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Columbia International College Photo #5 - Pine Girls Residence, Columbia International College

Columbia International College

Tel: (905) 572-7883 Ext. 2805
1003 Main Street West
Hamilton, L8S 4P3, Canada
Columbia International College is Canada`s largest private boarding school, offering Grades 9 to 12 for day and boarding students.
At the heart of our success is the holistic Total Care Education System - an innovative approach to learning and living.
Our Total Care Education System ensures that every student`s academic, social, emotional and physical needs are tended to.
We are #1 in scholarships awarded by universities and we offer the only official U of Toronto partnership program - the Elite Pathway Program.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,700 students
  • Yearly Tuition (51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students): $26,400
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $3,300
  • Acceptance rate: 86%
  • Average class size: 17 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Columbia International College ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 279 schools) for:

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2024 School Data
Columbia International College
School Focus
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation
Year Founded
1979

Student Body

Enrollment
1700 students
% International Students
95%
% Students 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
98%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
CIC Uniform Pieces
Average Class Size
17 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
ESL Courses Offered
Summer Program Offered
Summer Program Details

Tuition Cost

Yearly Tuition
(51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students)
$26,400
(8 courses tuition fee, not include residence or meal plan)
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$3,300
(8 courses tuition fee, not include residence or meal plan)
Tuition international students
$26,400
Merit Scholarships Offered

Admissions

Application Deadline
None / Rolling
SSAT Required
Yes
Acceptance Rate
86%
Director of Admissions
Shawn Qin
Application URL

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
7

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
15
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Archery Club, Athletic Council, Basketball Club, Cooking Club, Crochet, DECA, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Karaoke Club, Leadership, Model United Nations, Robotics Club, Robotics Team, Service Prefects, Student Council, Table Tennis Club

College Matriculation

10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)

School Notes

  • Canada's largest boarding school
  • Total Care Education System - Total Learning, Total Living, Total Development, Total Communication
  • Offers Grade 9-12 , ESL, and Summer Camp, Short-term/Exchange programs
  • Offer the only official University of Toronto partnership program - the Elite Pathway
  • Leadership programming and The Duke of Edinburgh award (Bronze, Silver and Gold)
  • University Partners provide exclusive scholarships to graduates
  • University of Toronto's official Global Partner School
  • # 1 in university admissions and scholarships among all high schools in Canada
  • Separate residences for boys and girls with door-to-door school bus transportation
  • Official Test Centre for IELTS
  • Compared with any other high school globally, CIC graduates receive more offers of admission from: University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and McMaster University
  • Our unique Total Care Education System is a holistic education that addresses the complete development of a child`s academic, social, emotional and physical needs
  • CIC graduates are awarded the largest amounts of scholarships from universities C$9.5 million in 2020
  • Columbia International College accreditations: Accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Zere '23 - Zere has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and remarkable leadership abilities, paving the way for her to secure acceptance from many prestigious universities and close to $300k in scholarships!✅University College London (Economics) ✅York University - Schulich School of Business (Business Administration) ✅University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce (Commerce) ✅University of Toronto, Mississauga (Commerce) ✅University of Warwick (Economics) ✅Queen Mary University of London (Economics) ✅IE University (Economics) ✅Total Scholarships: $299,500
    • Daniella '23 - ✅CIC Model United Nations team ✅Best Delegate at Kings MUN 2023 ✅Director of Delegate Relations at Global Summit 2023 ✅Top Subject Prize in Canadian and International Law ✅Bronze medal in Badminton Intramurals: Team Captain✅Queen Mary University of London (Law) ✅University of Aberdeen (law) ✅The University of Law (Law) ✅Total Scholarships: $7,000
    • Emmanuella '23 - ✅University of Toronto, Mississauga (Commerce) ✅University of Toronto, Scarborough (Management) ✅McMaster University (Business) ✅McMaster University (Integrated Business & Humanities) ✅Brock University (Business Administration) ✅Carleton University (Commerce) ✅University Of Ottawa (Management Studies) ✅York University (Commerce) ✅University of Miami (Economics) ✅University of Alberta (Bachelor of Commerce) ✅Minnesota State University (Business) ✅Grinnell College (Business) ✅Western University (Social Sciences) ✅University Of Guelph (Economics) ✅Wooster College (Business) ✅Total Scholarships: $374,297
  • School Motto: A Legacy Of Excellence
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Columbia International College cost?
Columbia International College's tuition is approximately $26,400 for boarding students and $3,300 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Columbia International College?
The acceptance rate of Columbia International College is 86%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Columbia International College?
Columbia International College famous alumni include: Zere '23, Daniella '23 and Emmanuella '23.
What sports does Columbia International College offer?
Columbia International College offers 7 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Basketball, Gymnastics, Intramural Sports Only, Soccer, Swimming and Volleyball.
Does Columbia International College offer a summer program?
Yes, Columbia International College offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.
What is Columbia International College's ranking?
Columbia International College ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Large student body (number of students), High percentage of international students and Least expensive tuition.
When is the application deadline for Columbia International College?
The application deadline for Columbia International College is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2024
5.00
McMaster University
One thing that made Columbia International College unique was how they brought students from all over the world together under one roof. With people from over 70 countries, every day felt like a cultural exchange. . .

Class of 2024
5.00
McMaster University
Something that really sets Columbia International College apart is how structured and supportive the environment is for international students. Unlike most boarding schools, CIC offers a very clear academic and personal development path from regular. . .

Class of 2024
5.00
McMaster University
One thing that makes Columbia International College unique is its Total Care Education System. It’s not just about academics rather the school puts equal focus on character building, life skills, emotional wellness, and leadership. That. . .
Show more reviews (2 reviews)
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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,700 students
  • Yearly Tuition (51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students): $26,400
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $3,300
  • Acceptance rate: 86%
  • Average class size: 17 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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