A realistic budget has more parts than tuition. This page brings together the published 2026–27 fees for public school districts, boarding schools and English programs in Victoria, explains what is and isn’t included, and links to two calculators that add everything up in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Study cost calculator
School district, boarding school or UVic English program, plus homestay or a rental home.
English program cost calculator
Program length, lesson intensity and homestay type.
What goes into a study budget
| Cost | Who charges it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application and tuition fees | School or school district | Paid directly to the school. Amounts change each school year. |
| Medical insurance | School district, school or insurer | Districts include their own plan; BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) has a waiting period for new arrivals. |
| Homestay or rent | District homestay program, school, or landlord | District homestay includes meals; renting adds deposits, utilities and furniture. |
| Custodianship | District (for district homestay students) or a custodian | Required by IRCC for minors under 17 studying without a parent. |
| Study permit and biometrics | Government of Canada (IRCC) | Not needed for programs of six months or less. |
| Flights, transit, phone, activities, personal spending | Various | Usually not included in any school fee. |
K–12 public school districts (2026–27 and 2027–28)
| Public school district (10 months, CAD) | Tuition 2026–27 | Without homestay 2026–27 | With homestay 2026–27 | Tuition 2027–28 | With homestay 2027–28 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SD61 Greater Victoria | $17,000 | $18,500 | $33,600 | $17,500 | $34,200 |
| SD62 Sooke | $16,250 | $17,650* | $31,650 | $17,000 | $33,100 |
| SD63 Saanich | $16,750 | $18,150* | $32,550 | $17,250 | $33,200 |
| SD43 Coquitlam | $18,500 | $18,800 | Not offered by district (external providers) | $18,500 | Not offered by district |
Private and boarding schools
| School | Year | International boarding | International day | New-student fees (extra) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMUS (Victoria) | 2026–27 | $101,290 (Gr 9–12; tuition, room, meals) | $59,140 (K–12) | Application $300; boarding registration $3,750; ELL supplement $5,000–$11,000 |
| St. Margaret’s School (girls) | 2026–27 | $88,059 (Gr 7–12; tuition, room, meals, laundry) | $40,021–$45,214 | Application $250; registration $5,500 boarding / $2,500 day |
| Glenlyon Norfolk School | 2026–27 | $66,300 Family Boarding (Gr 9–12); $90,200 Gryphon Boarding (Gr 8–12) | $45,705–$48,400 | Orientation, insurance, registration – confirm with school |
| Brentwood College School (Mill Bay) | 2027–28* | $105,000 | Local Canadian citizens only | Application $300; registration $5,000; deposit $25,000 ($11,000 non-refundable); incidentals $2,500 |
| Shawnigan Lake School | 2026–27 | Not verified – check the school’s Tuition & Payments page | Application $260 | |
English language programs: example totals
| English program (with homestay) | Tuition | Fees* | Homestay placement + homestay | Estimated total (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UVic ELC, January 2027 ELPI, 12 weeks | $4,680 | $682 | $4,350 | $9,712 |
| UVic ELC, Language and Culture (Jan/Feb/Mar/Sep 2027), 4 weeks | $1,925 | $382 | $1,650 | $3,957 |
| Global Village Victoria, 2026 General English (20 lessons/week), 12 weeks | $4,500 | $355 | $4,160 | $9,015 |
| Global Village Victoria, 2026 General English (20 lessons/week), 4 weeks | $1,580 | $235 | $1,600 | $3,415 |
Exchange rates
All amounts on our English pages are in Canadian dollars (CAD), not US dollars. If you pay from another currency, check your bank’s rate on the day you pay. Both calculators show CAD by default; if you wish, you can enter an exchange rate to see an approximate Korean won (KRW) figure as well.
Application and arrival checklist
- 9–12 months before: choose schools or programs, check intake dates and English requirements.
- 6–9 months before: apply; prepare transcripts, passport copy and any test results.
- After acceptance: pay the deposit or first invoice directly to the school; arrange homestay or housing; for minors, arrange custodianship.
- Study permit (if needed): apply as early as possible with proof of funds and the letter of acceptance. See IRCC: study permit.
- Before travel: insurance, flights, airport pickup and first-week plan. See our arrival checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Are these the final amounts I will pay?
No. They are the published fees on the date shown. Your final amount is on the school’s invoice and can change with the school year, program length and options you choose.
Do the totals include flights and spending money?
No. Flights, transit, school trips, uniforms, activities and personal spending are extra unless a row says otherwise.
Why is a homestay total higher than tuition plus monthly homestay?
District totals also include placement, monitoring, custodianship and insurance fees that are charged once per year or per term.