St Andrew's College Aurora: 2026 Admissions, Fees & Boarding Guide

St Andrew's College admissions are a top search for international families comparing Canada's elite boys' boarding schools alongside schools like Appleby College and Branksome Hall. SAC follows the Ontario curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) options — not the IB Diploma — and places graduates into Canadian, U.S., and global universities including pathways toward schools covered in our University of Toronto admissions guide.

This guide covers St Andrew's College fees for 2026–27, application steps, SSAT requirements, boarding vs day rules, and verified university outcomes. Confirm all figures on the official SAC tuition page before applying.

St Andrew's College Overview: Aurora, Ontario

St Andrew's College (commonly SAC) is an independent, all-boys university-preparatory school serving Grades 5–12. The school is located at 15800 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON L4G 3H7, approximately 40 minutes north of downtown Toronto.

Key facts published by the school:

• Founded: 1899 (125+ year history)
• Campus: 126-acre Georgian-style campus (moved to Aurora in 1926)
• Enrollment: 650+ students — roughly 360 day students and 260 boarders
• International community: Students from Canada and 30+ countries
• Curriculum: Ontario Ministry of Education (OSSD) with enriched honours and AP courses
• Accreditation: CAIS, CIS, and NAIS member
• Motto: "Dedicated to the development of the complete man, the well-rounded citizen"
• Admission contact: 905-727-3178 ext. 303 | admission@sac.on.ca

SAC is a laptop-tablet school: all students receive a convertible touchscreen device with campus-wide wireless access, support, and insurance as part of the technology fee.

St Andrew's College Admissions Process (2026–27)

St Andrew's College admissions are competitive, especially for day places in the Greater Toronto Area. As of the school's published guidance, boarding applications remain open for 2026–27, while day student positions for that year have been filled.

Who can apply?

• Boarding: Open to domestic and international applicants; processed on a rolling basis
• Day students: Grades 5–9 only; applicant must reside in Ontario at time of application
• Grade 12 only: Not accepted — SAC requires a minimum two-year commitment
• Sister school: Families with daughters may apply to St. Anne's School (linked from SAC admissions)

Four-step application process

1. Online application + CAD $200 application fee (credit card)
2. Document upload via parent portal: photo, candidate statement, birth certificate/passport, two years of report cards, current-year reports, teacher recommendation, awards
3. Entrance testing: CAT5 at SAC (or remote) for Canadian-curriculum students; most international applicants write the SSAT (school code 6263)
4. Interview: Invited candidates only, due to application volume

2027–28 day offers: First-round decisions communicated December 12, 2026 for completed applications (including interview and test) by December 4, 2026. Boarding has no fixed deadline — apply early.

St Andrew's College Fees 2026–27

All amounts below are from SAC's published 2026–2027 school fees (instalment plan basis) in Canadian dollars.

Student type	Annual tuition
Day student (domestic)	CAD $46,395
Boarding student (domestic)	CAD $79,880
International day (study permit required)	CAD $50,210
International boarding (study permit required)	CAD $88,660

Mandatory fees (all students)

Fee	Amount	Notes
Technology fee	CAD $1,500	Tablet, insurance, software, support
Personal service fee	CAD $1,250	Athletics transport, yearbook, Cadet Corps, clubs
Lunch fee (day only)	CAD $2,000	On-campus lunches
Registration fee (new students)	CAD $7,000	First student; CAD $5,000 for additional siblings
Refundable deposit (new students)	CAD $1,000	Returned after final account settlement

Additional costs: Uniforms, textbooks (CAD $50–$150/year), and campus shop supplies are extra. International students without OHIP must purchase the school's medical insurance plan.

Payment plans: Annual, instalment, or monthly options are available per the SAC Financial Guide.

Financial aid: SAC awards more than CAD $3 million annually in scholarships and bursaries. York Region families may qualify for the D. Bruce Macdonald Scholarship or Community Scholarship.

Academics: Ontario Curriculum, AP, and University Preparation

St Andrew's College delivers the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) — 30 credits required for graduation. Courses are enriched beyond standard provincial minimums:

• "U" coded courses: University-preparatory honours level
• "P" coded courses: Dedicated Grade 11–12 AP classes (audited by College Board)
• Extended French Certificate: Seven courses taught in French
• Online courses: Five "E" coded correspondence options

SAC does not offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program — families seeking IB often compare Branksome Hall instead.

