32,000 students in a broad geographical area that includes two counties, Wellington County (Guelph) and Dufferin County(Orangeville). Guelph is our largest community. It is a vibrant city with a population of 122,000. It has been ranked in the top ten places to live in Canada for both ‘safest city’ and ‘smartest community’.
International students have the flexibility to choose their own host family or a homestay provider that meets their needs. The UGDSB can recommend a homestay provider, if needed. However, please note that all students must live with a family, even if they are 18.
The UGDSB offers a wide variety of clubs, sports, activities and additional academic programming. A full list of our clubs and sports are available on our website at www.ugdsbisp.com, under the program tab.
Our program also offers trips to cities such as Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. Students can experience a Maple Syrup Festival, shopping trips, and camping in the Muskokas. Students may also have the opportunity to travel to New York City, Boston, or Chicago with their school, so if your student may be interested in this, it is recommended that they look into travel requirements and obtain an USA Visa before their arrival to Canada if necessary.
Entrance Dates: September & February
Application Deadlines: May 1 & November 1 (Often at capacity prior to the deadline, exceptions may apply)
Application Fee: $800 (non-refundable) – Includes $300 Application Fee + $500 Placement Fee *
Full Year Tuition Fee: $14,000 Secondary
1 Semester Tuition Fee: $7,000 Secondary
Annual Homestay Placement Fee: To be determined by the homestay company.
Homestay Monthly Fee: To be determined by the homestay company.
Annual Health Insurance Fee: $650 annually or $325 per semester.
All funds are in Canadian dollars
* Placement Fee is NOT an additional cost for accepted students as the entire fee is applied to tuition. The Placement Fee is included with the Application Fee in order to expedite the English Assessment for earlier school placement and preferred course/timetable selection.
** The entire Placement Fee is applied to tuition reducing tuition by the full $500.
General Inquiries Email: International.Student@ugdsb.on.ca
Website: ugdsbisp.com
Mailing Address: 500 Victoria Road North
City: Guelph
Province: Ontario
Postal Code: N1E 6K2
Phone: 519-822-4420
Please complete the form below to request more information
