Bronte College vs Columbia International College

	B Bronte College Toronto, Canada	C Columbia International College Toronto, Canada
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CA$50,330 - 54,050	Fees / year CA$42,650 - 60,950
Age range	Age range 14 - 18 years	Age range 12 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 750	Pupils 1,800
Typical class size	Typical class size 17	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1991	Opened 1979
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Bronte College campus is located at 88 Bronte College Court, Mississauga, Ontario L5B 1M9. The campus sits in the heart of Mississauga, a multicultural city near Toronto, with boarding facilities attached to the main school building for convenience and safety. The campus is about 20 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport and is close to amenities, universities, and the vibrant city centre.	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 Grades 9-12	Stages Grade 7–12
School type	School type Private Canadian boarding school offering Grades 9-12	School type Private boarding high school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Global student body representing over 30 countries.	Pupil nationality mix Students come from more than 70 countries.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Guidance counselors assist with academic goals, course selection and graduation requirements, and provide social or emotional support. Tutorial services include Evening Study Hall (7:00pm–9:00pm, Monday to Thursday), after-school office hours, and a Peer Tutoring Program.	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 —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure A typical day for dormitory students runs 7:30am–11:00pm, with 8:30am–3:16pm for academic classes (lunch varies by timetable), 3:30pm–5:30pm for extracurricular activities or extra academic help, 6:30pm–9:00pm for Campus Life activities or study hall, 9:00pm–9:30pm for a light snack, and 10:00pm building curfew (11:00pm room curfew).	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus access includes a ten-minute ride to Square One; the campus is about 10 minutes from the University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus, and approximately 20 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport.	Bus service details Door-to-door school bus service from residences to school
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and one-time fees - Application fee: CAD 300 (non-refundable). - Custodianship documentation fee (for students aged 17 and under): CAD 300 (notarized custodianship declaration fee is non‑refundable). - Sundry account (balance refundable; used to pay for additional school items and events): CAD 1,500 (refundable balance on leaving, less any deductions). - Security deposit (refundable less damages): CAD 1,000. - Annual school registration fee: CAD 3,000 (charged each year). Tuition fees by year group (academic year basis) - Grades 9–11 (Secondary School Program, 10 months, 8 courses): Tuition CAD 25,200 per academic year. The standard boarding single-room charge for these grades is CAD 23,000 per academic year; with the annual school registration fee CAD 3,000 the total listed equals CAD 51,200. ESL course(s), if required, are charged at CAD 3,700 per course. - Grade 12 (6 courses): Tuition CAD 21,480 per academic year. The standard boarding single-room charge for Grade 12 is CAD 23,000 per academic year; with the annual school registration fee CAD 3,000 the total listed equals CAD 47,480. ESL course(s), if required, are charged at CAD 3,700 per course. - Note on per-term breakdown: Tuition is presented on an annual (academic‑year) basis for the 10‑month program; additional course fees (e.g., ESL) are charged per course or as stated above. The Campus Life Program fee is charged per semester. Boarding and campus life fees - Boarding (single room): CAD 23,000 per academic year. Double and quad room options are available (prices for double/quad not listed). - Campus Life Program (mandatory for boarding students or billed for boarding students as specified): CAD 1,100 per semester. The Campus Life Program includes supervised study sessions and most trips. Other recurring or optional fees - Health insurance: CAD 650 per year. - ESL courses (when required): CAD 3,700 per course. - Uniform package: Fees are provided to accepted students (amount communicated upon acceptance). - AP/IB or exam-related course fees: Students are advised of program-specific fees when applying to those programs (specific exam fees are applied separately where applicable). Billing schedule and payment terms - All fees must be paid in advance according to the Fee Schedule and the agreed Payment Option; the obligation to pay all fees is unconditional. When a student has received study permit approval, no refund of fees paid will be granted. When a student is unable to obtain a valid student visa/study permit, a refund is provided less a CAD 350 administrative fee, the application fee, and the notarized custodianship declaration fee (subject to return of original documents and the official rejection letter). Specific refund and withdrawal timing rules (including the 3‑month rule, 50% rule, and no‑refund after the admitted month begins) apply as described in the fee policy. Deposits and sundry account balances are refundable on graduation or leave less any deductions. Annual School Registration, Health Insurance, Application Fee, Notarized Custodianship Declaration, Uniform and Campus Life Program fees are