Compare 3 international schools in Surrey, Canada. Filter by curriculum, fees (average CAD 22,932), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Surrey sits inside Metro Vancouver and is served by a very large, diverse public district alongside a handful of independent K - 12 schools; that mix shapes what international families can expect. Most schools teach the British Columbia provincial curriculum, but the district and some independent schools also run International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement streams, and there are Programs of Choice such as French immersion and a Punjabi language pathway. Fees vary widely: the Surrey School District’s published full-year international tuition for 2026 - 2027 is CAD 17,500, while independent school tuition in the Surrey area typically ranges from roughly CAD 9,000 a year up into the tens of thousands depending on the school and grade. Practicalities for relocating families include application cycles that differ between the district international office and private schools, homestay or custodianship arrangements and mandatory medical insurance for international students, and the need to budget separately for deposits, uniform and activity costs.
What curricula will my child encounter in Surrey schools?
Most schools follow the British Columbia K - 12 curriculum; parents will also find International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) offered at specific schools or as choice programmes. There are also district Programs of Choice such as French immersion, Montessori and specialty academies, so check each school’s programme list when you research options.
How much do international and private schools cost in Surrey?
The Surrey School District publishes its full-year international tuition (for 2026 - 2027) as CAD 17,500; shorter exchanges and semester options are available at lower rates. Independent school fees in the Surrey area vary a lot by age and school, typically from around CAD 9,000 a year for some independent junior programmes up to around CAD 30,000 - 33,000 or more at higher-fee K - 12 schools, with extra charges for registration, activities, travel and homestay.
When should we apply and what is the admissions rhythm?
Application timing depends on the route you choose: the district international office and Program of Choice schools publish annual application windows and often require payment before issuing a Letter of Acceptance, while independent schools run their own cycles with open days in the autumn and offers through late winter or spring. For IB or other limited-seat programmes expect separate internal application or audition windows and occasional lotteries for oversubscribed places, so contact the school or district international office early to learn specific deadlines.
What languages and language support are available?
Instruction is primarily in English, but Surrey offers French immersion beginning in elementary and multiple secondary language options such as Spanish, Japanese and Punjabi in some schools; the district lists Punjabi as an alternative language pathway. International and recently arrived students are also commonly supported with English Language Learning (ELL/ESL) services to help with academic transition.
Do international students need a study permit, homestay or custodianship?
Most students planning to study in Canada for longer than six months will need a study permit and a Letter of Acceptance from the school or district; schools and district international offices typically outline visa, medical insurance and payment requirements. Homestay and custodianship are separate services that are not usually included in tuition and must be arranged either through the school’s recommended providers or independently, with additional fees and minimum-age rules applying.
