International Admissions
Why Shawnigan
Shawnigan Lake School has a long history of bringing students from all over the world together on one campus. Today, the School proudly welcomes a diverse group of students from nearly 30 different countries, with international students making up over 30 per cent of the student population each year.
As Canada’s largest boarding school, Shawnigan offers a unique experience, immersing students in a 24-hour educational environment where academics are enhanced by exceptional opportunities in the arts, sports, and student life, all within a values-driven culture. The School’s safe and supportive environment enables all students to celebrate cultural differences while cultivating their global citizenship.
International students who attend boarding school in Canada have the opportunity to adjust to the North American lifestyle before university, all while gaining independence, confidence, and a globally recognized education.
As Canada’s largest boarding school, Shawnigan offers a unique experience, immersing students in a 24-hour educational environment where academics are enhanced by exceptional opportunities in the arts, sports, and student life, all within a values-driven culture. The School’s safe and supportive environment enables all students to celebrate cultural differences while cultivating their global citizenship.
International students who attend boarding school in Canada have the opportunity to adjust to the North American lifestyle before university, all while gaining independence, confidence, and a globally recognized education.
Shawnigan Graduates Attend
Top Universities
International students wishing to attend university abroad are at an advantage when they attend high school in Canada, as they have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with North American culture while developing independence and confidence in their new home away from home.
Every year, Shawnigan sends graduates to universities around the world, including top schools in the US, UK, and Canada. The School’s superb University Guidance Office supports students with essay writing, interview preparation, and university selection, and guides them through scholarship opportunities, application strategies, athletics at university, and highly selective US and UK admissions.
Every year, Shawnigan sends graduates to universities around the world, including top schools in the US, UK, and Canada. The School’s superb University Guidance Office supports students with essay writing, interview preparation, and university selection, and guides them through scholarship opportunities, application strategies, athletics at university, and highly selective US and UK admissions.
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English Language Support
To support our students from all over the world, Shawnigan’s English Language Centre offers an intensive English support program as an adjunct to the everyday student experience. Located at the heart of campus and staffed by expert English language educators, the English Language Centre promotes individualized academic language acquisition and personalized student success through Canadian cultural experiences in a warm, supportive, and diverse environment.
“Our daughter has been radiating happiness since arriving at Shawnigan, and the experience you have offered her has truly exceeded our expectations. The combination of independence, academic rigour, human warmth, and community life that she has found at Shawnigan has been remarkable.”
– current Shawnigan parents from New Zealand
– current Shawnigan parents from New Zealand
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Boarding Life is the Cornerstone
of a Shawnigan Experience
Beginning in Grade 8, our unique Shawnigan Journey purposefully guides students through a distinct, unparalleled and bold educational experience.
Application Process
List of 3 items.
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Step 1. Create an account
Upload the following supporting documents:In order to apply to Shawnigan Lake School, please complete the following:
Create an account to complete the online application form- 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.
Pay $300 application feeOnce 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.
If you are an agent, please contact Julia Pollock, Director of Admissions, at jspollock@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.
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.
