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Strengths Service and Sustainability, Outdoor Education, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Community and Service, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Sixth Form
Introduction
Pearson College UWC is one of eighteen United World Colleges worldwide, located on the shores of Pedder Bay on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Founded in 1974, the two-year pre-university boarding college serves approximately 200 students aged 16 to 19 from around 90 countries. Students pursue either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or the Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD), an innovative IB Career-related Programme. The campus sits on the traditional territory of the Sc'ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation and features purpose-built facilities including a marine sciences building, observatory, theatre, and ten residential houses. With an average class size of 13, the college combines rigorous academics with experiential learning, community service, and outdoor education.
650 Pearson College Dr, Victoria, BC V9C 3Z2, Canada
The Essentials
Pearson College UWC has 200 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English.
Location
650 Pearson College Drive, Victoria, British Columbia, V9C 4H7, Canada
Stages
Two-year pre-university programme (ages 16 to 19, equivalent to Grade 12 and Gap Year)
Type
Independent co-educational boarding college (United World College)
Pupil Nationality Mix
Approximately 200 students from around 90 countries, creating one of the most internationally diverse student bodies of any school in the world
Additional learning support
Individualised support through small class sizes and access to clinical counsellors
Country affiliation
Canada (United World Colleges international movement)
Religious affiliation
Non-denominational. A Spiritual Centre is available on campus for students of all faiths.
School day structure
Full boarding programme with a structured daily schedule including academics, experiential learning, community service, and activities
Bus service
No bus service. All students are full-time boarders on the waterfront campus.
Fees
Annual tuition at Pearson College UWC ranges from CAD 79,250 to CAD 80,500 for 2026/27.
The programme fee for 2026 entry is CAD 79,250 per year, plus a CAD 350 security deposit and CAD 900 medical insurance, totalling approximately CAD 80,500 per year. Significant scholarship and financial aid support is available through UWC national committees.
Academics
Pearson College UWC teaches IB (DP) for students aged 16 to 19.
Curriculum
Two educational pathways are available: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with subjects across languages, sciences, mathematics, social studies, and the arts; and the Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD), an innovative IB Career-related Programme focused on climate leadership and sustainability.
Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size of 13 students, providing close interaction between faculty and students
Exam Results
Students sit the IB Diploma examinations. Contact the college for specific results and averages.
Higher Education Progression
Graduates go on to attend leading universities worldwide. The UWC network and IB Diploma are widely recognised by universities globally.
Gifted and Talented
The IB Diploma and CALD programmes provide rigorous academic challenge. Higher Level IB subjects are available for students seeking depth in specific areas.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The UWC model prioritises personal growth, intercultural understanding, and community living as central to the educational experience
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Contact the college for information on specific learning support provisions
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Support is available for students from non-English-speaking backgrounds, though a strong level of English is required for admission
Mental Wellbeing
On-campus medical centre staffed by two full-time nurses, a nurse practitioner, and clinical counsellors providing comprehensive mental health support
Safeguarding
Comprehensive safeguarding policies with residential staff in each house and 24-hour support on campus
Admissions
Admissions
Students apply through their UWC national committee or the Global Selection Programme. Selection is based on merit and potential, not ability to pay. Admission is highly competitive, with students selected from thousands of applicants worldwide.
Scholarships
Financial aid and scholarships are a core part of the UWC model. Many students attend on full or partial scholarships provided through UWC national committees and the college. Selection is need-blind.
Waitlist
Due to the competitive nature of UWC admissions, waitlist information is managed through national committees
FAQs
What is Pearson College UWC?
Pearson College UWC is one of eighteen United World Colleges worldwide. It is a two-year pre-university boarding college on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, for students aged 16 to 19 from approximately 90 countries.
What programmes are offered?
Students can pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or the Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD), an innovative IB Career-related Programme focused on sustainability.
How many students attend?
Approximately 200 students from around 90 countries are enrolled at any given time.
What are the fees?
The total cost for 2026 entry is approximately CAD 80,500 per year, including programme fee, security deposit, and medical insurance. Significant scholarship support is available.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, financial aid is central to the UWC model. Many students attend on full or partial scholarships. Selection is need-blind, meaning admission is based on merit and potential, not ability to pay.
How do I apply?
Students apply through their UWC national committee or the Global Selection Programme. The process is competitive, with applicants selected from thousands worldwide.
What is the class size?
The average class size is 13 students, allowing close interaction between faculty and students.
What facilities does the campus have?
The waterfront campus includes a marine sciences building, observatory, theatre, gymnasium, art centre, music rooms, pottery studio, and ten residential houses.
What activities are available?
Activities include kayaking, scuba diving, basketball, yoga, drama, music, photography, robotics, Model UN, and extensive community service.
Is it a boarding school?
Yes, all students are full-time boarders living in ten residential houses on the campus.
When was the college founded?
Pearson College UWC was founded in 1974, named after former Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson.
Where is the college located?
The college is on the shores of Pedder Bay, near Victoria, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, on the traditional territory of the Sc'ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation.
What is the CALD programme?
The Climate Action Leadership Diploma is an innovative IB Career-related Programme that combines academic study with hands-on climate leadership and sustainability education.
Who is the head of college?
The current President and Head of College is Jason McBride, who took office in August 2023.
What support services are available?
The campus has a medical centre staffed by two full-time nurses, a nurse practitioner, and clinical counsellors, plus a Spiritual Centre for students of all faiths.
