Admissions


Day Student Applications for entry in September 2024: at this time, we are willing to receive applications for day students.
As a full boarding school, there are a limited number of day spaces available; it is likely applications will be placed on Shawnigan's waiting list for entry. An update on your application to Shawnigan will be provided at the end of Feb 2024. We currently have boarding spaces available for entry in September 2024 for grades 8-11.
 
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
30%
of students receive
financial aid
$4.2M
awarded annually in scholarships & bursaries   
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

Hear what our Students have to say

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*
    Email English and Math teacher recommendation forms (link will be provided once application has been submitted)

    Pay $260 application fee

    Once we receive the online application, one of our Admissions Associates will be in touch with the next steps.  
     
  • Step 2. Interview

    Interviews are conducted when the family arranges to come tour the campus.  Both the applicant and his/her parents or guardians are expected to attend the interview. It is in the applicant’s best interest to visit the School and be interviewed in person. Skype interviews may be 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
Upside Down Magic
Did you know?
Shawnigan Lake School was the set location for the 2020 Disney film
Upside-Down Magic.
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.