Why Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique?
French-language education in Canada is usually associated with Quebec. CSF offers the same goal to families who want it in Vancouver, where English is the everyday language.
- Students with a French-school background: Those coming from a French-medium school in their home country who want to continue in that language.
- Families seeking two languages: French at school, English in the city.
- Students seeking a short experience: Those who want to start with a term lasting one to four months.
Reasons: the concrete features that make CSF stand out
The district has 47 schools across the province, and it opens two high schools to international students.
- Instruction in French: Lessons, exams and school life are conducted entirely in French.
- Vancouver location: The two international high schools are in Vancouver and North Vancouver, so outside school students live in an English-speaking city.
- International Baccalaureate: Students can complete their French-language education with an internationally recognized diploma.
- Three diploma options: The district awards the Dogwood Diploma, the Cornouiller Diploma and the IB Diploma, so the choice depends on the student's university plans.
- Flexible durations: A 10-month full year, a 5-month semester and short programs of one to four months let families progress step by step.
- Very few international students: The district has 6,000 students and only seven are international, so a student studies alongside local French-speaking peers.
- Homestay: Host families offer a private room and three meals a day to students aged 13 to 18, so accommodation is arranged alongside the education plan.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 16,400 | $16,400 |
| Application fee | 300 | $300 non-refundable |
| Health insurance | 1,200 | $1,200 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | varies by homestay provider; please confirm directly with them. |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 17,900 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,640 per school month over a 10-month year. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The tuition figure for the 2026–27 school year was confirmed on the district's own website on 11 October 2026.
The other items are taken from the district's CAPS-I member page, read on 11 October 2026. Items shown as "see text" could not be read as a single amount and are left out of the total.
How this fee compares
At CAD 16,400, this fee is CAD 400 above the median of CAD 16,000 among 35 public school districts in British Columbia.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
The combination of French-language education with a large English-speaking city is a rare high school experience. Students are exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Study longer than six months requires a Study Permit. IRCC makes the visa decision, and school acceptance is only the first step. Terms start at the end of August and the end of January, and applications close in April and November.
- Bilingual ability: The student uses French at school and English in daily life, strengthening both of Canada's official languages.
- Wide university options: A provincial or IB diploma supports applications to universities in several countries.
- Studying like a local: Because the international population is very small, students are not isolated in a separate group.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Language level: Lessons are taught in French, so the student must be able to handle academic work in that language. It is not suitable for beginners.
- Cost: Tuition is CAD 16,400 per year, plus a CAD 300 application fee, a CAD 25 assessment fee and CAD 1,200 per year for health insurance. A single semester costs CAD 8,200. Homestay and custodianship fees vary by provider, and the current fee should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Program scale: The international program is very small, so families should not expect a large international student community.
Let us assess together whether your child's level of French is sufficient for CSF, and consider the IB option. Book a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre.