Branksome Hall and Columbia International College are both in Toronto. Both schools offer Canadian programmes, and Branksome Hall also offers IB. Published annual fees are CA$45,140 - 49,210 at Branksome Hall and CA$42,650 - 60,950 at Columbia International College, which puts Columbia International College roughly 10% higher. Branksome Hall takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Columbia International College from 12 to 18. Columbia International College is the larger school, with around 1,800 pupils to Branksome Hall's 900. Typical class sizes are 16 at Branksome Hall and 20 at Columbia International College.
Branksome Hall is located at 10 Elm Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 1N4, on an urban campus in central Toronto. The school sits in the Rosedale neighbourhood, within walking distance of the University of Toronto, public transit, libraries, theatres and the Yonge–Bloor intersection. The campus includes a mix of heritage mansions and modern buildings.
Location
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Hamilton is a big city with a small-town heart and is centrally located about an hour from Toronto and Niagara Falls. Columbia International College enriches the city with students from more than 70 countries.
Stages
Stages
Primary Years Programme JK–Grade 6; Middle Years Programme Grade 7–10; Diploma Programme or IB Select for Grades 11–12
Stages
Grade 7–12
School type
School type
The school is an independent IB World School for girls and offers a boarding program.
School type
Private boarding high school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
13 countries represented by boarding students.
Pupil nationality mix
Students come from more than 70 countries.
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Learning Strategies, School Counselling, Social Work and University Counselling support students' academic and personal growth. The Health Centre provides on-site nursing, and Differentiation plus before- and after-school homework support assist diverse learners.
Additional learning support
ESL courses (Monthly ESL) are available to prepare students for CIC courses.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Canada
Country affiliation
Canada
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
Door-to-door school bus service from residences to school
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fees - Day application fee (by date of submission): $200 if submitted before November 1; $300 if submitted on or after November 1.
Initial registration / enrolment deposit (new students) - Initial Registration Fee (IRF) on acceptance: CAD 9,500 (non‑refundable). - IRF if a sister is already enrolled: CAD 6,500 (non‑refundable).
Tuition fees (2026–27) — annual amounts (all fees in Canadian dollars) - Day students: - Junior Kindergarten–Grade 10: CAD 45,140 per year. - Grades 11–12: CAD 49,210 per year. - Boarding students (Grades eligible for boarding noted by the school): - Grades 7–10 (boarding): CAD 86,640 per year. - Grades 11–12 (boarding): CAD 90,710 per year.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition and fees are published in Canadian dollars and are set annually by the Board of Governors each January. Monthly and early‑payment plans are available to families; specific instalment schedules and deadlines are provided on the school invoice and in the school's billing communications.
Boarding‑specific fees and recurring charges - Boarding activity fee: CAD 900 per year (Grades 7–12). - Medical insurance for international boarding students: CAD 800+ (variable). - Guardianship fee (if required for international students): CAD 1,500–2,000.
Other mandatory and common additional costs - Branksome Hall Parents' Association (BHPA) fee: CAD 100 per student (annual). - Activity fees: - JK–Grade 6 activity fee: CAD 300. - Grades 7–12 activity fee: CAD 300. - Meals: - JK–Grade 6 hot lunch program: CAD 600–1,000 per term (varies by participation). - Grades 7–12: a la carte meal options; costs vary. - Uniform costs (one‑time wardrobe purchase ranges): - JK–Grade 5: CAD 850–1,100. - Grade 6: CAD 1,100–1,300. - Grades 7–12: CAD 1,100–1,300. - Texts, materials and academic extras: - JK–Grade 6 texts and materials: CAD 200–300. - Grades 7–12 textbooks: CAD 800+ (depending on course selection). - International languages (optional, individual instruction): CAD 5,250; group rates and other optional academic services apply. - Technology program (where applicable): JS Technology CAD 200 for JK–3; MacBook leasing program CAD 550–575 for Grades 4–12 entrants to the leasing program. - Music and instrument fees (where applicable): instrument fees CAD 50–100; music participation fees CAD 50–100. - Field trips, exchanges and optional signature trips: broadly range from a few hundred dollars to CAD 3,000–10,000 for larger international programs, depending on grade and trip.
Tuition Refund Plan (optional insurance) - Optional tuition refund insurance premiums (examples): - JK–Grade 10 day students: CAD 1,024 (optional). - Grades 11–12 day students: CAD 1,116 (optional). - Grades 7–10 boarding students: CAD 1,989 (optional). - Grades 11–12 boarding students: CAD 2,081 (optional). - The tuition refund plan is presented to families as an optional insurance product with its own premium; details and enrolment are handled through the school's billing/finance process.