non‑refundable. Refund details (key points) - If a student cannot obtain a valid student visa/study permit: refund of fees paid less CAD 350 administrative fee, the application fee, and the notarized custodianship declaration fee (original documents and official rejection letter required). - If an admitted student withdraws at least three months prior to the admitted month: refund less CAD 350 administrative fee, the application fee, notarized custodianship declaration fee, and annual school registration fee. - If withdrawal occurs less than three months prior to the admitted month: 50% of all fees are due and payable and will not be refunded. If withdrawal occurs after the start of the admitted month (or student is absent/expelled), no refund is provided and full tuition and accommodation fees remain payable. - Deposits and sundry balances are refundable on graduation or leave less deductions for damages or outstanding charges. Accepted payment methods and payment instructions - Accepted methods: Flywire (recommended for international payments), wire transfer, bank draft or cheque (payable to the school), Interac e‑Transfer, credit card (application fee only), and Alipay/WeChat Pay/UnionPay via SnapPay. A CAD 20 bank surcharge should be added for wire transfers. Receipts should be sent to the school accounts office with the student's name. The school provides bank details for direct wire transfer and partners with Flywire to facilitate international payments. Enforcement and conditional charges - Students who require additional courses beyond the initial payment or who choose to upgrade/retake a course must pay additional course tuition in advance. Where a student drops a course before the course drop deadline (with approval), the tuition is credited to a later semester rather than refunded; dropping after the deadline results in full tuition being charged for that course. International minor students are required to stay in accommodations arranged by the school for the duration of their studies; accommodation assignment priority is determined by the date accommodation fees are received.	Fee details Application and enrolment fees - Application Fee: CAD 300. - Custodian documentation: CAD 300. 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 —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details An inquiry-based curriculum with small class sizes; students earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Enrichment options include the Advanced Placement (AP) Program.	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 Small class sizes provide personalized attention from highly qualified teachers.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates gain acceptance to universities including the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, TMU, uOttawa, York, Laurier, Trent, and McMaster. The Bronte College University Fair brings representatives from over 35 top universities across Canada, the USA, and the UK to the campus to help graduates explore options.	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 Leadership Development Program provides enhanced academic and personal growth opportunities. Advanced Placement (AP) Program offers enrichment for advanced students.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1: Decide which program is right for you. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), Advanced Placement (AP), English Support, and the Express Program are available. A good candidate for OSSD should have an average of 70–75% and applications are considered on a case‑by‑case basis. The AP program provides university‑level coursework opportunities, English Support offers customized ESL, and the Express Program allows six Grade 12 credits from December to June to earn the OSSD in seven months. Step 2: Decide which semester intake is right for you. Bronte accepts September, February and July intakes. Applications should be submitted at least 3 months before the start of the semester to allow time for student Visas, Study Permits, and arrival planning. Dormitory space for the September intake should be arranged by early March; homestay applicants should submit by mid‑July. Step 3: What Do I Need to Complete an Application? A completed online application form; the last 2.5 or 4 years of school transcripts (in English and, if applicable, in the original language); a copy of the student's passport and a passport‑size photo; an Application Fee of CAD 300. Applications will only be processed if the CAD 300 Application Fee accompanies the Application. Step 4: Fill Out Your Application Form. The link below will take you to our Application Form.	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 Bronte College graduates participate in scholarships through university partnerships and university‑style awards. The Laurier Bronte Leadership Scholarship and the Trent Bronte Leadership Scholarship were awarded to Bronte students in 2025. Bronte graduates have received substantial university scholarships, including $60,000 from Queen's, $40,000 from Western, $15,000 from York, and $8,000 from Carleton. In 2026, Toluwalase earned early admission offers and $80,000 in scholarship offers, while Ryoya earned a $40,000 scholarship from Western, and other Bronte students have secured various university scholarships. Ambrose's participation in international programs also contributed to over $15,000 in scholarships from universities such as the University of Toronto and York University."	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.
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