International Students

Come study in Duncan, at the heart of the beautiful Cowichan Valley in British Columbia, Canada!

Applications are now being accepted for 2025-2026 programs 

Duncan Christian School (DCS) is a caring and friendly environment for international students. The school is located on a spacious and centrally located campus in the beautiful city of Duncan, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. We are in the beautiful region of the Cowichan Valley, a destination for travelers worldwide. The school offers a quality academic program, small class sizes, a fully accredited staff, and many other extra opportunities not available in a larger school. The small city setting of Duncan provides a safe and pleasant environment for international students. Students will be part of our Christian community, enjoying school events and invited to join a sports team of their choice. Students can also select from different electives and fine arts classes such as woodworking, cooking, drama class, camping & hiking skills, and many more. Homestay students will be living as a part of a Canadian family, whose children will often attend DCS or a parent will work at DCS. This way they will be fully experiencing the Canadian way of life and living like a local Canadian. 

International students have a class schedule that includes a challenging English class to prepare those qualifying for university. ELL (English Language Learner) class is where students improve their English and practice speaking with other international students in a small class with a supportive teacher. Subject teachers provide free group tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school to help all students with assignments. In addition to their regular classes, all Duncan Christian School students are required to attend in-school chapels and complete accredited Christian Perspective courses as part of the Christian discipleship program. 

Because it is a Christian school, DCS expects all students to exhibit high standards of attitude and behavior. All students are expected to treat their fellow students respectfully and kindly and bullying is not tolerated. Rudeness and lack of respect for teachers and others in authority are not allowed.

Program Options

There are two program options, the 6-month program and the 10-month program.

Small Group Orientation & Tourism Week

Start your Canadian experience off right with an orientation week geared toward language learning and tourism! Students will be taken to the beautiful capital city of Victoria, try whale watching, and explore the majestic West Coast forests, beaches, and more. Small group activities in the classroom and outside will connect students with peers and practice language skills. Let the fun learning begin! 

All international students must meet the immigration and visa requirements of the Canadian government. These requirements, along with the various documents needed (and the locations from which they can be obtained), can be found by referring to the Canadian Government website. Students coming to DCS for the 6-month program do not require a Study Permit. Students studying for the 10-month program or intending to graduate from DCS will require a Study Permit. If you need help with the study permit process, contact Melina Keery (mkeery@duncanchristian.com) and there may be an agent available to help you through the application process in the language of your comfort. There is no additional fee for working with an agent through the application process. Medical insurance through BCMSP or emergency health coverage through Guard.Me is included in the cost of tuition.

Duncan Christian School Entrance Requirements

Students entering grades 10, 11, and 12 must be able to demonstrate competency in the English language. Students entering grades 8 and 9 will be accepted with a lesser-developed level of English skills but must be prepared to study in an all-English learning environment. Students entering grades 8-12 for the 6 month program are welcome to apply with a lesser-developed level of English as they are not receiving course credit. 

Homestay Program

Duncan Christian School has a Homestay Program where international students live with a supportive homestay family. All international students at Duncan Christian School must live with their parent(s) or live with a Duncan Christian School homestay family. Living with an extended family member or a friend is not an option. Many of the school’s homestay families have children who also go to Duncan Christian School as students. Homestay parents care for international students as part of the family, help guide them with school work, and help them access medical care. International students are provided with their own room in the home that has a bed and a desk. If the Homestay Program is needed, simply fill out the Homestay portion of the Application Form. Before a student comes to Canada, they will be able to meet their homestay family over a video call.

Thank you for your interest in Duncan Christian School and we look forward to learning with you soon!