Canada welcomes over 75,000 foreign students every year. They are attracted by Canada's high standard of education, and its reasonable tuition fees for foreign students. As of 2007-2008, a foreign student can expect to pay between C$4,500 and C$10,000 per year for an undergraduate degree, depending on their chosen school and course of study.

Canada has several private or independent schools (some of which are religious in orientation) and private career colleges. These schools may operate in any province or territory as long as they meet the general standards prescribed by that government authority.

Private schools function independently of the public school system and they charge fees. Private colleges do not receive funding support from provincial or territorial governments unless they are affiliated with a public institution.