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 .

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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.

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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

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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.

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• Adult Language Training Branch site

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