Admissions


Applications for entry in September 2026:
We are welcoming boarding applications for September 2026 for students entering grades 8-11 and day applications for students entering in grades 8-10. We recommend that families submit their applications at the earliest convenience as spaces are limited! Day student applications for September 2026 entry are now closed.
 
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
8:1
student teacher ratio
36%
of students receive
financial aid
$6.1M
awarded annually in scholarships, bursaries & subsidies
100%
university acceptance
Located on Vancouver Island, BC, Shawnigan’s 270 acre campus features lakefront, forest, playing fields and wilderness trails.

Take a Virtual Tour
 












 

Application Process

List of 3 items.

  • Step 1. Create an account

    In order to apply to Shawnigan Lake School, please complete the following:

    Create an account to complete the online application form

    Upload the following supporting documents:
    • Final report card from previous school year
    • Most recent report card
    • Passport
    • English proficiency test (e.g. IELTS general, TOEFL junior/iBt, Duolingo, etc.) for students whose first language is not English
      *In case a test score is not submitted, we reserve the right to schedule an internal English assessment with the applicant if needed*
    • If applicants take the Duolingo test, they can simply share the result with us online. Please find more information about the Duolingo English Test and how to share the results with us here.
    Email English and Math teacher recommendation forms (link will be provided once application has been submitted)

    Pay $300 application fee

    Once we receive the online application, one of our Admissions Associates will be in touch with the next steps.  
     

  • Step 2. Interview and Campus Visit

    Interviews are conducted when the family arranges to come visit our beautiful campus. It is in the applicant's best interest to visit the School for an in-person interview, but Zoom interviews are considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • Step 3. Decision

    Decisions are made after a thorough assessment of the applicant. We stress that this assessment is based on academic performance and potential, extra-curricular skills and accomplishments, integrity and suitability for the boarding experience. 

    Requests for financial aid (Founder's Awards) will only be considered after a student is accepted.

Contact Us

We would love to hear from you!

Phone: 250-743-6207
Fax: 250-743-6280
Email: admissions@shawnigan.ca
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
1975 Renfrew Road
Shawnigan Lake, BC V8H 2G7
+1-250-743-5516
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.