SMUS has many long-standing links with the United States. In addition to a community of US students on campus, we have hundreds of US alumni living in America and across the world. Some of these alumni have come together to offer their support to the school as a volunteer organization called American Friends.
Information about Admissions
Admissions at SMUS is a competitive process and we welcome boarding applications for Grades 9 to 11.
The admissions process begins with parents completing an online application. Once the application is submitted, we will review it and consider next steps. All students at SMUS write entry exams.
We often travel to the USA to conduct testing in person. If we are unable to meet you in your country, testing and interviews can be conducted via Zoom. Spaces are limited and you are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Learn more about the boarding application process.
American students who have graduated from SMUS have gone on to study at the following universities:
2024: King's College London (Philosophy, Politics, Economics), University of California, Berkeley (Cognitive Science, Economics), Camosun College (Athletic Therapy)
2023: Colby College (Global Studies), University of Illinois Gies College of Business
2022: University of Toronto (Social Sciences), University of British Columbia (Engineering), Queens University (Applied Mathematics, Statistics), University of Wisconsin - Madison, New York University, University of San Diego (Economics), University of Queensland (Medicine), Barnard College
SMUS Admissions will be visiting the western United States in the coming months. Please email Ms. Linda Vanderdonck if you would like to book a meeting.
Hear From Our Students
John talks about living close to downtown Victoria, being close to nature, the teaching style in Canada, clubs, athletics, and arts opportunities at SMUS, and he offers some advice for new students.
An American Perspective on Boarding School in Canada
Learn about the experience of two students from the United States as they live and study in Victoria, BC.
Boarding At A Glance
A summary of St. Michaels University School.
St. Michaels University School (SMUS) has a global reputation for excellence and offers extensive programs in the arts, athletics, service, and leadership.
Our dedicated University Counselling department helps graduates reach many of the top universities in the world, with graduating classes earning multiple acceptances and significant scholarships. A small selection of those universities includes:
- Caltech
- Harvard University
- New York University
- Pomona College
- Stanford University
- UCLA
- University of Chicago
Learn more about University Acceptances.
Our Advanced Placement (AP) program is the leading AP program among all independent schools in Canada. SMUS was the first school to offer AP in Canada and one of nine schools selected to pilot the AP Capstone program.
We pride ourselves on our personalized approach to learning and individual care. Our faculty get to know you and your interests by challenging and supporting you when and how you need it. Student learning is hands-on, and project based. SMUS graduates enter the world as problem solvers and solid communicators who can think critically and collaborate with others.
SMUS students enjoy a full range of opportunities and activities, taking advantage of our urban location and accessibility to the natural wonders of Canada’s west coast. Students are introduced to a wide range of arts including music, theatre, visual and digital arts as well as a wide range of competitive and recreational athletics.
SMUS is fully accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Education and was the first school in Canada to be accredited by Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS).
Victoria is a city on Vancouver Island on the west coast of British Columbia renowned for its mountainous scenery, beaches, gardens and quiet streets. Victoria is consistently ranked one of the best small cities in the world.
As a university town and provincial capital of British Columbia, Victoria has all the amenities of a big city. From Rowing to Rugby, Victoria is also home to many of Canada’s Olympic teams making it a globally recognized athletics and recreational sports hub.
Victoria has well-established travel links with both Vancouver and Seattle, providing easy access to weekend activities like skiing at Whistler and surfing at Tofino. Many flights from Vancouver and Seattle land daily at Victoria International Airport, in addition to direct flights from major Canadian and US cities.
