Study in Canada from South Korea: Earn the OSSD, Skip the Suneung

USCA Academy is a private international high school in Mississauga, Ontario, 1.2 km from the University of Toronto Mississauga. We help students from South Korea get a Canadian study permit, complete the OSSD instead of preparing for the CSAT, and apply to Canadian universities, all inside small classes of 5 to 15 students on one safe campus.

How does a student from South Korea study in Canada?

Why Korean Families Choose the OSSD Over the Suneung Track

South Korea’s university entrance system runs on the CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test), commonly known as the Suneung, a single-day exam that a large share of a student’s academic future rests on. Many families are looking abroad for an alternative: a curriculum where a student’s grades build over multiple years of coursework, essays, and continuous assessment instead of one high-stakes test day, and where extended hagwon (private academy) hours are not the only path to a competitive university offer.

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) works differently. Students earn credits across four years of high school, and Canadian universities admit based on that transcript, not a national entrance exam. For a student coming from Korea’s exam-centred system, that is often the single biggest relief for both the student and the parents.

No single-exam pressure

University admission is based on OSSD coursework built over four years, not one Suneung test day, easing the intensity that drives many families to consider studying abroad in the first place.

Distance and safety

Seoul to Toronto is a direct flight of about 13 to 14 hours on Air Canada or Korean Air. Parents get a supervised campus, 24/7 student support, and a choice of on-campus boarding or a vetted homestay family.

English immersion without isolation

Small classes of 5 to 15 students and ESL support mean a Korean student is not competing for attention in a lecture-style classroom of 30-plus students while still learning academic English.

99%

University acceptance rate for USCA Academy graduates, admitted on OSSD coursework rather than a single entrance exam.

A Campus Built for a Smooth Transition from Korea

Located in Mississauga's Square One area, 1.2 km from University of Toronto Mississauga
Class sizes of 5 to 15 students, so no student disappears into a large lecture hall
On-campus boarding or Canadian homestay, both supervised and vetted for international students
Airport pickup service coordinated for arrivals from Incheon or Gimpo
Five intakes a year (September, November, February, April, July), so a student does not have to wait for the Korean school year to align

Everything We Handle, From Seoul to Graduation

Before You Arrive

Official Letter of Acceptance for your study permit application
Guidance through IRCC's study permit process, including the Provincial Attestation Letter most applicants now need
Proof of funds documentation review (living costs plus tuition)
Boarding or homestay placement arranged before departure
Airport pickup on arrival in Toronto

During Your Studies

ESL coursework alongside core subjects, not a separate track that delays graduation
Small classes with teachers who track each student's progress individually
24/7 supervision and safety on campus
Cultural integration activities and a student body from 25+ countries

For University Applications

Seats for Each Intake Are Limited

Talk to our admissions team about your child’s transcript, English level, and the intake that fits your timeline from Korea, before spots for September fill up.

What Families Are Saying

“The teachers at this school are great. They really care if students would get a grasp of the subjects. I had courses with Mr. Oleg, Ms. Jen and Evren and to be honest, nowhere I could find these teachers!! I also wanted to thank Mr. Jackie as the principal for all his management and care for his international and local students. When I moved to Canada, he helped me a lot with everything and also passed the hardest step in my life. I will never forget his help and care!”

Ramon M. (Student, Winner of 100k scholarship of UT)

“I’m one of the students of USCA academy, and I’ve got to tell you, this is one of the best schools I’ve ever been to! First of all, I have to thank the teachers as all of them are the friendliest people I know. For the first time, I actually enjoy school, all because of these teachers. They come up with fun activities and presentations, which I always look forward to. Despite me doing the classes online, I have really had fun, and I’m so grateful my mum decided to put me in this school. One more thing that I’m really happy about is that I can take my time doing homework instead of rushing. Thanks a lot USCA academy!”

Pooja F. (Student)

Study Permit Requirements for Students Coming From South Korea (2026)

South Korean citizens do not need a visitor visa to enter Canada for short stays and can travel on an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). That eTA does not replace a study permit. Anyone enrolling in a program longer than six months, including USCA Academy’s high school program, must apply for and receive a study permit before travelling to Canada.

What you need

Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (USCA Academy is a licensed DLI)
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), required for most study permit applicants since the introduction of Canada's international student cap
Proof of funds of at least CAD 22,895 for one year of living costs outside Quebec, on top of first-year tuition and return travel, per current IRCC requirements
Passport, photos, and biometrics

Good to know

The Student Direct Stream fast-track program, which South Korean applicants were previously eligible for, has been discontinued; all applicants now go through the regular study permit process
An IELTS or other English test score is not always mandatory for high school admission at USCA Academy; our team confirms current requirements for your grade and program
Processing times vary through the year; we help time your application to your intended intake

Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing

Program	Cost	Included
High School (Grades 9-12)	$16,800 CAD/Year	Tuition, textbooks, ESL support, university guidance
Boarding	Available at additional cost	On-campus supervised housing
Homestay	Available at additional cost	Vetted Canadian host family
Insurance	Available at additional cost	International student health coverage

See Exactly What USCA Academy Tuition Covers

Get a personalized cost breakdown, including boarding or homestay, for a student coming from South Korea.

Who Can Apply

International students ages 13 to 18 (Grades 9 to 12), including students currently enrolled in Korean middle or high school
Middle school graduates in Korea ready to start high school in Canada
Current high school students in Korea transferring mid-program
Students switching from the Korean national curriculum to the Canadian OSSD
Mature students ages 19 to 22 for the university prep program

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to take the Suneung (CSAT) to study in Canada?

No. USCA Academy students are admitted to Canadian universities based on their OSSD coursework and grades built up over high school, not a national entrance exam.

How long does a Canadian study permit take to process for a student from South Korea?

Processing times change throughout the year and depend on how complete the application is. See our current study permit processing times guide for the latest figures. We review your documents before submission to reduce delays and help you apply early enough for your intended intake.

Is IELTS required to apply from South Korea?

Not always. Many students are admitted based on an English level assessment, with support included through our ESL program. We confirm requirements for your specific grade during the free assessment.

Where will my child live?

Students choose supervised on-campus boarding or a vetted Canadian homestay family. See our boarding and homestay options for details. Both include 24/7 support and are arranged before the student leaves Korea.

Will my child be able to get into a good Canadian university coming from a Korean school?

99% of USCA Academy graduates go on to Canadian universities. The OSSD credential is recognized without a separate entrance exam, and our team provides one-on-one guidance through the OUAC application, essays, and scholarship process.

How far is USCA Academy from Seoul, and how are students supervised on arrival?

USCA Academy is a short drive from Toronto Pearson International Airport, which has direct flights to and from Seoul (Incheon) of roughly 13 to 14 hours on Air Canada or Korean Air. We coordinate airport pickup so a staff member meets every new international student on arrival. See our campus and location page for more.