F A Q
Frequently Asked Questions
Students who are attending high school or have graduated from can apply.
It is best to start 3-5 months in advance.
Document Preparation before the visa application needs approximately 1-2 months. After delivering the documents to the Canadian government offices, the processing time may take 2-3 months in the high peak time of summer. It can be shorter at other times of the year. Therefore, students need to apply around 3-5 months in advance.
Yes. Universities across Canada and in many other parts of the world accept the OSSD.
Yes. Waterloo School grants equivalent credits as below:
You need to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). It is granted to students who earn a minimum of 30 credits and pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) and complete 40 hours of Community Service.
It depends on how many equivalent credits are transferred from your home school. You must finish 30 credits within Grade 9 to Grade 12 including 6 university level courses to get into university. See #3 for course transfer information.
It depends on how many years you have successfully finished in your home country. If you have successfully completed 2 years or 3 years (last year) of high school in your home country, it normally takes one school year or one year and one term to complete the OSSD. If the language you use in school is not English, you will have to add ESL courses to your study plan. Please contact school admission office for assessment.
Our guidance department meets with you to discuss your interests, strengths and future career plans. We set up a study plan for you and meet regularly with you to monitor your plan.
Please see the Admissions page.
We maintain communication with parents through parent-teacher meetings, parent WeChat groups, and the school's website. Regular academic reports are sent out weekly, and parents can schedule meetings with teachers or the principal anytime.
At our school, we have a dedicated counselor and teachers available to help students develop personalized plans for university and career paths. They offer support with university and college applications and provide training to enhance career-related skills.
Waterloo Independent School has many services for students that are included in their program:
- Waterloo Independent School’s tutoring service
- Support in selecting your academic program for university
- Help with the university application process
- Accommodation services and homestay support
- Visa management and passport renewal service
- Health insurance
- Travel booking and airport pick-up services
We have a Visa office at Waterloo Independent School and can aid in obtaining or renewing study permits and visas. Contact the Office at visa@waterlooss.ca.
You get a full refund of your tuition fee. The application fee is non-refundable. Contact our Admissions Office for complete details.
If you need the school to arrange pick-up at the airport, please inform us of your arrival date at least 3 business days in advance of your flight. Our office personnel will prepare everything for you: pick up service, dormitory check, and school registration. Please contact us at info@waterlooss.ca.
Visit our Admissions page for detailed application instructions, including visa requirements and application deadlines specific to international students.
It depends on your proficiency in English. Waterloo Independent School gives you an English test when you arrive. Your results on the test determine how many ESL courses you have to take.
We offer professional training and services for TOEFL and IELTS exams. All the training and services are optional.