Getting a Teaching certification in Canada as an Indian International Student

A teacher in a blue shirt prepares to write on a clean blackboard, setting the stage for a new lesson.

If you are an Indian student studying in Canada and want to become a licensed school teacher, here’s what you need to know:

1. Understand Provincial Licensing and teaching certification in Canada

Canada does not have a single national teacher license. Instead, each province and territory regulates its own teaching profession for teaching certification in Canada

• For example, if you want to teach in Ontario, you need a license from the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT).

• In British Columbia, the authority is the Teacher Regulation Branch (TRB).

  
  

  👉 So, the first step is to decide where in Canada you want to live and teach.

  
  

2. Educational Requirements

To qualify for a teaching license, you usually need:

• A Bachelor’s degree (any subject).

• A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) or equivalent from a recognized Canadian university.

  • Some provinces accept international B.Ed. degrees but will still ask you to complete additional courses in Canada.

• Teaching practicum experience (supervised teaching in schools, usually part of a Canadian B.Ed. program).

  
  

Tip: If you already have a B.Ed. from India, you may still be asked to do additional studies in Canada to meet provincial requirements.

3. Language Proficiency

Since you’re an international student, you may need to prove language skills:

• English: IELTS Academic (usually 7.0 or higher overall).

• French: TEF/DELF if you want to teach in a French school or a bilingual province.

  
  

  Schitt's creek GIF

  
  

4. Licensing Application

Once your education is complete, you apply for certification in your province. Typically, you need to submit:

• Proof of identity (passport, study/work permit).

• Official transcripts of your degrees (sometimes sent directly by the university).

• Proof of teacher education program completion (B.Ed. certificate).

• Language proficiency results.

• Criminal background check from Canada (and sometimes from India).

• Application fees (varies by province, e.g., ~$200–$300).

  
  

5. Immigration Status

To work as a teacher in Canada, you must also have the legal right to work:

• International students cannot teach full-time in public schools until they have Permanent Residency (PR) or a valid work permit.

• Many international students first finish their studies → apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) → gain experience → then move toward PR.

  
  

6. Extra Steps (if trained abroad)

If your Indian B.Ed. is not fully accepted, provinces may ask you to:

• Take additional education courses.

• Complete a bridging program for internationally educated teachers (offered in Ontario, BC, Alberta, etc.).

In short:

1. Choose the province you want to teach in.

2. Get a B.Ed. (preferably from a Canadian university).

3. Prove English/French skills.

4. Apply for teacher certification in that province.

5. Secure work authorization (PGWP → PR).

Conclusion

For an Indian international student in Canada, becoming a licensed teacher is a clear but step-by-step journey. Since education and certification are handled by each province, your pathway depends on where you plan to live and teach. In most cases, completing a Canadian Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program, demonstrating strong English or French language skills, and securing the legal right to work in Canada are essential. If you already have a B.Ed. from India, you may still need bridging or additional courses to meet provincial standards. With the right preparation, commitment, and focus on your chosen province’s requirements, you can successfully earn your teaching license and build a rewarding teaching career in Canada.