McDonald International Academy vs Upper Canada College

	M McDonald International Academy Toronto, Canada	U Upper Canada College Toronto, Canada
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CA$400 - 24,000	Fees / year CA$138 - 48,720
Age range	Age range 14 - 18 years	Age range 5 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Boys School, Boys School (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 230	Pupils 1,280
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 22
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1994	Opened 1829
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Downtown Campus, 920 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M4W 3C7, Canada. Located in the heart of Toronto at the Yonge/Bloor intersection, near the Toronto Reference Library and the University of Toronto. Accessible by public transport, with a bus stop a 1-minute walk away and the subway about a 5-minute walk away.	Location Toronto, Ontario, Canada. UCC is located on 35 acres of green space in midtown Toronto. The main campus address is 200 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario M4V 1W6. The closest intersection is Avenue Road and St. Clair Avenue, with the campus served by TTC bus routes #13 and #142 and stops at the south and east campus gates; the closest subway is Davisville Station.
Stages	Stages Secondary (Grade 9–12) under the Ontario education system; University Preparation/High School Program included.	Stages Junior Kindergarten through Year 12
School type	School type Private international secondary school; fully registered and accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education.	School type Independent day school for boys; IB World School
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ESL Program; IELTS Prep; University Preparation/High School Program (Grade 9-12).	Additional learning support Wernham West Centre for Learning offers targeted, individualized support for Prep and Upper School; four mandates guide its work: identify each student's learning profile; provide individualized learning support; offer professional development for faculty; and connect with external networks.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Canada	Country affiliation Canada
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The After School Program provides supervised care from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a snack, homework assistance and a range of clubs and activities.
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus access nearby; Downtown campus is a 1-minute walk from a bus stop and a 5-minute walk from the subway.	Bus service details Bus service is provided via TTC routes #13 and #142, with stops at the south and east campus gates; the closest subway is Davisville Station.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Application Fee: CAD 200 (one-time, non-refundable). Tuition fees (Grade 9–12) - International students: CAD 24,000 per academic year (covers 8 credits). Per-credit rate: CAD 3,000 per credit. - Canadian citizens / Permanent Residents: CAD 17,600 per academic year (covers 8 credits). Per-credit rate: CAD 2,200 per credit. - Each additional credit beyond the included 8 credits is charged at the per-credit rate indicated above. - Textbooks: approximately CAD 300 per semester (partially refundable). - To determine fees for any specific term, multiply the per-credit rate by the number of credits taken that term; the annual figure covers a full 8-credit academic year. Residence and homestay fees (where applicable) - Residence (10 months): Shared room (double occupancy) CAD 8,500. - Residence (10 months): Private single room CAD 10,000. - Meal plan (10 months, breakfast and dinner): CAD 6,000. - Residence security deposit: CAD 500. - Homestay: Private room (includes 2 meals) CAD 1,500–2,000. - Homestay: Shared room (includes 2 meals) CAD 1,000. - Homestay placement fee: CAD 100. Other program and optional fees - Activity Fee: CAD 400 (one year). - Health Insurance: CAD 600 (one year; mandatory for international students). - Airport pickup: CAD 100 (one trip). - IELTS training: CAD 3,000. - AP Courses: CAD 3,600 (per AP program as listed). - Textbooks noted above are approximately CAD 300 per semester and described as partially refundable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Overseas (international) students must pay fees in full to be eligible for acceptance; the Application Fee and Tuition Fee must accompany the submitted application. - Upon receipt and confirmation of full payment of the Application Fee and Tuition Fee, an official Letter of Acceptance will be issued. - Accepted payment methods include cash, cheque, Visa, Mastercard, money order, wire