For over 25 years, the Nanaimo Ladysmith International Student Education (ISE) program has attracted students from around the globe to our world-class learning environments. Nanaimo and Ladysmith offer a unique West Coast community experience with stunning harbourfronts and vast recreational opportunities. Our K to 12 program offers students an opportunity to study English, standard academic subjects, and an abundance of electives in a caring and supportive environment. Students are placed for one semester, yearly, or may graduate with a BC Diploma. Students have access to a wide support network, including ISE program staff, school-based International Academic Advisors, Homestay Coordinators, classroom teachers, their host family, and a custodian.
International students are fully integrated with Canadian students and are encouraged to participate in a variety of programs including athletics, music, dance, theatre, fine arts and educational excursions to Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Tofino, Yukon Territory, and the Rocky Mountains.
Our in-house Homestay program carefully selects and matches students to ensure they stay in inclusive, welcoming, and friendly living environments. On a weekly basis our Homestay Coordinators closely monitor each student placement to ensure they have an enjoyable Homestay experience.
Nanaimo features a mild year-round climate for exploring our scenic surroundings. Students are amazed by our natural wonders. Surrounded by forested mountains, rocky shores, and sandy beaches, students can explore a variety of recreational opportunities with easy access to fun year-round! Nanaimo Ladysmith is the perfect place to study and experience Canadian culture.
Program Established: 1998
Programs Offered: Full Year, 1 Semester, Short Term
Specialized Programs: Advanced Placement – Biology, Physics, Chemistry, French Immersion, Sports, Jazz, and Performing Arts Academies
Language(s) of Study: English, French
Total number of schools: 34
High Schools for International Students: 6
Total Students: 14,700
Total International Students: 350
International Students Accepted for Grades: K-12
Nearest Airport: Nanaimo Airport YCD
Nanaimo and Ladysmith are two picturesque urban centers found on the east side of beautiful Vancouver Island. The local landscape is defined by Mount Benson, which rises 1,006 metres just west of Nanaimo, and the Nanaimo River estuary, the largest estuary on Vancouver Island, which flows into Nanaimo Harbour at the south end of the city.
Being centrally located, students have easy access to Vancouver, Victoria, Pacific Rim National Park, the West Coast Trail, Mt. Washington Ski Resort, as well as many other attractions and cities up and down the island.
Students enjoy a short 22-minute flight from Vancouver to Nanaimo Airport where their adventure begins! The friendly and welcoming nature of our people, coupled with year-round outdoor experiences, makes Nanaimo Ladysmith a desirable place to live and study.
We operate our own homestay program focused on providing students with a uniquely Canadian Westcoast experience. Our Homestay Coordinators carefully screen, interview, and place students in fine homes with supportive families interested in opening their hearts to new experiences while building lasting friendships with their international student. We make every effort to match students to the best family possible.
Within our homestay families, students are given the opportunity to improve their English language skill, learn about Canadian culture and participate in family activities. Through daily contact with family members, and with the family’s support and encouragement, the student’s English language skills improve rapidly.
Join in, discover, explore! Come experience traditional Westcoast activities with us. Learn how to curl, bowl, snowshoe, skate, and kayak. Come discover Beautiful British Columbia, and experience tours to Victoria, Vancouver, Whistler Ski Resort, Yukon Territory, Seattle, USA and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Explore our amazing coastline and marine wildlife as we go surfing and camping. https://studyvancouverisland.ca/activities-and-events/
Students can explore the community on their own with Fall and Spring activities such as swimming, mountain biking, hiking, beach combing, mini golf, indoor rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, snowboarding, and skiing. https://studyvancouverisland.ca/community-activities/
Entrance Dates: September and February, alternate entrance dates will be considered.
Application Deadlines: May 15 for September enrollment and November 15 for February enrollment *Recommend early applications
Secondary School Fees One Semester Academic Year
Application Processing Fee $ 300 $ 300
Tuition $ 7,000 $ 14,000
Medical Insurance $ 500 $ 1,100
Homestay Fee ($1,075/month) $ 5,375 $ 10,750
Student Program Fee $ 250 $ 400
Homestay Placement Fee $ 450 $ 450
Total $ 13,875 CAD $ 27,000 CAD
Students from Brazil, Chile, Italy, Mexico and Spain who require Report Card Validations are required to pay a Validation Fee of $200
Fees Include
Elementary School Fees: One Semester Academic Year
Application Processing Fee $ 300 $ 300
Tuition $ 7,500 $ 15,000
Medical Insurance $ 500 $ 1,100
Total $8,300 CAD $16,400 CAD
Other Fees
All funds are in Canadian dollars
General Inquiries Email: ISE@sd68.bc.ca
Website: studyvancouverisland.ca/
Mailing Address: E201 – 6135 McGirr Road
City: Nanaimo
Province: British Columbia
Postal Code: V9V 1M1
Phone: 250-751-0197
Fax: 250-751-0967
Please complete the form below to request more information
