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International Students

HRCE Welcomes the World!
Now accepting applications for September 2024

Please note: Until further notice, HRCE is not accepting fee paying applications (Category II). 

As Nova Scotia is supporting safe planning during the global pandemic, all international students arriving in Nova Scotia expecting to attend a school within the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) must notify HRCE’s International Services at 902-464-2000 Ext. 2548.

DO NOT proceed to a school prior to contacting International Services.

Everyone who travels from outside Atlantic Canada into Nova Scotia must follow Nova Scotia Public Health guidelines.  Below are links for potential students where they can watch for changes in immigration policy due to COVID-19.

The Halifax Regional Centre for Education welcomes students from other countries who wish to attend school in Nova Scotia. We offer an excellent academic environment, as well as extra-curricular activities at all levels.
 
International students, who wish to attend school while living with a relative in Canada must have a legal guardian who is a Canadian citizen. The exception would be the student who is living with a parent while attending school.
 
All foreign students must have proof of current health insurance issued by a Canadian provider before the child will be permitted to attend school. 

Newcomers' Guide to the Nova Scotia Schools

The Newcomers' Guide to the Nova Scotia Schools was developed to help newcomer families understand the P-12 public school system. The guide provides an overview of school policies, procedures and expectations including strategies for you to help with your child's learning. You can download the guide from the following link: http://novascotiaimmigration.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Newcomers-Guide.pdf

Category I

  • Children of a parent(s) who hold a valid Work Permit issued by the Government of Canada, for the Province of Nova Scotia. Permits for other provinces are not accepted. Tuition is not charged for these students for the duration and timeframe of the parent(s) Work Permit.
     
  • Children of a parent(s) who are in Canada on a valid Study Permit issued by the Government of Canada, for the Province of Nova Scotia. Permits for other provinces are not accepted. Tuition is not charged for these students for the duration and timeframe of the parent(s) Study Permit.

How to Apply

Visit your neighbourhood school to register.

  • Parents/guardians must present the child's proof of age, legal name (as listed on birth certificate, passport, immigration papers, legal name change certificate or adoption documents), proof of residency (such as a current utility bill), educational records and/or documents, proof of valid medical insurance along with expiry date at the time of registration.
     
  • In addition, a copy of the parent's Work Permit or the parent's Study Permit, including proof of relationship with the child will be confirmed by the attending school. If the parent is divorced, a copy of the custodial papers must be provided.
     
  • There is a $50 processing fee for any non-tuition paying students who require a Letter of Acceptance from HRCE.

Category II

Student Admittance 2023-2024

Please note: Until further notice, HRCE is not accepting fee paying applications. 

  • Students who do not have Canadian citizenship and who come to live with a relative/friend to attend school in the HRCE must pay tuition of $9,500 CDN.
     
  • It is important to note that should you apply under Category II status, HRCE may not be able to guarantee enrollment within certain school catchment areas due to  enrollment pressures.  It is recommended you contact one of our HRCE representatives before committing to a residential area. Transportation costs related to attending a school outside the catchment area will be at the expense of the international student. (For a list of schools in these areas, please refer to the application link below)

How to Apply

All funds are in Canadian (CDN) dollars. Make all cheques or money orders out to Halifax Regional Centre for Education (formerly the Halifax Regional School Board). Cash is not accepted.

  • Fill out the attached forms.
     
  • Send the application form plus supporting documents and application fee of $200, which is non-refundable, to the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (see address and/or email below).
     
  • Please note returning students enrolling for February 1, 2020 and onwards, will be charged a $100 application fee. 
     
  • Include a copy of the birth certificate translated into English.
     
  • Include a copy of school records/transcripts translated into English.
     
  • Proof of Legal Guardian or Custodian while in Canada. If student will not be living with natural parents for the duration of their stay in Canada, a notarized legal Letter of Custodianship is required with application. Alternatively, if the the natural parents will be living with student for the duration of their stay in Canada, a copy of parent passport is required with application.
     
  • When the student application is accepted by the International Services department, you will be invoiced the yearly tuition fees of $9,500 and yearly medical fees of $900. Please note: health insurance coverage is $90 per month, arranged by the International Services department and is provided through Medavie Blue Cross.
     
  • A Letter of Acceptance will be sent to you, which you will take or send to the Embassy or Immigration Canada.
     
  • You will be issued a Student Authorization. This is vital if you wish to enroll the student.
     
  • If you need further information or clarification please do not hesitate to contact us. An appointment is necessary should a visit to our office be required. Please contact International Services at international@hrce.ca or 902-464-2000 ext. 2548.

Category III

The following categories do not need to go through this office but you will be asked for papers as you enroll your child in school. No tuition will be applied.

  • Permanent Resident or Landed Immigrant Status
  • Refugee
  • Convention Refugee

Send application and documents to:

Halifax Regional Centre for Education
(Attention: International Services)
33 Spectacle Lake Drive, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
CANADA
B3B 1X7

Phone: +1 (902) 464-2000 ext. 2548
Fax: +1 (902) 484-6126
E-mail: international@hrce.ca

Nova Scotia International Student Program

Students interested in our homestay program should visit the Nova Scotia International Student Program website (link) or contact them by email at nsisp@ednet.ns.ca.

Wire Transfer and EFT Information

(Effective September 20, 2016)

Please note: Any intermediary or beneficiary charges are to be paid by the remitter.

Receiving Bank Information
CIBC, Main Office
1809 Barrington Street, 15th Floor
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 3A3
Telephone: (888) 947-6643

Account Information
Name: Halifax Regional Centre for Education
Institution: 010
Transit: 00003
Account: 8217319
SWIFT Code: CIBCCATT
CC Code: 001000003

To ensure that your payment is credited to your account please notify both of the following, once payment has been made:

International Services
E-mail: international@hrce.ca; Phone: (902) 464-2000 ext. 2548; Fax: (902) 484-6126

It is extremely important the NAME OF THE STUDENT also be included on any bank transactions along with an email notification and details of each transfer sent to: accountsreceivable@hrce.ca .