transfer, and email money transfer (EMT). Specific bank account details are provided for bank transfer and EMT payment instructions. - Payment receipts will be issued after payment is received and must be sent to the admissions office as instructed in the tuition request. Refund information - Refund for failed visa/passport issuance: If a new student is unable to obtain a valid study visa or passport to enter Canada, a full refund of tuition fees will be issued less the non-refundable registration/application fee of CAD 200, subject to submission of the required documentation. - Documentation required for refunds includes a written refund request signed by the student, proof of visa rejection from the relevant Canadian diplomatic mission or proof of passport application/extension rejection from local government, and all original documents and receipts issued by the school. - No refund if student is granted a visa and then decides not to attend. - If a student's visa application is refused, a refund will not be issued if a refund application is not made within 15 months after the student has been admitted to the program.	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Application fee (new students): CAD 200 if submitted on or before November 1; CAD 300 if submitted after November 1 (boarding follows the same schedule). - Initial Registration Fee (new students): Day students CAD 10,000; Boarding students CAD 7,500. This fee is one-time and non-refundable. - Financial-assistance application fee (third-party assessment): CAD 137.50 (paid to the assessment provider). Annual Tuition — Day students (2026–27) - Junior Kindergarten–Year 5: CAD 44,940 (annual). - Year 6–Year 10: CAD 46,730 (annual). - Year 11–Year 12: CAD 48,720 (annual). Annual Tuition — Boarding students (2026–27) - Domestic boarding (Canadian passport required): - Years 8–10: CAD 81,280 (annual). - Years 11–12: CAD 83,270 (annual). - International boarding (non-Canadian citizens): - Years 8–10: CAD 87,580 (annual). - Years 11–12: CAD 89,570 (annual). Billing schedule and payment terms (standard billing and common payment plans) - Registration and deposits: - New Day students: online registration must be completed and the Initial Registration Fee (CAD 10,000) plus the first instalment required to complete registration. - New Boarding students: online registration must be completed within 7 calendar days of an offer; the Initial Registration Fee (CAD 7,500) and the first instalment of tuition and boarding fees must be forwarded within 7 calendar days of the offer. - Standard payment plans (examples of the formats used): - Plan A — Term instalments: initial deposit followed by two instalments (typical due dates: one mid-year and one later in the year). For Day students the initial deposit is CAD 2,000; remaining tuition is split into two payments. Monthly statements are issued and amounts must be paid by the last banking day of the month to avoid interest. - Plan B — Monthly instalments: initial deposit (Day students CAD 2,000) followed by 11 monthly automatic debits. New families will be asked to provide banking information for pre-authorized withdrawals. - Plan C — Early payment: full payment by the early-payment deadline in order to receive an early-payment discount (payment must be made in full by the stated deadline). - Typical instalment examples calculated from the published 2026–27 annual tuition figures (amounts shown are the instalment values a family would be billed under Plan A or Plan B for Day students): - JK–Year 5 (annual CAD 44,940): - Plan A (term-style): CAD 2,000 deposit, then two instalments of CAD 21,470 and CAD 21,470. - Plan B (monthly): CAD 2,000 deposit, then 11 monthly payments of approximately CAD 3,903.64. - Year 6–10 (annual CAD 46,730): - Plan A: CAD 2,000 deposit, then two instalments of CAD 22,365 and CAD 22,365. - Plan B: CAD 2,000 deposit, then 11 monthly payments of approximately CAD 4,066.36. - Year 11–12 (annual CAD 48,720): - Plan A: CAD 2,000 deposit, then two instalments of CAD 23,360 and CAD 23,360. - Plan B: CAD 2,000 deposit, then 11 monthly payments of approximately CAD 4,247.27. - Boarding instalment examples (registration fee separate): for boarding families the Initial Registration Fee is CAD 7,500; many boarding accounts are invoiced in two instalments across the year. Approximate splits of annual boarding tuition (examples): - Domestic Years 8–10 (annual CAD 81,280): two instalments of approximately CAD 40,640 and CAD 40,640. - Domestic Years 11–12 (annual CAD 83,270): two instalments of approximately CAD 41,635 and CAD 41,635. - International Years 8–10 (annual CAD 87,580): two instalments of approximately CAD 43,790 and CAD 43,790. - International Years 11–12 (annual