Canada
Study abroad in Canada, famous for its beautiful natural landscapes, ice hockey, and maple syrup.
Why study in Canada?
Many people say that Canada is like New Zealand – only it’s much bigger, colder, and it has grizzly bears! Canada is well-known for its natural beauty, pretty cities, and friendly people. If you love snow sports, the great outdoors, and maple syrup, you’ll love studying in Canada. It’s home to about 35 million people, 1 million moose, 369,000 black bears, and a variety of other amazing wildlife.
One piece of advice I want to leave with you is that you must go into your exchange with an open mind and make the most out of every opportunity because it will be over before you even comprehend that you’ve left!
Kate, Te Awamutu
Placements
You can choose to study in Canada on a short placement (2-3 months) or for one semester. Gap year students are welcome to apply but must be no older than 18 years prior to departure. If you arrive in January or September, you will have the option of enjoying a 3-4 day orientation in Toronto which includes sightseeing and cultural learning lessons.
You will be placed in one of the following school districts:
- Near North District School Board (Ontario)
- Bluewater District School Board (Ontario)
- Upper Canada District School Board (Ontario)
- Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (Ontario)
- School District of Whiteshell (Manitoba)
- Lorde Selkirk School Division (Manitoba)
Specialty schools and programmes (such as music, arts, sport, IB, AP) are available upon request. Please note specialty schools will incur additional fees. Students will most likely be placed in lowly-populated suburbs or residential areas, although they may be placed in cities. All of our host families are carefully vetted for safety and suitability. We conduct home interviews, inspections, and police checks to ensure our students are placed in a secure and supportive living environment.
We aren’t currently offering exchanges to Canada. Please check back again later.
Duration
Departs
Returns
Application deadline
Price
Covered expenses
Included in the fee:
- School and family documents for your student visa application
- Placement in a suitable host family and school
- Full board and lodging with a host family, including all three meals daily
- Pre-departure orientation in NZ and arrival orientation in Canada
- Meet and greet at the airport in NZ and at the airport in Canada
- Transfer to your host community from the nearest airport (and back again)
- Monthly progress reports to your parents
- Ongoing monitoring by the host organisation
- 24/7 emergency assistance in Canada and NZ
- Certificate of completion upon return
Other costs
Not included in the fee:
Flights
You are responsible for paying all domestic and international airfares between your home and your host community in Canada.
Insurance
You will be required to purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to your departure.
School setup
Depending on your school and subject choices, you may be required to pay for a uniform or extra-curricular activities.
Spending money
We recommend allocating approximately $400 NZD spending money per month to cover things like transport and weekend activities.
Optional trips
It’s a good idea to save some money for optional trips organised by your host family or your host organisation in Canada.
Eligibility
Students must be:
- Aged between 15 and 18 years prior to the programme start date
- A New Zealand Citizen or hold Permanent Residency
- Enrolled in a high school
- Fit, well, and have a suitable personality profile
- Academically motivated
Visas
A Canadian student visa is not required if you are staying for six months or less.
Financing and scholarships
We know that financing your exchange might be a bit of a challenge, but don’t let that hold you back from pursuing the experience of a lifetime! NZIIU offers a select number of scholarships each year to exceptional students who require some financial assistance, as well as fundraising kits.
Explore now »NZIIU fundraising kit »
Meet our past students
Meet our NZIIU Student Ambassadors at one of our information day events! These students who have recently been on exchange have done it all, and are here to share their knowledge, experiences, and stories from exchange.
Learn More »