How to Choose an English School in Toronto: 7 Things to Check

7 hours ago

2 min read

Toronto has dozens of English language schools, and their websites all look similar. This checklist shows what to compare before you pay a deposit. After each point you can see how St. George International College (SGIC) answers it, so you can use the same questions with any school.

››› 1. Is the school accredited and a Designated Learning Institution?

Accreditation by Languages Canada means the school is inspected for teaching quality and student protection. A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number means you can apply for a study permit. SGIC: accredited by Languages Canada. DLI numbers: Toronto O212206178197, Vancouver O19352161652.

››› 2. How long has the school been open?

A long track record lowers the risk of closures and refund problems. SGIC: open since 1994, with more than 135,000 graduates from over 70 countries.

››› 3. What do real students say?

Look at Google reviews, not only the testimonials on the school's own site. Check both the rating and the number of reviews. SGIC: the Toronto campus is rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google from more than 600 reviews, as of September 2026.

››› 4. Where is the campus?

A downtown campus near the subway saves time and money every day. SGIC: 543 Yonge St., Unit 200, one minute on foot from Wellesley subway station.

››› 5. What is the real total price?

Compare the weekly tuition for your course length, then add registration, materials and insurance. SGIC 2026: General English from CA$265 per week for 32 weeks or more, CA$315 per week for 1 to 3 weeks. Registration CA$250. Materials CA$60 per 4 weeks. Health insurance CA$3.50 per day. A 12-week full-time course is about CA$5,170. See the full 2026 price list.

››› 6. How are levels and progress handled?

Ask how you are placed and how you move up. SGIC: new students take an oral and written placement test. General English runs from Starter to Advanced. Each level lasts 8 weeks, and a grade of B (70%) or higher moves you to the next level. New students can start every Monday.

››› 7. What comes after General English?

If you want to study at a Canadian college or university, check the school's pathway agreements. SGIC: students who complete the University and College Pathway Program (UCPP) can enter partner institutions without an IELTS or TOEFL score. Partners include Humber College, Conestoga College, Trent University and Acadia University. SGIC also offers IELTS and TOEFL preparation, Business English, English for Medicine and TESOL.

››› Quick comparison table you can copy

Question	SGIC Toronto
Languages Canada accredited	Yes
Designated Learning Institution	Yes, O212206178197
Founded	1994
Google rating	4.8 from 600+ reviews
Location	543 Yonge St., 1 min from Wellesley station
General English price	CA$265 to CA$315 per week
Start dates	Every Monday
University pathway without IELTS	Yes, with partner institutions