CAD 89,570): two instalments of approximately CAD 44,785 and CAD 44,785. - Billing, statements and late payments: - Monthly statements of account are prepared and emailed to families. Payments may be made by online bill payment using major Canadian financial institutions; families should use the student ID number as the account number. Payments must be received and negotiable by the last banking day of the month to avoid interest charges. The late payment interest rate is 1.5% per month (18% per annum). The College reserves the right to restrict re-enrollment or access to records for accounts more than 30 days overdue. Boarding-specific fees and common additional boarding costs - Initial Registration Fee for new boarding students: CAD 7,500 (non-refundable). - Guardianship program (for international students without a local guardian): CAD 1,500 annual. - Health insurance (where applicable and billed when the school provides coverage): approximately CAD 1,200 annual for boarding students. - Boarding families should budget for discretionary personal costs such as dry cleaning, local transit and pocket money; these are not included in boarding tuition. Other costs and typical incidental charges - Uniform: - First-year uniform purchase (estimate): CAD 750–850. - Annual replacement/ongoing uniform costs: approximately CAD 300 per year. - Textbooks and school supplies: - Books (Years 8–12): approximately CAD 800–1,200 per year depending on year level. - School supplies: approximately CAD 300 per year. - Meal plan (optional/where applicable): around CAD 1,600–1,850 per year (may be billed over terms). - Tuition Refund Insurance (optional): premiums are charged as a percentage or fixed rate depending on the program and coverage; example premium rates and fees are shown on the financial materials and are billed to accounts if selected (example premiums in prior materials: CAD 350–380 for day and CAD 650 for boarding; the plan premium is typically shown as a small percentage of fees when selected). - Co-curricular and activity charges (examples): athletic tournament costs, travel, team fees, music festivals, equipment rental, private music lessons, academic support and other event-specific charges; typical ranges appear in the school's financial handbook (examples: athletic tournaments CAD 400; team travel CAD 100–1,700 depending on distance; private music instruction CAD 44 per half hour; academic support CAD 85 per hour). Incidental charges are billed only where applicable. - Transcripts/courier fees and other administrative charges may be billed when required (examples listed: CAD 35 local to CAD 75 international). Refunds, withdrawal and tuition-refund arrangements - The Initial Registration Fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Families should expect the annual tuition obligation to be in effect for the full academic year; fees are not billed on a term-by-term basis. Specific forfeiture rules apply if a student withdraws before the academic year begins or after specified dates. Typical provisions include forfeiture of portions of paid instalments if withdrawal occurs between specified dates; if withdrawal occurs on or after the start of the academic year, all tuition and boarding fees are due and will not be refunded. Tuition Refund Insurance is offered as an optional insurance product to protect against the financial consequences of withdrawal for covered reasons; premiums are charged on enrollment in the plan and are not refundable. Accepted payment methods and instructions - Online bill payment through major Canadian banks (use the student's ID number as the account number). - Automatic monthly pre-authorized debits (for families on the monthly instalment plan). - Third-party credit-card payment provider (Plastiq) may be used for one-off payments (subject to third-party terms). - Cheque payments: payable to Upper Canada College and mailed to the Finance Office (address provided on account statements). - Wire transfers from financial institutions outside Canada: wire instructions, including bank name, account number and SWIFT code, are provided by the College for families who choose to pay by international bank transfer; families should include the student name and ID number in payment details. Important account terms - Registrations are not complete until the required registration fee and initial instalment are received. Payments must be negotiable by the last banking day of the month to avoid interest charges. The College reserves rights to withhold access to classes, activities, transcripts and re-enrollment for accounts not paid in accordance with agreed schedules. Interest on overdue balances is applied at 1.5% per month (18% per year). (End of fee overview.)