Refunds and non‑refundable items - Application fees are non‑refundable. The Initial Registration Fee (IRF) is non‑refundable. These non‑refundable conditions apply at the times those fees are specified. The school offers optional tuition‑refund insurance for families who wish to cover particular withdrawal risks.
Fee payment options and where payment instructions appear - The school issues invoices and communicates payment instructions through its family billing channels and the MyBranksome parent portal. Monthly instalment and early‑payment plans are available; exact payment methods (for example, bank transfer or other channels) and any applicable banking details are provided on invoices and in the school's billing communications.
Practical notes for parents - All figures above are published by the school in Canadian dollars for the 2026–27 academic year and are presented as the school's fees for that year. Payment schedules, instalment due dates, and precise invoiced amounts (including any mandatory deposits, sibling adjustments or optional program charges) are provided to families in the school's formal invoice and acceptance paperwork.
Total Care+ (TCP) and refundable deposit - Total Care+ Program (priority care for students under 16 at the start of a semester): CAD 1,100 per semester. - Security deposit (one‑time, refundable at move‑out to cover damages/repairs): CAD 1,000.
Tuition fees (Grades 9–12) — per course and by intake - Per course (International students): CAD 3,400 per course. - Per course (Canadian students): CAD 2,550 per course.
- Aug–May (10 months) — typical full academic intake (8 courses example): - Tuition (8 courses example): CAD 27,200. - Residence (flat rate for the 10‑month intake): CAD 11,000. - Meal plan (up to 26 meals per week, 10 months): CAD 13,000. - Internet / Tech fee: CAD 500. - Leadership activity fee: CAD 300. - Uniform package: CAD 650. - Example total (8 courses, residence, meal plan, listed standard fees): CAD 52,650.
- Jan–Jun (6 months Fast‑Track Pre‑U program) — shorter intensive intake (6 courses example): - Tuition (6 courses example): CAD 20,400. - Residence (flat rate for this 6‑month intake): CAD 6,600. - Meal plan (up to 26 meals per week): CAD 7,800. - Internet / Tech fee: CAD 375. - Leadership activity fee: CAD 225. - Uniform package: CAD 650. - Example total (6 courses, residence, meal plan, listed standard fees): CAD 36,050.
Personalized and recurring fees - Student Health Insurance (mandatory for international students): fees by duration — 1 month: CAD 150; 5 months: CAD 750; 6 months: CAD 900; 7–12 months: CAD 1,000. - Student Sundry Account (preloaded account for textbooks, additional uniform, laundry, taxis, trips, replacement ID/fobs, etc.): CAD 2,000 (unused balance is fully refundable). - School bus transportation & discounted Hamilton city bus pass (10 months): Residence students CAD 1,500; shorter intake CAD 900. All students living off‑campus must purchase a breakfast & lunch plan (CAD 1,500); non‑residence meal package shown as CAD 5,500 (selected fee details).
Billing schedule and payment terms (summary of how fees are presented and key terms) - Fees are published by intake/duration: the school lists standard fee packages for the two common academic patterns: Aug–May (10 months) and Jan–Jun (6 months fast‑track). Examples above follow those two billing periods. - One‑time refundable security deposit is collected and refunded at residence move‑out (subject to deductions for damages). The application fee (CAD 300) is not refundable. Student Sundry Account unused balance is refundable. - Exchange rate and online payment terms: international online payment portals lock the exchange rate for 72 hours; wire transfers and foreign‑currency receipts are converted at the Bank of Canada cash rate on the day funds are received.
Boarding / residence fees - Residence flat rate (Aug–May, 10 months): CAD 11,000. - Residence flat rate (Jan–Jun, 6 months fast‑track): CAD 6,600. - Meal plan (residence, 10 months): CAD 13,000 (26 meals per week; meal service available year‑round). These residence and meal plan amounts are included in the example totals above.
Other costs - Uniform package (standard set): CAD 650. - Internet / Tech fee: CAD 500 (10‑month intake) or CAD 375 (6‑month intake). - Leadership activity fee: CAD 300 (10‑month intake) or CAD 225 (6‑month intake). - Personalized/one‑off fees shown in the fee schedules are included in the totals above.
Refund information and conditions - If a Canadian Study Permit (Study Permit) is refused by IRCC, a full tuition fee refund is granted less an administration fee of CAD 500; to obtain this refund the student must provide the IRCC refusal letter. The application fee (CAD 300) is not refundable. - There is no refund of tuition in listed circumstances including: during the application of a Study Permit (except where the Study Permit is refused by IRCC as noted above); if the student withdraws for reasons other than Study Permit refusal; after registration at the school for disciplinary dismissal or expulsion; or where medical conditions were not disclosed or are discovered upon arrival and CIC is unable to provide adequate medical attention. - The student sundry account unused balance and the refundable security deposit (subject to deductions) will be returned where applicable.
