Why St. Margaret's School?
Families who want their daughter to gain self-confidence and to stand out in science and leadership turn to girls' schools. With a history of more than a hundred years and its IB program, the school is one of the long-established answers to this search. It is also a member of CIS (the Canadian association of independent schools) and TABS (the association of boarding schools).
- Families who see their daughter's academic and leadership development as a priority.
- Students who want to graduate with the globally recognized IB program.
- Parents who prefer the calm of Victoria to a large metropolis.
Reasons: the facts that set St. Margaret's School apart
The information is taken from the school's official website and its 2026-27 fee page.
- Education since 1908: Long continuous operation brings traditions, an alumnae network and an established school culture.
- IB World School: The IB Diploma is taught in grades 11-12; students can graduate with both the IB and the BC diploma.
- STEM emphasis: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are highlighted, so girls are encouraged in these fields.
- On-campus boarding: Seven-day full boarding and five-day boarding options are available for grades 7-12. Meals, laundry, internet, supervision and the health centre are included in the fee.
- Scale: The school has about 450 students, with participants from 26 countries.
- Duke of Edinburgh Award: Through this program, run at the school, students can demonstrate their extracurricular achievements with an international certificate.
- Year-round applications: Applications are accepted throughout the year, so the process can start as soon as the file is ready.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
For 2026-27, boarding is CAD 88,059 per year including meals, laundry, internet, supervision and the health centre; day tuition for grades 9-12 is CAD 45,214.
| Item | CAD | When |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding tuition (boarding, meals, laundry, internet, supervision, health centre) | 88,059 | listed with the annual fees |
| Day tuition, grades 9-12 | 45,214 | listed with the annual fees |
| Application fee | 250 | one-time |
| Boarding enrolment fee (non-refundable) | 5,500 | one-time |
| Headline annual fee with boarding | 88,059 | 2026-27 |
| One-time fees in the first year | 5,750 | added to the first year only |
The headline fee works out to about CAD 8,806 per school month over a 10-month year, accommodation and meals included. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
Fees and admission terms can change; confirm with the school.
Fees were compiled in October 2026 and change every school year; confirm the amount with the school before applying.
How this fee compares
At CAD 88,059, this fee is CAD 35,709 above the median of CAD 52,350 among 12 private schools with boarding included.
Outcome: what the student gains
The combination of a long-established school culture and the IB program is reflected in both academic and personal development.
- Dual diploma: The IB and the Dogwood together provide wide options for university applications in different countries.
- Self-confidence: The girls' school environment makes it easier to step forward in class and in leadership roles.
- An inclusive boarding package: Housing and daily services are gathered in a single fee, so there are few additional expense items.
- A calm life: Victoria's mild climate and small scale make adjustment easier.
Who it suits and what to consider
- High budget: The boarding fee is CAD 88,059. In addition, a CAD 250 application fee and a non-refundable CAD 5,500 boarding registration fee are payable. The current fee should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Travel: Victoria is on an island, so international arrivals need to connect via Vancouver.
- IB intensity: The IB Diploma requires serious academic discipline and strong English; preparation should start early.
- Custodian: Minor students who arrive without their family need a custodian.
The school accepts applications throughout the year, but because boarding places are limited, applying early is advisable. A Study Permit is required for studies longer than six months. High school students are exempt from the PAL document. The decision rests with IRCC. Recognition of the IB and Dogwood diplomas in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority. We can assess together which grade your daughter can apply to based on her academic profile and English level; Canadian Edu Centre welcomes you to a free preliminary assessment meeting.