Q. How many credits does a student need to graduate from a high school in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A. A student needs a minimum of 36 credits to obtain a graduation diploma in Newfoundland and Labrador. If a student plans to attend university, a specific group of courses are required. The High School Certification Handbook can be found online at: https://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/high_school_cert.html

Q. What are the requirements for an international student to graduate from a school in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A. For an Academic Island student to graduate from a Newfoundland and Labrador school, there are specific requirements that need to be met. Representatives of Academic Island will work with international student to help them through the process necessary to obtain Newfoundland and Labrador graduation status.

Q. Are guidance counselors available to help international students plan a course of study that meets their career aspirations?

A. Yes, guidance counselors will work with international students to choose a program of study that corresponds to their career goals.

Q. How many courses can be transferred to a Newfoundland and Labrador high school?

A. There is no limit on the number of credits that can be transferred. However, to transfer courses for international students, the High School Certification Division will require the hours of instruction and the course outcomes/descriptors to award appropriate credit. 

Q. Does Newfoundland and Labrador high schools have provincial exams that students must take to graduate?

A. Yes, the are a small number of provincial exams that all students must take, usually in the final year of high school.

Q. Do all schools in Newfoundland and Labrador offer the same courses?

A. Yes, Newfoundland and Labrador has a provincial curriculum and all schools generally offer the same courses.

Q. Do I have to pay for transportation to travel to school?

A. No, if you live with a family that is not within the prescribed walking zone for your school, bus transportation will be provided free of charge.

Q. Are international students interviewed?

A. No, interviews are not required. The students’ agency would be the one to interview the student and the program accepts the student based on their application, school report, and references.

Q. When is the admissions deadline? 

A. The admissions deadline for September is May 31 and for February it is November 30.

Q. How much is the Tuition?

A. Students who wish to enroll with Academic Island are all supported by education agencies around the world. Contact your local Academic Island representative for information about pricing. For a list of representatives in your area, please contact us.

Q. How can an international student enroll to be a part of the Academic Island Program?

A. Please speak to your local Academic Island representative to obtain information on the application process. You can also reach out to our program in the ‘Contact Us’ section.  

Q. How long is the international student program?

A. Normally students can enrol in a one semester program or for a full year. A one semester program is five months and a full year is 10 months. Shorter periods of time are possible.

Q. Can international students remain in Newfoundland to attend university after completing high school?

A. Yes, Academic Island will work with the university make the transition from high to university as smooth as possible.

Q. Where will international students stay?

A. All international students will stay with a local family.

Q. What airport will international students fly into?

A. Newfoundland and Labrador has several airports, in most cases students will fly into St. John’s. There are also airports in Gander and Deer Lake.

Q. Who will meet international students when they arrive in in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A. Students will be met by their host families or an Academic Island representative who will take them to their new home. Academic Island will have staff at the airport to welcome students and provide any assistance that is necessary.

Q. Will international students be provided with an orientation when they arrive in in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A. Yes, international students will be provided a thorough orientation within the month of their arrival in in Newfoundland and Labrador. This orientation is designed to allow all international students to meet each other and learn more about the program and the expectations for students.

Q. Will the international student be required to purchase medical insurance?

A. Yes, medical insurance is provided, and all students must purchase.

Q. What happens if I get sick while studying in Canada? 

A. Canada has an excellent medical system. You will be covered with Medavie Blue Cross while studying with Academic Island.

Q. Can international students play sports in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A. Yes, all international students are eligible to play school sports, however, selection for team and individual sports is competitive. If you are beyond the normal age of high school graduation, you are not eligible to compete in School Sports Newfoundland and Labrador events (SSNL), but you can participate in school level and community sports programs.

Q. What sports are available for competition in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A. Varsity sports is the competition-based side of School Sports NL. There are Official sports and Foundation sports available to student athletes.

Official Sports are played at the regional level and provide student athletes with the opportunity to advance to provincial tournaments. These sports are supported by tournaments, annual awards programs, sports star recognition programs, and other resources. These sports are: Slo-Pitch Ball – Soccer indoor/outdoor – Cross-Country Running – Volleyball – Table Tennis – Basketball – Ball Hockey – Badminton – Track and Field – Hockey.

Foundation Sports are the introductory phase of any sport wishing to become a part of the SSNL varsity program. The sport is in the early days of developing and fostering interest into more participation throughout the province. These sports are: Archery – Wrestling – Ultimate Frisbee – Golf – Cross Country Skiing.

Q. Does Newfoundland and Labrador have ski/snowboarding hills?

A. Yes, there are several Skiing and Snowboarding locations, the most popular are White Hill in Clarenville and Marble Mountain in Corner Brook.

Q. Does Newfoundland and Labrador have beaches for swimming?

A. Yes, there are many beaches, some of the more popular are Middle Cove Beach, Topsail Beach, Salmon Cove Beach, Deer Lake Beach, Eastport Beaches and Northern Bay Sands.

Q. What is the weather like in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A. Newfoundland and Labrador has four distinct seasons. Generally, the region experiences warm dry summers and cold snowy winters. Detailed information about weather trends and forecasts can be found at The Weather Network or the Canada Weather Office.

Q. What is the food like in Newfoundland and Labrador?

A. The food in Newfoundland and Labrador is much like most of North America, chicken, burgers, pizza, fish, and pasta are the most common foods.

Q. Can a students’ family visit while they are studying in Newfoundland?

A. Yes, family members are welcomed. It is recommended that families not visit until after the student has been in the province for six weeks.

Q. What should an international student pack to bring?

A. International students should bring clothing that will be suitable for the four distinct seasons they will experience. Students should also bring their personal devices – phone, computer, etc. Personal hygiene items can be purchased locally. International students need to be aware of airline baggage limits and cost when packing.