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 Residence and homestay placements for international students.	Boarding arrangements Boarding begins in Year 8; main entry years 9–11; Year 12 is not admitted. The boarding program houses about 86 students from Ontario, other Canadian provinces and more than 18 countries. The boarding program has existed since 1829.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniforms include a crested blazer; 2–3 grey flannel pants; 2–3 khaki, beige or tan cotton pants; Gym T-shirts; UCC navy crested golf shirts; House and school ties; and a crested sweater or fleece. All uniform items can be purchased online.
Food options	Food options A cafeteria on campus.	Food options Boarders have breakfast, lunch and dinner during the school week; weekends include brunch and dinner at designated times. When dining is closed, the milk and toast room provides light meals and the cafeteria is open during the school day.
House system	House system —	House system Upper School has 10 Houses, each with a Head and its own tie. Day students belong to Bremner's, Howard's, Jackson's, Martland's, McHugh's, Mowbray's, Orr's and Scadding's; boarders belong to Seaton's and Wedd's.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Fully registered and accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education.	Governance and ownership The Board of Governors (15 members) establishes policy and oversees finances; eight are appointed for four-year terms, three are elected by the UCC Association for three-year terms, and four are ex-officio; the Principal reports to the Board and the President of the UCC Foundation attends all meetings. The UCC Foundation is a separate, independent entity that manages the College's endowment, and the Association Council represents Old Boys, parents, governors and staff.
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 MIA maintains a vibrant academic and social community with clubs and field trips that help students build friendships and engage with Canadian culture. Total Care provides care beyond the classroom, including guidance on university applications and ongoing post-graduation support. Student Life offers extensive social and academic opportunities that support students' well-being and personal growth. The environment emphasizes safety as part of learning, reflecting a family-like atmosphere created by teachers and staff.	Social & emotional learning Safety and wellbeing are the highest priorities. Horizons provides tutoring and mentoring across Years 8–12, fostering empathy, respect and community through eight‑week programs and school partnerships. Service and service‑learning help boys understand their identities and contributions to the world.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The Wernham West Centre for Learning offers targeted, customized support with a tiered approach to learning challenges. In the Prep School, lessons include time management and study and organizational strategies; in the Upper School, the focus is on independent learning with emphasis on note‑taking, deep reading and exam‑preparation support. Four mandates guide the Centre: identify each student's learning style and develop strategies for success; provide individualized learning support; provide professional development and support for faculty and be a resource to parents and the community; connect with other schools and organizations to collaborate and build networks.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The ESL program is open to all age groups and begins with an English assessment on arrival to place students into Level 1 (Beginner) through Level 5 (Advanced). The Intensive ESL program provides 6 hours daily (4 hours ESL Fundamentals in the morning) with elective classes in the afternoon. The Semi-Intensive program offers 4 hours daily of ESL study with a morning ESL Fundamentals class and some self-study. Elective classes include Grammar and Writing, Conversation and Listening, and TOEFL Preparation. IELTS preparation is available as a separate 110-hour course taught by qualified instructors.	English as an additional language There is no English Language Learning program; language support is provided through the Wernham West Centre for Learning.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Safety and well-being are integral to learning; the school emphasizes a family-like environment created by teachers and staff. Student Life offers clubs and activities that support social and emotional development and a sense of belonging. Total Care and the emphasis on learning and safety reflect the school's commitment to student well-being.	Mental wellbeing Safety and wellbeing are the highest priorities. Two health centres are staffed with nurses, a psychologist and counsellors to support students.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safety is prioritized, with learning and safety presented as core commitments of MIA. Total Care includes safety-focused support and a family-like atmosphere. Residence and Homestay placement provides housing support for international students.	