Compare Premium International Schools in Victoria, Canada

650 Pearson College Drive, Victoria, British Columbia, V9C 4H7, Canada

Two-year pre-university programme (ages 16 to 19, equivalent to Grade 12 and Gap Year)

Independent co-educational boarding college (United World College)

Approximately 200 students from around 90 countries, creating one of the most internationally diverse student bodies of any school in the world

Individualised support through small class sizes and access to clinical counsellors

Canada (United World Colleges international movement)

Non-denominational. A Spiritual Centre is available on campus for students of all faiths.

Full boarding programme with a structured daily schedule including academics, experiential learning, community service, and activities

No bus service. All students are full-time boarders on the waterfront campus.

All students are full boarders. The campus has ten residential houses, recently renovated with kitchens. Students live in shared accommodation, with separate floors by gender and shared common rooms for socialising and studying.

No formal uniform is required

Meals are provided on campus. Residential houses have been renovated with kitchens for students.

Students are organised into ten residential houses, each fostering a close-knit community

Governed by a Board of Directors as part of the United World Colleges international movement. Non-profit organisation.

Two educational pathways are available: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with subjects across languages, sciences, mathematics, social studies, and the arts; and the Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD), an innovative IB Career-related Programme focused on climate leadership and sustainability.

Average class size of 13 students, providing close interaction between faculty and students

Students sit the IB Diploma examinations. Contact the college for specific results and averages.

Graduates go on to attend leading universities worldwide. The UWC network and IB Diploma are widely recognised by universities globally.

The IB Diploma and CALD programmes provide rigorous academic challenge. Higher Level IB subjects are available for students seeking depth in specific areas.

The UWC model prioritises personal growth, intercultural understanding, and community living as central to the educational experience

Contact the college for information on specific learning support provisions

Support is available for students from non-English-speaking backgrounds, though a strong level of English is required for admission

On-campus medical centre staffed by two full-time nurses, a nurse practitioner, and clinical counsellors providing comprehensive mental health support

Comprehensive safeguarding policies with residential staff in each house and 24-hour support on campus

Students apply through their UWC national committee or the Global Selection Programme. Selection is based on merit and potential, not ability to pay. Admission is highly competitive, with students selected from thousands of applicants worldwide.

Financial aid and scholarships are a core part of the UWC model. Many students attend on full or partial scholarships provided through UWC national committees and the college. Selection is need-blind.

Due to the competitive nature of UWC admissions, waitlist information is managed through national committees

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Two campuses: Beach Drive Campus (1701 Beach Drive) for Junior School (JK-Grade 5) and Pemberton Woods Campus (781 Richmond Avenue) for Middle and Senior School (Grades 6-12).

Junior Kindergarten (age 4) through Grade 12 (age 18). Junior School (JK-Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), Senior School (Grades 9-12).

Independent, co-educational, not-for-profit day and boarding school.

Primarily Canadian day students with a smaller cohort of boarding and homestay students from various countries. Approximately 745 day students, 24 boarding students, and 30 homestay students.

English Language Acquisition (ELA) program available at an additional cost of $4,500 per year. Individual learning support provided.

Canada. Authorized IB World School. Member of Round Square.

None.

Full school day with academic instruction, co-curricular activities in arts, athletics, and service.

School bus service is available.

Two boarding options: Family Boarding Homestay (Grades 8-12) where students live with a vetted local family, and Gryphon Boarding (Senior School) which is a residential boarding program on campus. A mandatory HeadStart orientation program ($1,500) is required for all boarding students. A $3,000 contingency deposit is also required.

Family Boarding students can receive dietary accommodation at $150 per month. Gryphon Boarding includes meals.

Independent, not-for-profit school governed by a school board. Formed in 1986 through the amalgamation of Glenlyon School and Norfolk House, with roots dating back to 1913.

GNS is one of only 25 schools in North America to offer the complete IB continuum. Junior School (JK-Grade 5) follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), a student-centred, inquiry-based curriculum. Middle School (Grades 6-10) follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) emphasizing interdisciplinary connections, critical thinking, and research skills, culminating in a Personal Project in Grade 10. Senior School (Grades 11-12) follows the IB Diploma Programme (DP) with six subject groups, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS.

Average class size of 16-18 students.

Grade 12 IB exam registration costs approximately $1,200, billed directly to families in November.

Dedicated university preparation program with guidance counselling to support students in their post-secondary applications.

The school emphasizes nurturing empathy, discovering passions, and fostering enduring friendships. Core values: Truth, Courage, Caring, Individuality, Community.

English Language Acquisition (ELA) program available for $4,500 per year, supporting students who need additional English language development.

Families can visit the school through open houses, scheduled tours, or virtual sessions. Applications are submitted online. The school evaluates fit through its GNS Fit process. Application fee is $250 (or $300 from September 1, 2026). Registration deposit of $3,000-$3,500 for day students and $15,000 for boarding students.

Community Scholars Program offers merit scholarships of up to $15,000 for exceptional new domestic students entering Grades 6-12. Needs-based financial aid (bursaries) covering up to 40% of tuition is available for Canadian day students.

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Two campuses: Junior School at 820 Victoria Avenue for JK to Grade 5, and Middle/Senior School at 3400 Richmond Road for Grades 6-12 and boarding.

Junior Kindergarten (JK3-JK4), Junior School (Kindergarten to Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), Senior School (Grades 9-12). Boarding available for Grades 9-12.

Independent, not-for-profit, co-educational day and boarding school.

Students from over 30 countries. The boarding program brings significant international diversity, particularly in Grades 9-12.

Language Learning Supplement available for students needing additional English language support (Grades 9-10: $11,000; Grades 11-12: $5,000).

Canada. Member of CAIS (Canadian Association of Independent Schools).

None. The school has Anglican roots but is non-denominational.

Full day academic program balanced with arts, athletics, outdoor education, leadership, and service activities.

Full boarding available for Grades 9-12. Boarding includes 10 months of instruction, textbooks, accommodation, meals, and 24-hour nursing, care and support. Boarding fees range from CAD 77,430 (BC) to CAD 101,290 (International).

Uniforms are required. Families should budget for uniform costs.

Meals included in boarding fees.

The school operates a house system to build community and foster friendly competition among students.

Independent, not-for-profit school. Formed in 1971 through the merger of University School (founded 1906) and St. Michael's School (founded 1910).

BC curriculum enriched with one of Canada's largest Advanced Placement programs. SMUS was the first school in Canada to offer AP in 1978 and currently offers 27 AP courses across 25 subjects. The school emphasizes STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). In 2012, the average number of APs taken per student ranked first nationally, with 81% of the 650 exams scoring 3 or higher.

81% of AP exams scored 3 or higher (out of 5). Average number of APs taken per student ranks first in Canada. Graduates attend top universities in Canada, the US, and internationally.

Graduates are described as strong, confident, purpose-driven individuals who attend top universities in Canada, the US, and internationally.

27 AP courses provide advanced academic challenges. The AP Capstone program is available for students seeking an additional credential.

The school develops the whole student through balanced academics, arts, athletics, outdoor education, leadership, and service.

Language Learning Supplement available for Grades 9-12. Grades 9-10: CAD 11,000; Grades 11-12: CAD 5,000.

24-hour nursing, care and support available for boarding students.

24-hour care and nursing support for boarding students.

Separate application streams for day and boarding students. The school accepts applications for JK through Grade 12 (day) and Grades 9-12 (boarding).

Financial support available. The school has an Annual Fund to support student access. Details available through admissions.