University counselling

SAC's University Counselling Office supports students from Upper School entry through graduation, including:

• Individual counselling and monthly group sessions in the graduating year
• Canadian Universities' Fair on campus
• U.S. college and U.K. university information sessions
• NCAA and U Sports athletic pathway guidance

St Andrew's College University Placement Results

University outcomes are a major reason families research St Andrew's College admissions. Verified school-published data:

Class of 2025 (130 graduates)

• 596 total admission offers (average 4.5 offers per student)
• 108 U.S. offers, 36 outside Ontario, 31 international
• CAD $2.5 million+ in scholarships and awards
• 95% graduated as Ontario Scholars

Class of 2024 (125 graduates)

• 501 admission offers
• 71% chose Canadian universities
• 18% chose U.S. institutions
• 7% accepted international offers
• CAD $1.9 million+ in scholarships

Historical placement trends include strong Ontario uptake at the University of Toronto, Queen's University, Western University, and University of Waterloo — relevant for families also researching Canadian higher education pathways.

Boarding Life and Co-curricular Programs at SAC

SAC emphasizes character development through structured co-curricular participation. Signature programs include:

• 56 athletic teams across 22 sports
• 105-year-old Cadet Corps (mandatory participation tradition)
• Arts, drama, music, photography, and SAC TV programs
• Leadership and community outreach activities
• Memorial Chapel as a central campus landmark since 1931

Boarding students live in residential houses on campus with structured schedules, dining at Cole Dining Hall, and access to the La Brier Family Arena and Bedard Athletic Centre.

St Andrew's College vs Appleby College: Quick Comparison

Factor	St Andrew's College	Appleby College
Gender	All-boys	Co-educational
Location	Aurora (north of Toronto)	Oakville (west of Toronto)
Grades	5–12	7–12
Curriculum	Ontario + AP	Ontario + AP / enriched
Int. boarding (2026–27)	CAD $88,660	See Appleby fee schedule
Distinctive feature	Cadet Corps + boys' leadership model	Lakeside Oakville campus

International Student Requirements at St Andrew's College

International families should plan for:

• Valid Canadian study permit (international fee tier applies)
• SSAT for most international applicants (school code 6263 at ssat.org)
• Proof of legal name and age (passport)
• Translated report cards and teacher recommendations
• OHIP coverage or school medical insurance
• Legal guardian arrangements if required for minor students studying in Canada

Start the visa and permit process early — Ontario boarding schools often finalize spaces months before the September intake.

When to Apply: Timeline for Families

• Boarding (2026–27): Apply now — rolling admissions while spaces remain
• Day (2027–28): Applications open August 1, 2026; apply Grades 5–9 early
• SSAT: Register at ssat.org and send scores to SAC (code 6263)
• Financial aid: Submit FACS application separately if seeking bursaries
• Campus visit: Book a tour via admission@sac.on.ca before applying

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does St Andrew's College cost in 2026–27?
Domestic boarding is CAD $79,880 and international boarding is CAD $88,660, plus technology, personal service, registration, and other mandatory fees. Day students pay CAD $46,395 (domestic) or CAD $50,210 (international with study permit).

Is St Andrew's College only for boarding students?
No. SAC has both day and boarding programs, but new day applicants are accepted in Grades 5–9 only and must live in Ontario. Boarding is open to domestic and international students.

Does SAC require the SSAT?
Most international applicants must submit SSAT scores (school code 6263). Canadian-curriculum students may write the CAT5 on campus instead. SSAT is also accepted for multi-school applicants.

Does St Andrew's College offer IB?
No. SAC offers the Ontario curriculum with AP courses — not the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

What universities do SAC graduates attend?
Graduates attend top Canadian universities (U of T, Queen's, Western, Waterloo), U.S. colleges, and international institutions. The Class of 2025 averaged 4.5 admission offers per graduate.

Can girls attend St Andrew's College?
No — SAC is all-boys. The school directs families with daughters to St. Anne's School through its admissions resources.

Can my son apply for Grade 12 only?
No. SAC requires at least a two-year commitment and does not accept Grade 12-only applications.

Is financial aid available at St Andrew's College?
Yes. SAC distributes more than CAD $3 million annually in aid. Applications are separate from admission and processed through Apple Financial Services (FACS).

Final Thoughts: Is St Andrew's College Right for Your Son?

St Andrew's College admissions suit families seeking a structured, all-boys environment with strong Ontario academics, AP rigour, boarding tradition, and proven university placement. The 2026–27 fee schedule places SAC among Canada's premium boarding schools, but published outcomes — 596 offers for 130 graduates in 2025 — reflect the school's university counselling strength.

Compare SAC with Appleby and Branksome, visit the Aurora campus, and confirm current spaces with the Admission Office before submitting the CAD $200 application. The right school balances academic fit, character development, budget, and your son's long-term university goals.

Editorial note: Fees and admissions steps are based on St Andrew's College published 2026–27 tuition and how-to-apply pages (verified May 2026). Fees change annually — confirm with admission@sac.on.ca or 905-727-3178 ext. 303 before applying.