What the ILAC Closure Means for International Students and How to Keep Your Canadian Education on Track
Affected by the ILAC closure? Learn what international students can do next, how previous studies may be assessed, and how to keep working toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma online from home.
The sudden closure of ILAC on September 18, 2026, has left students, families, education agents, and international partners facing difficult questions about what comes next.
ILAC announced that it had filed for bankruptcy protection and ceased operations immediately, with classes and programming cancelled at its Toronto and Vancouver locations. The announcement came shortly after EC English closed its Canadian schools, adding to uncertainty for international students who had planned their education around studying in Canada.
For students whose plans have been disrupted, the most important question now is:
How can I continue my education without starting over?
The good news is that there are alternative pathways available — including options that allow students to study the Ontario curriculum from their home country.
What Should Students Do After an Unexpected School Closure?
If your school or academic program has closed, there are several important steps to take before choosing your next program.
1. Gather your academic records
Keep copies of your transcripts, report cards, course records, receipts, and any documentation showing the courses or credits you have completed.
If you are transferring to another school, these records can help determine what education you have already completed and what you may still need.
2. Check whether the school is authorized to grant OSSD credits
If your goal is an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, it is important to verify that the school you choose is an Ontario Ministry-inspected private high school authorized to grant credits toward the OSSD.
The Ontario Ministry of Education recommends that families ask whether a private school is inspected, whether it can issue OSSD credits, and whether it follows the Ontario curriculum.
3. Ask how your previous education will be assessed
You may not need to start from the beginning.
Depending on your academic history, previous coursework may be assessed through Ontario equivalency or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) processes. The purpose is to determine which requirements you have already met and which credits you still need.
A Flexible Alternative: Study the Ontario Curriculum From Home
For some international students, relocating to Canada is not the only way to access an Ontario education.
Aubrey Academy is an Ontario Ministry-inspected private high school (BSID #665140) offering asynchronous OSSD credit courses online. Students can study the Ontario curriculum from anywhere in the world while working toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Students can:
Study online from their home country
Learn through a flexible, asynchronous schedule
Work with Ontario-certified teachers
Begin courses throughout the year
Have previous academic records assessed
Complete OSSD credits toward their graduation requirements
Continue working toward university and college pathways
For students who are unable or no longer planning to relocate to Canada, this can provide another way to continue their Canadian education without waiting for a traditional semester to begin.
Looking for an ILAC Alternative?
If you were affected by the ILAC closure and are looking for an ILAC alternative, the right choice will depend on your academic goals and what you have already completed.
Aubrey Academy can review your academic history and help determine whether an online OSSD pathway may be appropriate for you.
Our team can look at your previous coursework and help identify:
Which credits you may already have
Which OSSD requirements remain
Which courses you may need to complete
How an online pathway could fit your timeline
What steps are needed to continue toward graduation
The goal is simple: help you understand your options before you make your next decision.
For International Students: You Don't Have to Put Your Education on Hold
Changing schools unexpectedly can be stressful, particularly when travel, immigration, accommodation, tuition, and university plans are involved.
An online Canadian high school pathway can remove some of those logistical challenges by allowing students to study the Ontario curriculum from home.
For families specifically searching for OSSD online for international students or looking for a way to study Canadian curriculum from home, Aubrey Academy offers a flexible option designed for students studying from outside Canada.
For Education Agents and International Schools
We also welcome conversations with education agents, international schools, and organizations looking for an Ontario academic partner.
Aubrey Academy works with international families and partners to provide flexible OSSD pathways for students around the world.
If you are supporting students affected by a school closure, we would be happy to discuss whether an online OSSD pathway could be appropriate for them.
Take the Next Step
If your education plans have been disrupted, you don't have to figure everything out on your own.
Contact Aubrey Academy for a pathway assessment.
Send us your transcript or available academic records, and our team can help you understand where you currently stand and what your next steps toward the OSSD could look like.
Explore Online OSSD Options for International Students →
Aubrey Academy
Ontario Ministry-Inspected Private High School
BSID #665140
(416) 998-3354
info@aubreyacademy.ca
Why a Canadian High School Diploma Matters: How Online Private Schools Empower Global Learners
Education opens the door to possibility, potential, and wisdom—but not every student around the world has the same access to quality learning environments. At Aubrey Academy, we recognize this gap and are working to bridge it by offering international students a flexible, globally respected Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)—all through online learning.
The Global Advantage of a Canadian Diploma
In today’s shifting educational landscape, international students face changing visa policies, travel restrictions, and affordability concerns. Not every student can relocate to Canada to access its education system—but thanks to online private schools like Aubrey Academy, they don’t have to.
A Canadian high school diploma—particularly the OSSD—is recognized by universities across North America, the UK, Australia, and beyond. For international students, this opens the door to:
Global post-secondary opportunities
Scholarships and financial aid options
Competitive university admissions
Flexible, Personalized, and Student-Centered
Our online model provides more than just convenience—it delivers student-centered flexibility. Learners can:
Complete coursework at their own pace
Access virtual mentorship from Canadian educators
Receive tailored learning support and pathways to their goals
Stay in their home countries while working toward a recognized diploma
Whether students are pursuing academic excellence, balancing athletics, or managing personal commitments, Aubrey Academy’s approach adapts to their lives.
Equitable Access for Diverse Learners
We proudly serve:
Students from low-income and rural communities
Youth with unique learning needs or disabilities
International athletes balancing sport and school
Learners facing language or geographic barriers
Our mission is to empower potential—no matter where a student lives or what challenges they face.
Your Future, Your Pace
Graduating with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma from Aubrey Academy gives students a globally recognized credential that reflects both their academic ability and their resilience. Combined with their personal journey, this diploma becomes a competitive advantage—whether they’re applying to post-secondary programs or entering the workforce.
Discover how Aubrey Academy can support your international learning journey.
Start your future with us today.
[www.aubreyacademy.ca] | [(647) 963-6030] | [Instagram: @aubreyacademy]