COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to process my application?Depending if we have all the required documentation, it takes 5 days to process your application.
What is the required grade point average?
We require students to have a minimum equivalent of a “C” average (60%).
Can I arrive late?
We prefer you arrive in time for orientation. If you do arrive late, we ask that secondary students do not arrive later than two weeks after the start of classes and elementary students not more than three weeks.
How many students do you have enrolled in Burnaby?
We have more than 20,000 students enrolled in our elementary and secondary schools.
How many international students do you have enrolled?
We have more than 400 international students enrolled in our elementary and secondary schools. We limit the number of international students placed in a school so that we can provide better support.
Where do your international students come from?
We have enrolled students from Belgium, Brazil, China, Ecuador, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and the USA.
What class/courses do I register for?
At the first day of orientation, elementary and secondary students are provided with a time to visit their appointed school and register in the appropriate class/courses. For secondary students, prior to their school visit, they will write a Math and English language assessment in order to place them in suitable courses.
What time does school start and finish?
Schools start at around 9:00 am and end about 3:00 pm. Students receive a mid-morning break and lunch break.
What is the difference between a semester and linear school?
In British Columbia, students normally complete eight courses per year. In a linear school, students begin all eight courses in September and complete them in June. In a semester school, students complete four courses from September to January, and then another four from February to June. Some students prefer linear schools while others prefer semester schools. Both systems provide an excellent learning experience.
Will I have the same teacher for all of my courses?
Elementary students tend to have the same teacher for most of the day. Secondary students will have a different teacher for almost all of their classes.
You say that I will be enrolled in regular academic courses with Canadian students, but I do not have strong English language skills.
Do not worry. We place international students in regular academic courses that are suitable for either beginner, intermediate, or advanced English speakers. For example, beginner students will be placed in courses such as Math, Physcial Education, Arts, and Applied Skills, which do not require a lot of English for success.
If I am placed in Grade 11, how long will it take me to graduate?
This is difficult to estimate. It depends on how much transfer credit you receive for the courses you completed in your home country and your level of English. Normally, international students take at least one more semester, or year, to complete the requirements for graduation. Our intent is not to rush you through the program. Our intent is to prepare you for university. Remember you will not obtain the language and personal support in university that you receive in high school. It is wise to take a little longer in high school to ensure you are fully prepared for university studies.
I was told that after 19 years of age I cannot attend a Burnaby secondary school. Is this true?
Yes, normally students cannot attend a public secondary school after they have turned 19 years of age. For example, if a student turns 19 after June 30th they can continue to attend a secondary school in September. However, if they turn 19 before June 30th, they cannot. These students can still continue their high school program through our Adult Education Program. We have several Adult Education Centres located throughout Burnaby.
Do you have graduates who have gone on to post-secondary studies in Canada?
Yes, several of our graduates have gone on to universities and colleges in Canada and the United States. For example, we have students who have successfully entered Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Toronto, and Brown University in the United States.
What is your refund policy?
In the event that an applicant does not come to Canada or decides to leave the Burnaby School District for personal reasons, a portion of the paid tuition fee will be refunded.
The following refund policy will apply to international students:
- Full refund less $600 administrative fees, if the Study Permit is not approved by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (students must include the letter of rejection from the Canadian Embassy).
- Two-thirds (2/3) of tuition fee if the student withdraws prior to the commencement of the program.
- One-half (1/2) of tuition fee if the student withdraws any time between commencement and the end of the first calendar month of the program.
- No refund if the student withdraws after the first calendar month of the program.
- In reference to students who have registered for one school year starting in January or February, there is no refund after the first calendar month of the program, including for the September portion of the program.
- No refund if
- (a) the student is found to be in violation of the district's code of conduct,
- (b) the district was not informed of any special learning needs prior to the student's acceptance to the program or
- (c) a parent of an elementary student is not residing with their child.
Students who become Landed Immigrants after tuition fees are paid will not be eligible for refunds other than as stated in the above refund policy.
A Refund Request form must be included and faxed or emailed to:
International Student Education Program
Burnaby School Board
5325 Kincaid Street
Burnaby, BC V5G 1W2
FAX: (604) 664-8345
Email: international@sd41.bc.ca