The elementary, secondary and post secondary school system in Manitoba is explained in this section, as well as English as a second language programs throughout the province.
Elementary and Secondary Education
Most children in Manitoba start school when they are five years old. They go to kindergarten for half a
day during the first year the full days from grades one to twelve (also called
Senior 4 or S4). The school year runs from September to June each year.
English and French are the languages of instruction in Manitoba. Some
bilingual schools offer instruction in English and other languages such English
and German, English and Hebrew, and English and Ukrainian.
Schools that offer French language instruction fall into one of the two categories:
- French Immersion schools are intended for students for whom French is a second language
- Francais schools are intended for students for whom French is a first or home language. The language of instruction is French.
- For more information, see www.edu.gov.mb.ca/ks4
If you are a permanent resident or Canadian citizen, you do not have to pay to send your children to public school. Parents can also choose to place their children in private schools. Public schools are paid by taxes while private schools are supported partly by government grants and partly by tuition fees paid by parents.
Parents in Manitoba are encouraged to become involved in their children's education. Most schools invite parents to join parent councils. The councils organize special programs and events, fundraise for the school, and give advice on school needs and priorities. Parents are also invited to discuss any concerns with the teachers and principals.
For information about the school system in Manitoba, you can refer to an
excellent booklet entitled, The Handbook for International Students: An Overview
of Education in Manitoba. The booklet is intended for newcomer immigrant
students to the K-12 system in Manitoba. You can find this resource at http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/ks4/docs/support/intstudents/index.html
A listing of all Winnipeg schools can be found in the Yellow Pages, under
Schools – Academic- Elementary & Secondary. For more information, see www.edu.gov.mb.ca
.
Return to Top
Academic Upgrading
You may wish to attend college or university in Manitoba. Your high school
diploma from another country may be accepted, but you may have to take a few
standard courses, such as English, Science or Math.
Some people who speak English fluently may want to upgrade their skills in
reading, writing or other academic subjects. They can go to the Adult Learning
Centres or Literacy Centres. See: www.edu.gov.mb.ca/aet/all/index.html
or look under "Schools – Adult Education" in the Yellow Pages phone
book.
If you have a high school diploma or post secondary education from outside Canada, and wish to have
your credentials assessed, please contact :
Manitoba Labour and Immigration
500 - 213 Notre Dame Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3B 1N3
Phone: (204) 945-6300
Some job preparation programs also offer academic upgrading as part of their
training.
Return to Top
Post Secondary Education
You must have a high school diploma to attend college or university, or
qualify for certain jobs. A high school diploma from outside Canada may be
accepted, but you may have to take a few standard courses (such as English,
Science and Math). Contact the college or university you wish to attend for
further information. They will assess your diploma and English language skills,
and let you know what, if anything, you will need to study.
Technical schools, colleges and universities in Manitoba offer post-secondary
education. See Schools – Academic – Colleges & Universities in the
Yellow Pages phone book.
Students pay their own tuition fees for post-secondary education. However,
they can apply for bursaries, scholarships, prizes, or government-based,
low-interest student loans to help reduce the cost of their education. For
information on student loans and bursaries, contact:
Manitoba Student Aid Program
Manitoba Advanced Education and Training
#409 - 1181 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3G 0T3
Phone: (204) 945-6321
Toll Free within Manitoba: 1-800-204-1685
Brandon: (204)726-6592
Web Site: http://www.gov.mb.ca/educate/sfa/pages/sfaFrontDoor_en.html
Return to Top
Adult English as an Additional Language (EAL)
People of all ages can take EAL classes in Manitoba.
Children and youth of all ages can take free EAL classes at school. Contact the schools in your area for information about EAL classes. Look in the Yellow Pages under Schools.
All adult newcomers who are Manitoba residents are eligible for free English classes if they are:
- Permanent residents or Canadian citizens born outside Canada
- Refugee claimants who have filed a claim with the Immigrant Refugee Board; and
- Provincial Nominees (including spouses and adult children) who have received their Letter of Approval from the Province.
Other temporary visa holders (students and visitors) are not eligible for government funded EAL classes.
All adult newcomers who want to take English classes must first have a language assessment. The assessment is free.
- If you have lived in Manitoba for less than 3 months, you are
invited to register for the ENTRY Program. ENTRY is a 4-week morning
program where you can learn about health services, employment, laws and
getting around Winnipeg. You will also meet many other newcomers and
find new friends. You can get an appointment for an English language
assessment so you can take English as an Additional Language classes.
The ENTRY Program is at 259 Portage Avenue, 4th floor. Register any
weekday morning between 9 a.m. - noon. For more information about the ENTRY Program, please
call 944-0133 or click here.
- If you want an English language assessment, but have lived in Manitoba
for more than 3 months, you can call the Adult Language Training Branch
at (204) 945-6300 to make an appointment for the assessment.
If you do not want to take English classes you can still receive
information about living and working in Manitoba. Call the Settlement and
Labour Market Services Branch at 945-6300. Make an appointment for a
"settlement orientation". The meeting will last about one hour.
Return to Top
Resources
Return to Top
|