Discounts and reductions - Sibling discount (Grade 9–12 enrolled at the same time): 25% discount on tuition for the first sibling to graduate during the period both are enrolled. - Family discount (to enroll later after a sibling graduated): 10% discount on tuition for subsequent siblings. - Discounts are not cumulative and apply only to international students who hold a Canadian Study Permit, per the published policy.
Fee payment options (accepted methods) - Online international payment portals: CIBC International Student Pay (portal) and Convera / Western Union GlobalPay (online payment in many currencies; options include bank transfer, credit/debit card, and eWallet). These services offer competitive FX rates and lock the quoted exchange rate for 72 hours. - Money order or cheque (processed on campus or mailed to Accounts Receivable at 1003 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4P3). - International wire transfer information is available upon request (email: invoice.inquiry@cic-totalcare.com). - For online platforms, some card and eWallet options are available through the provider platforms; the institution's published exchange‑rate policy applies.
Notes on presentation of figures - All figures above are shown in Canadian dollars (CAD) and follow the school's published 2026–2027 fee schedule for the standard Grade 9–12 intakes and selected fee items. The schedule distinguishes the two common intake periods (Aug–May and Jan–Jun) and shows tuition charged per course (CAD 3,400 per course for international students).
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program exclusively for girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. The program includes the Primary Years Programme for JK–Grade 6, the Middle Years Programme for Grades 7–10, and two Senior School pathways for Grades 11–12: the Full Diploma Programme and the Branksome Hall IB Select pathway.
Curriculum details
The school offers courses across Arts, Business Studies, Computer Studies, Languages, English, Physical Education, Co-operative Education, Mathematics, Science, and Social Sciences and Humanities for Grades 7–12. Support Classes include ESL and Learning Support; University Preparatory courses are available, and the University Placement Office assistance and Dual Admissions are accessible to help with university admissions.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Branksome Hall's IB program emphasizes university preparation. IB differentiators include that IB students are more likely to be accepted into top-tier universities (about 30% higher than non-IB peers). Branksome students earned $5.3 million in scholarships in 2025, and about 80% of IB students participate in international study experiences. Graduates are accepted at top universities worldwide, including the University of Toronto, McGill University and Harvard University.
Higher education progression
The University Partners program includes more than 10 university partners, with major partners such as the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, McMaster University, York University and Western University; university admission staff are assigned to work with CIC's University Placement Office, and information sessions are held by more than 35 universities from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. CIC graduates are eligible for English proficiency exemptions at several partner universities, and scholarships are available through partner institutions; CIC also offers pathways such as Elite Pathway with University of Toronto.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Create Your Account and Submit Your Application. Create an account on the Branksome Hall Portal to complete and submit the application, including payment of the application fee. The application will be processed within two business days, and a checklist will be assigned to the account to upload required documents. 2. Application Checklist. Upload the required documents, including birth certificate and/or passport, relevant report cards, and English and Math teacher recommendation forms; boarding applicants must also submit a brief two‑minute introductory video. 3. Application Update. After a comprehensive review of the application, the Admissions Office will contact applicants to schedule their interview and assessment. 4. Assessment and Interview. An interview and assessment are mandatory for all Boarding applicants. Grades 7–8 present a portfolio during the interview; Grades 9–11 may be required to complete Branksome Hall Math and English Entrance Tests or the SSAT; no interview preparation is required as this is an opportunity to connect with the school. 5. Admissions Decision. All applicants receive an update within two weeks of completing the admissions process, which includes the interview, assessment, and submission of all required documents. 6. Grade-Specific Details. For Grades 7–8, the interview includes presenting a portfolio with components such as a writing sample and a mathematics task; for Grades 9–11, applicants may choose between Branksome Hall entrance tests or the SSAT. 7. Boarding Deadlines and Guardian Requirements. Boarding applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a recommendation to apply by December 1, 2025 to ensure first‑round consideration; guardian arrangements are required for students whose parents do not reside in Toronto; Entrance Scholarship applications have deadlines (e.g., January 26, 2026). 8. Financial Aid Context (brief). Financial assistance and related deadlines apply to qualifying families, with separate timelines for returning and new families (e.g., Apple Financial Services submissions due by late 2025/early 2026).