Safeguarding The College has a Policy and Procedures for Preventing, Identifying and Investigating Harassment, Abuse and Violence, and employees are trained in standards and boundaries for working with children.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Downtown Toronto campus features a computer lab, a music and audio-visual lab, a fitness studio, a cafeteria, and a student lounge. Modern facilities include computer labs, Wi-Fi, and smart boards. The Downtown Campus is located at 920 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M4W 3C7. Facilities support both academic work and student life.	Facilities overview The UCC campus covers 35 acres of green space in midtown Toronto. The extensive facilities include a double-pad arena with NHL- and Olympic-sized rinks, a fitness complex, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a recital hall, a theatre, film and computer labs, music studios with professional recording equipment, and state-of-the-art science labs. The William P. Wilder Arena & Sports Complex and the Oval provide NHL- and Olympic-sized ice surfaces and a 400-metre track. Design and learning spaces include Atkins Design Lab, Holmes Project Lab and Hixon Family Design Lab, plus Harkness Tables and prep classrooms. Wilder and Macintosh Libraries support the academic program with print and digital resources.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Fitness studio is part of the facilities.	Sports facilities The facilities support 19 sports and 85 interscholastic teams. They include two indoor hockey arenas (NHL and Olympic), a SAS Fitness Centre with a full-time trainer, two indoor tennis courts, four outdoor tennis courts, a baseball diamond, four softball diamonds, six soccer fields, a cricket field, four basketball/volleyball courts, eight badminton courts, a sports injury clinic, a football/lacrosse/rugby artificial turf field, an indoor pool, and a 400-metre all-weather track.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Computer labs, a music and audio-visual lab, Wi-Fi, and smart boards are available on campus.	Academic facilities The Wernham West Centre for Learning is an innovative and unique learning-support resource that provides targeted and customized support for every learner. At the Preparatory School level, students receive lessons in time management and study strategies; at the Upper School, the focus is on independence, note-taking, deep reading and exam preparation. The Centre supports faculty through professional development and connects with other schools and organizations. Wilder Library offers print and digital resources, in-library volumes and access to online catalogs; Macintosh Library serves the Upper School with a curated collection and databases, including the Heintzman Music Library Collection, and supports research with a range of resources. The libraries program emphasizes collaboration with faculty, collection development, and service to the UCC community. State-of-the-art labs and design spaces, including Atkins Design Lab, Holmes Project Lab and Hixon Family Design Lab, support hands-on learning across subjects.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities and field trips are offered; there are clubs and student life events.	Extra curricular facilities The Experiences beyond the classroom include sport teams such as Cross Country, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Cricket, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Hockey, Lacrosse, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball. Prep co-curriculars include community service initiatives, morning programs, student ambassadors, debating, prep times Yearbook, Fall Play, Spring Musical, Sprouts/Prep Green Team, Eco-Ambassadors, and music ensembles like Choir and Concert and Jazz Band. Prep after-school programs offer activities including chess, robotics, cooking, drawing, photography, and space club. Upper School clubs exceed 60 active groups, including Art & Architecture, Debating, Engineering, Model UN, Outdoors, Robotics, and World Affairs Conference, plus music ensembles such as Blue Notes, String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Established in 1994, McDonald International Academy (MIA) is a fully registered and accredited secondary school inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Since its inception, more than 20,000 graduates from over 50 countries worldwide have successfully entered top universities and colleges in Canada and around the world. MIA is a vibrant academic and social community with modern facilities and a collaborative effort from teachers and students.	History Upper Canada College was founded in 1829 by Sir John Colborne, the Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. It was created as a feeder school for King's College (later the University of Toronto) and was modelled after the public schools of Britain. It is one of the earliest institutions for secondary education in Ontario, with traditions dating back nearly two centuries. These roots reflect UCC's longstanding role in Canadian education.
