Vancouver is consistently included in global lists of the top ten cities to visit and live in. In this beautiful city, students can explore nature, experience diverse multicultural communities, and enjoy a high quality of life in a safe and welcoming environment.
The International Education Program provides overseas students with the opportunity to study alongside Canadian students in Vancouver public schools. Students can choose from a wide range of excellent academic courses and electives, including visual arts, languages, computer studies, business, music, dance, and robotics.
All Vancouver public schools are co-educational and offer strong support for international students. English language support is provided where needed to help students succeed. Each school is equipped with key facilities such as a library, gymnasium, and cafeteria, as well as counsellors who support students with course planning and study skills.
Students are also encouraged to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities including sports as well as a multitude of clubs driven by student interest. More detailed information is available about our 16 secondary schools.
Program Established: 1986
Programs Offered: Full Year, 1 Semester
Language(s) of Study: English
Total number of schools: 110
High schools for international students: 16
Total Students: 50,000
Total International Students: 1,100
International Students Accepted for Grades: 1-12
Nearest Airport: Vancouver International
Vancouver hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and is known for its outstanding natural beauty and high quality of life. Students have many opportunities to explore parks and beaches, visit local attractions such as Granville Island Public Market, and experience diverse multicultural communities. They can also enjoy outdoor activities year-round, including skiing and snowboarding in nearby mountains.
Secondary students aged 13 and older may choose to live with a relative or family friend, or arrange their own homestay through a private provider. The Vancouver School Board does not provide homestay placement or custodianship services. A list of current homestay providers for VSB international students is available through the International Education Office. These independent providers offer accommodation with local families, giving students the opportunity to experience Canadian culture and daily life in a supportive home environment.
Each school has a library, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, a school nurse, and counsellors to assist all students in course planning and study skills. There are many extracurricular activities including photography, sports, drama, chess, skiing, community service and more.
Entrance Dates: September & February
Application Deadlines: April & October
Application Fee: $400 non-refundable
Assessment Fee: $100 non-refundable (secondary students only)
Full Year Tuition Fee: $17,000
1 Semester Tuition Fee: $8,500
Annual Health Insurance Fee: $1,400
1 Semester Health Insurance Fee: $825
Annual Homestay Placement/Custodianship Fee: varies by homestay provider; please confirm directly with them.
All funds are in Canadian dollars
Prices are subject to change; please confirm fees during the application process.
General Inquiries Email: intered@vsb.bc.ca
Website: intered.vsb.bc.ca/
Mailing Address: 1580 West Broadway
City: Vancouver
Province: British Columbia
Postal Code: V6J 5K8
Phone: 604-713-4534
Fax: 604-713-4536
Please complete the form below to request more information
