How does the school system work in Quebec?

The Quebec school system is broken down into five categories. 

1. Pre-maternelle (Pre-Kindergarten):

Some neighbourhood schools offer pre-maternelle for children aged 4 which is free and not mandatory. Call your local school to find out if they offer Pre-maternelle. 

• To find a prematernelle in the CSMB Centre des services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys (CSMB) sectors, visit: https://www.csmb.qc.ca/fr-CA/recherche-etablissement.aspx?niveau=EcolePrimaire&programme=16&arrondissement=TousLesArrondissements&codepostal=
• To find a prématernelle in the CSDM Centre des services scolaire de Montréal (CSDM) sectors, visit: https://csdm.ca/trouver-une-ecole/
• To find a prématernelle in the Centre des services scolaire de la Pointe-de-l’île (CSPI) CSPI sectors, visit: https://www3.cspi.qc.ca/primaire/prescolaire

2. Maternelle/kindergarten:

For children age 5 before September 30th. Maternelle/ kindergarten is also not mandatory in Quebec but all children are entitled to it no matter their immigration status and which neighbourhood they live in.

3. Primary/ Primaire:

Grades 1 - 6 is mandatory.

4. High school/ Secondaire:

1st cycle/ premiere cycle (grade 7), 2nd cycle/ 2ieme cycle (grade 8), 3rd cycle/ 3ieme cycle (grade 9), 4th cycle/ 4ieme cycle (grade 10), 5th cycle/ 5ieme cycle (grade 11). High school is mandatory until age 16.

• High schools generally have two streams: Parcours de formation générale (general stream) and Parcours de formation axée sur l’emploie (vocational training stream). An academic advisor at the school and/or school board will help your child choose the best stream for them.

5. Post-secondary education:

Students may pursue post-secondary education after completing high school/secondary school in Quebec (grade 11/5th cycle/ 5ieme cycle). Post-secondary education in Quebec includes two levels: college education (CEGEP) and university education. In most cases, refugee claimants will have to pay international fees until they have been designated as a refugee or protected person; you should check with your school for their rules. 

• You may also have to obtain a study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. For information, call 1 888 242-2100 or visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/study-permits/refugees-protected-persons.html
• For more information on academic and financial aid for post-secondary education, contact the Refugee Centre:

The Refugee Centre

514-846-0005

1610 Sainte Catherine West, Suite 402

H3H 2S2

[e-mail] 

https://www.therefugeecentre.org/academic-aid-scolarships