Compare 5 international schools in Victoria, Canada. Filter by curriculum, fees (average CAD 59,154), location, and more to find the right international school now.
Victoria’s international-school scene mixes British Columbia public districts that run fee-paying international programmes with a small number of independent day and boarding schools, several of which teach the International Baccalaureate alongside the BC provincial curriculum. English is the language of instruction at almost all schools, while French immersion and a separate francophone schoolboard provide French-first options; some IB and independent schools also offer additional language courses such as Mandarin or Spanish. Costs vary a lot: district international programmes and homestay packages are commonly in the low-to-mid five-figure range for a full year, while independent day tuition and especially boarding can rise into the mid-to-high five figures at residential schools. Admissions are best started well before your intended start date because September is the main intake, districts also run semester and short-term options, and international students should expect homestay placement fees and mandatory medical/insurance arrangements as part of any offer.
What curricula can my child follow in Victoria’s international schools?
Most families will find the British Columbia provincial curriculum (leading to the BC Dogwood secondary credential) across public schools, while a number of independent schools in the Victoria area offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes at middle and senior levels. French immersion is available through the public districts and there is a francophone K - 12 option for French-first families. These different pathways are designed for either local settlement (provincial curriculum) or greater curriculum portability for internationally mobile families (IB and broadly recognised language programmes).
How much do international school places cost and what do fees cover?
Fees differ by provider: public-district international programmes charge an annual tuition plus homestay and administration fees, while independent day schools and boarding schools have higher tuition and separate boarding charges. District packages normally bundle tuition, homestay placement and basic insurance; independent schools often itemise tuition, boarding, activity and registration deposits. Expect significant variation between districts and between day versus boarding options, so compare each school’s published fee schedule and what it includes before applying.
When should we apply and what is the usual admissions rhythm?
The principal intake for most schools is September, so families aiming for the start of the school year should begin applications several months in advance; some districts and independent schools also accept semester or short-term (four-month) placements. Application windows, deposits and documentation requirements vary by school, and boarding places in particular are limited and often allocated early. Allow time for school reports, passport and visa paperwork, language assessments and homestay arrangements when you plan your move.
What ages and stages do international options cover in Victoria?
International programmes run across primary and secondary levels: public-district international programmes typically take elementary through to secondary students, while independent schools may offer everything from upper primary to grade 12 and boarding from middle to senior years. The IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme are commonly available in independent providers for ages roughly 11 - 18, while the BC curriculum covers the full K - 12 range for local and international pupils. Check each school’s admissions page for the exact grades they accept and any age limits for boarding.
What should we look for when choosing a school in Victoria for our family?
Confirm the curriculum on offer and whether it matches your mobility and university plans, check the school’s official authorisations (for example IB accreditation if relevant) and review published fee schedules and what is included. Ask about English-language support (ESL/ELA programmes), homestay oversight and safeguarding, class sizes and extra-curricular provision, and request recent information about admissions timelines and any conditional entry requirements. Visiting the campus or arranging a remote meeting with admissions/staff will help you assess pastoral care and practical logistics such as transport and neighbourhood safety.
