Expat Education Guide: Schools in Victoria

Education Overview

Victoria scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 7 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 26 education-related costs.

Victoria offers an excellent education system consistently ranked among the top in Canada and internationally. The city is known for its strong emphasis on outdoor education, environmental sustainability programs, and comprehensive French immersion options. Greater Victoria School District (SD61) serves most of the city, with additional options including Saanich Schools (SD63) and Sooke Schools (SD62) for surrounding areas.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$8,175

Monthly Costs

$5,283/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $200

International School Application Fee $300

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,250/mo

Tuition Fees International $1,833/mo

Transportation Monthly $120/mo

Showing 6 of 26 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 7 →

Oak Bay

Density 4/6

Types: Public elementary, middle, high schools

Notable: Oak Bay High School, Willows Elementary

Saanich

Density 4/6

Types: Public elementary/secondary, some private options

Notable: Mount Douglas Secondary, Reynolds Secondary

Fernwood

Density 3/6

Types: Public elementary, secondary schools nearby

Notable: George Jay Elementary, Victoria High School

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Practical Tips

Online registration is the preferred and most efficient method, with staff available for assistance.

Consider Camosun College's Lansdowne campus for continuing education

it offers evening programs with better parking than the Interurban campus

Apply for UVic housing as soon as applications open in November or December for best selection.

Early application significantly increases your chances for guaranteed housing and preferred room types.

Investigate individual schools within the Sooke School District for specific class sizes.

Class sizes vary significantly by school and grade level, especially in rapidly growing areas.

Useful Links

University of Victoria

Leading public research university offering undergraduate and graduate programs with strong international student support services.

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Greater Victoria School District

Public school district serving Victoria with information on enrollment, programs, and services for K-12 students.

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Camosun College

Community college offering diplomas, certificates, and university transfer programs with practical career-focused education.

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Royal Roads University

Specialized university focusing on applied and professional programs in business, leadership, and environmental studies.

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BC Ministry of Education

Provincial government education portal with curriculum information, school policies, and educational resources for families.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Victoria has 7 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Victoria varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 26 education-related costs to consider when moving to Victoria, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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