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 Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) program for grades 9–12, developed according to the Ontario Ministry of Education. Graduates receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Credits are recognized by American and Canadian universities and colleges. The program is a four-year course of study; the Ontario Student Transcript (OST) and Ontario School Record (OSR) document student achievement.	Curriculum details The school has the IB Continuum: Primary Years Programme JK to Year 5; Middle Years Programme Year 6 to Year 10; Diploma Programme Year 11 to Year 12. The Diploma Programme has been offered for more than 20 years. In September 2024, two Graduation Pathways complemented the IB Diploma Programme. The Middle Years Programme includes eight subject groups, taught with a focus on inquiry and through the lens of key concepts and global contexts, and Sustained learning in more than one language. The IB Programmes focus on developing independent, globally minded learners with skills such as critical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 85% of graduates are admitted to top 100 universities worldwide, and college admission is guaranteed. Since inception, over 20,000 graduates have entered universities and colleges in Canada and around the world.	Higher education progression Graduates earn IB and Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) diplomas and gain admission to top-tier universities around the world, with many receiving scholarships and university credit for advanced courses.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	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 1. Fill out the online registration form. The form collects student information and program interests. Email the most recent scanned report cards/transcripts starting from grade 9 and a copy of the passport to the admissions team. The admissions team reviews the submission and, if approved, issues the first Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and the Tuition Request Letter within 3–4 business days by e-mail. 2. Pay the tuition fees and the application fee according to the Tuition Request details. Email the payment receipt to the admissions office. Upon receipt of full payment, the office issues a receipt and the official Letter of Acceptance. The official LOA can be used to apply for a Canadian study permit. 3. For international students, apply for a Government of Canada study permit using McDonald International Academy's official Letter of Acceptance. Processing times vary by country. The LOA is required to support the permit application. Applicants should coordinate with the school to ensure all documents are in order. 4. Upon approval and receipt of the study permit, inform MIA to arrange airport pickup and accommodation. MIA coordinates housing arrangements, including residence or homestay placements. The arrival process is supported by the Admissions and International Support teams, with additional assistance from overseas offices in Beijing, China and Lagos, Nigeria.	Admissions Step 1 — Submit an application. To start your application for 2026 entry, the candidate must log in to or create a UCC application account. The candidate's legal name should match the birth certificate or passport. Only the candidate's parents may create the account; agents wishing to submit on behalf of a family should contact the Office of Admission before creating an account. Day student applications for the 2026–27 academic year are closed; Boarding applications are open. The school invites families to submit an inquiry to receive updates and register for events; for the 2026 intake, apply by November 1, 2025 and applications are accepted until December 1, 2025; the application fee is $200 until November 1, 2025 and $300 from November 2 to December 1, 2025.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Lang National Scholarship — An opportunity for exceptional Canadian scholar-athletes to access a fully funded UCC boarding experience. What is it? A merit-based boarding scholarship and a direct-entry pathway to the Lang Scholar Program, which includes leadership training and conferences, guest speakers, alumni mentorship and service projects. Who should apply? Exceptional Canadian students with a strong academic record, varsity-level skills in two sports, impeccable character, leadership potential and service orientation (Grade 9 to 11). What does it cover? UCC tuition and boarding fees, including housing and meals, university counselling and health centre services; incidentals such as flights home at major breaks and unique athletic needs. How do I apply? Complete the UCC boarding application and indicate interest in the Lang National Scholarship. Merit-based entrance scholarships — The school offers merit-based entrance scholarships to top applicants, awarded automatically to those who demonstrate high academic achievement, co-curricular experience or potential, and strong character. Financial assistance is also available on the basis of family need, with the Financial Assistance Review Committee (FARC) and partner organizations determining awards. Financial assistance — The school provides about $6 million in financial assistance each year and operates a needs-based admission process. Application for financial assistance is separate from admission; eligible Year 5 and above families are encouraged to apply. The process uses Apple Financial Services and Financial Aid for Canadian Students (FACS); the FARC makes the final award decisions, and most assistance is need-based, with merit-based entrance scholarships offered to top applicants. New student financial assistance applications must be completed by December 31 (and for returning students by November 14).
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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