Admissions
1. Programs and initial requirements. The school offers High School (Grades 9-12), ESL Program, and ESL Summer Camp Program. Applicants must obtain a Student Authorization Permit from the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in their home country (or outside Canada) before arriving to study in Canada. This ensures proper entry and eligibility to study at CIC. 2. Flexible admission dates and personalized pathway. CIC offers six admission dates throughout the year to fit the student's timeline. The admissions process is personalized to meet each student's needs. Students can begin studying as soon as they complete the current academic term or year in their home country, avoiding long waiting periods. This approach can help students complete their studies faster and enter the university of their choice sooner. 3. Fees. A breakdown of tuition fees is provided for international and domestic students. Fees are described in the Student Fees section to help families plan financially. 4. Apply Online. Apply Online is available to start the admissions process. The page highlights six admission dates and an online application option. Applicants should submit the online application to initiate the process. 5. Placement Tests. All new students take diagnostic placement tests before registering for courses to assess skills and place them appropriately. Placement tests help determine course placement and credit recognition. 6. Awards & Scholarships. Awards & Scholarships are offered; to qualify, all credits must be taken within 12 consecutive months. The program includes a range of merit-based and leadership awards as part of CIC's offerings.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Entrance Merit Scholarship - $5,000: Awarded to outstanding incoming Grades 7–11 students; all applicants are automatically eligible and no separate application is required. Maple Leaf Scholarship for Boarding - $10,000: Awarded to an outstanding incoming Canadian Boarding student; all Canadian Boarding applicants are automatically eligible and no separate application is required. Sherborne Scholarship for Boarding - $10,000: Awarded to an outstanding incoming international Boarding student; all International Boarding applicants are automatically eligible and no separate application is required. Innovation Scholarship - $3,000: Recognizes a student's commitment to creativity and innovation; any Grades 7–11 applicant can apply by submitting a 250-word personal statement to scholarships@branksome.on.ca; due January 25, 2026. Arts Scholarship - $3,000: Recognizes artistic expression; any Grades 7–11 applicant can apply with a 250-word personal statement; due January 25, 2026. Spirit of Sports Scholarship - $3,000: Recognizes commitment to athletics, fair play and team spirit; any Grades 7–11 applicant can apply with a 250-word personal statement; due January 25, 2026. Community Engagement Scholarship - $3,000: Recognizes commitment to community service; any Grades 7–11 applicant can apply with a 250-word personal statement; due January 25, 2026. Leadership Scholarship - $3,000: Recognizes leadership in or out of school; any Grades 7–11 applicant can apply with a 250-word personal statement; due January 25, 2026.
Scholarships
Awards & Scholarships overview. All awards and scholarships are given by CIC. To qualify, all credits must be taken within 12 consecutive months. The following are examples of CIC scholarships and awards: Governor General's Medal (awarded to the graduating student with the highest academic average in the best six 4U courses; recipient receives a Governor General's medal); Head Prefect Award (certificate for Residence and school head prefects); Columbia Leadership Awards (awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding leadership; recipients are selected by staff and a panel); Lieutenant Governor's Volunteer Award (recognizes an exemplary volunteer among graduating students); Residence Council Leadership Award (awarded to a student who has made a significant contribution to residence life); Ontario Scholars (designated for graduates with an 80% average in six 4U credits). The Columbia Scholarship Endowment Fund includes multiple named scholarships, such as Principal's Scholarship: University Pathway (three $1,500 awards to top 4U graduates meeting minimum averages), Clement Chan Founders' Merit Scholarship (three $1,500 awards), Jim Lawlis Memorial Scholarship ($1,000), Business Excellence Scholarship ($1,000 for top Social Studies graduate), English Excellence Scholarship ($1,000 for top English graduate), Sciences Excellence Scholarship ($1,000 for top Science graduate), Principal's Scholarship: Canadian Community College Pathway ($1,500 for top graduate entering a Canadian college with at least 80%), Kevin Matthews Memorial Scholarship ($750, three awards), Partner School Scholarship ($1,000 for top graduate from partner schools), Social Studies Excellence Scholarship ($1,000), Math Excellence Scholarship ($1,000), and Fine Arts Excellence Scholarship ($1,000). Continuing Scholarships & Awards include Continuing Top Subject Prize ($300), Integrity in Leadership Scholarship (two awards to non-graduating students), Excellence of Character Scholarship (two awards to non-graduating students), and Compass Group Canada Residence Life Scholarship ($500 to residences). University Entrance Scholarships provide designated scholarships at partner universities (e.g., University of Alberta, University of London School of Pharmacy, Ontario Tech University, University of Waterloo, York University, York University LAS, Brock University, McMaster University, University of Toronto Mississauga, and Western University) with specific award amounts and eligibility criteria.