Community	Community MIA's active school community is buzzing with social and academic opportunities throughout the year. Events and activities help students get to know each other, build friendships, and familiarize themselves with Canadian culture. A wide range of clubs nurtures students' interests and supports the prerequisites for university or college applications.	Community The College organizes programs, events and initiatives to keep the community connected to the College and to one another. The World Affairs Conference is North America's largest and Canada's oldest annual student-run current events conference. Other events include the Founder's Dinner, Coxford Lecture and Norval Maple Madness Open House.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association Association Council represents the interests of Old Boys, parents, members of the Board of Governors and the UCC Foundation, faculty and staff, and other community members with demonstrated interest in the College. The Council is a governing body with 21 elected council members and eight ex-officio members. Officers include the President, Vice-President(s), Secretary, Executive Director and Managing Director. The Council meets three times per year in addition to its annual general meeting, held in October.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The University Preparation Program/High School Program (Grade 9-12) is developed according to the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education. Our graduates will receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) after the program. The four-year program follows the Ontario curriculum designed to prepare students for post-secondary studies in Canada, the United States and around the world. Credits earned are recognized by American and Canadian universities and colleges.	Academic & intellectual Prep Co-Curriculars include Community Service Initiatives, Morning Greeters, Morning Announcements, and Student Ambassadors, along with Colour House Captains and Debating. The Prep program also offers Fall Play, Spring Musical, Sprouts/Prep Green Team and Eco-Ambassadors/Warriors. Upper School Clubs total more than 60 active clubs, including Debating, Model UN, DECA, Engineering, International Languages, Investment, Mathematics Society and Robotics. These clubs provide opportunities for academic enrichment, competitions and leadership roles.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Arts is offered as a course within the curriculum.	Arts & creative Prep School Music Ensembles include Choir, Concert and Jazz Band, Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble. Prep After-School Programs include Chess, Cooking, Drawing/Comic Books Club, Public Speaking, Robotics, Photography and Space Club. Prep School theatre is represented by Fall Play and Spring Musical. Upper School Music Ensembles include Blue Notes, String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble, plus Intermediate and Junior Stage Bands.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language International Languages is offered as a course. IELTS Preparation and ESL programs are available to support English proficiency. The Summer Program includes English instruction and exposes students to Canadian culture through activities and excursions.	Cultural & language Upper School Clubs include International Languages. World Affairs Conference is North America's largest and Canada's oldest annual student-run current events conference. Language and global affairs activities are available through these clubs, fostering cross-cultural understanding and engagement with international topics.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Student Life includes field trips and a wide range of clubs and social activities. Events and activities foster community and give students opportunities to engage with Canadian culture outside the classroom.	Social & hobbies Upper School Clubs include Break Dancing, Chess, Cooking, Creative Writing, Debating, DECA, Engineering, Outdoors, Robotics and more. Prep After-School Programs include Chess, Public Speaking, Robotics, Photography, Space Club and other hands-on pursuits. A wide range of recreational activities and hobby groups supplement regular academics, with numerous clubs and programs available after school. Athletics-related after-school options include multi-sport and individual activities aligned with the school's broad sports program.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Prep Co-Curriculars include Community Service Initiatives. Horizons is listed as a Student Life program. Norval Outdoor School is an integral part of learning at UCC, offering outdoor education at a 450-acre site outside Toronto and hosting community open-house events as part of campus life.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Guidance and Career Education is offered as a course to support career planning. The Advanced Placement Program provides college-level courses for Grade 12 students, connecting them to college success by taking AP classes while in high school.	Leadership & professional Student Ambassadors are part of Prep Co-Curriculars, and Colour House Captains provide leadership roles. Upper School Clubs include Debating, Model UN and DECA, which offer leadership development and professional-skill opportunities. Additional leadership pathways exist through other clubs such as Investment and Public Speaking within the Upper School.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Health and Physical Education is offered as part of the curriculum. Total Care provides ongoing support beyond the classroom, including guidance on university applications and post-graduation planning. Learning beyond the classroom is encouraged through field trips and a range of activities that support student well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing UCC offers 19 different sports and 45 interscholastic teams. A broad athletic program includes Cross Country, Football, Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Basketball, and many more. Norval Outdoor School is a 450-acre nature reserve outside Toronto and a core part of outdoor education, with Weeks of wilderness learning by Year 9. The After School Program features activities like Badminton, Ball Hockey, Baseball, Basketball, Chess, Photography, and Space Club, among others.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English language learning is supported through ESL and IELTS Preparation programs; Summer Camp includes English language skills development (oral communication, reading and writing).	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Ranked TOP50 Best Private School in Canada by Hong Kong and the Canadian Government.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Fully registered and accredited secondary school inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education.	Accreditations IB World School (Continuum) — Offers the full IB continuum (Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme).
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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