Why New Westminster School District?
Families researching IB in a new school building look at New Westminster, which is easy to reach from downtown Vancouver by public transit. The district combines an urban location with the close attention of a small program.
- Students who want to study in the city: Those looking for a location connected to downtown Vancouver and the airport by rail.
- Students aiming for IB: Those who want to study the International Baccalaureate in a new school building.
- Young people who play hockey or lacrosse: Those who want to continue their sport at academy level.
Reasons: concrete features that set New Westminster apart
The district has 12 schools, and all international high school students attend a single school, New Westminster Secondary School. Summer English study tours and group-specific programs are also offered. The key features are:
- New school building: New Westminster Secondary School opened in January 2021, so students study in an up-to-date facility.
- International Baccalaureate: Students at a public school in the city can prepare for an internationally recognised diploma.
- Hockey and lacrosse academies: The Hockey Academy and Lacrosse Academy, along with skill-development tryouts in volleyball and basketball, make sport part of the school day.
- Rail transit: Downtown Vancouver is 25 minutes away by train and the airport has a rail link, so students can get around the city easily.
- Established program: The district has hosted students from more than 20 countries since 1987, giving it long experience with international students.
- Supervised homestays: Host families go through a home inspection, an interview and a security check, so accommodation is provided within a secure framework.
- Multi-year path to graduation: Besides single-semester and one-year options, a multi-year program leads to the BC Grade 12 Graduation Diploma, so students can stay through to graduation.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 16,000 | $16,000 |
| Application fee | 200 | $200 |
| Health insurance | 1,200 | $1,200 |
| Homestay, 10 months at CAD 1,300 | 13,000 | Homestay Placement Fee: One year or longer: $500; Homestay Monthly Fee: $1,300; Annual Custodianship Fee: N/A |
| Homestay placement fee | 500 | |
| Custodianship fee | 0 / included | |
| Estimated first-year total | 30,900 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,600 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 3,090 per month. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The tuition figure comes from the district's CAPS-I page. We could not confirm it, or the school year it applies to, on the district's own website on 11 October 2026; we request the current fee schedule for you before you apply.
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 16,000, this fee equals the median among 35 public school districts in British Columbia.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
A new school, a city location and a small-scale program together give students both independence and close support. Students under 17 who travel without a parent need a custodian in Canada. A study permit is required for study longer than six months; IRCC makes the permit decision, and school admission is the first step in the process.
- Support gathered in one school: Because the international program runs inside the high school, students can reach their support team every day.
- City-connected youth: Thanks to public transit, students can use Vancouver's cultural opportunities independently.
- Balanced student community: Roughly 150 international students among about 7,000 students makes integration easier.
- Mild seasons: Winters are mild and summers warm, so adjusting to the climate is not difficult.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Suitable profile: Students who are mature enough to live in the city and use public transit, and who aim for IB or a sports academy.
- Cost: Tuition is CAD 16,000, plus a CAD 200 application fee, CAD 1,200 for health insurance, a CAD 500 placement fee and CAD 1,300 per month for homestay. A single semester costs CAD 8,500. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Calendar and options: The application deadline is 1 April for September entry and 1 November for January/February entry, both earlier than in many districts. There is only one high school option, and homestay accommodation is open to grades 8-12.
To avoid missing the early application deadlines and to evaluate the IB option, plan a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre now.