Bible School FAQ

There is no specific deadline for applications. Rather, we have a certain number of spots available for male and female students. Once these places are filled, we will begin to waitlist applications. Acceptance for the following Fall begins each November. The earlier a completed application is received the better one’s chances of not having to deal with a waitlist situation.

Our number one prerequisite when considering a student’s application for Bible study is that the student desires to attend Bible School and wants to learn and grow in their relationship and understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Additionally, we require that Canadian students have graduated from high school and will be at least 18 years of age before Mid-Term Break #1 of the Bible School Year. In the case of joining for the Winter/Spring Semester, the applicant must be 18 years of age before January 1st of the Semester of study.

Non-Canadian students must have graduated from high school and be 18 years of age by the start of the Bible School year/semester for which they are applying.

See also “Do I need to be proficient in English for acceptance?”

All students enrolled whose first or primary language is not English must demonstrate a solid grasp of spoken and written English. This ensures a successful, positive and enriching experience for the student as all classes are taught in English.

Bible School applicants are not required to verify academic credentials related to English language proficiency but are rather assessed by way of the written application process and subsequent follow-up phone calls/conversations and communication with the Bible School Registrar before acceptance into the Bible School Programme. Based on these assessments, suitability for the programme will be determined, and the applicant will be advised of their acceptance status.

All non-Canadian students must obtain a study permit for their time at Bible School if they are attending the full One Year Programme.  Each accepted student applying for a study permit must receive a processed PAL (Provincial Attestation Letter) through our Registrar Department, which verifies confirmation of enrolment.

It is important to note that Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre is listed on the Government of Canada’s post-secondary Designated Learning Initiation (DLI) list and under the associated DLI name, as follows:

DLI Name: Torchbearers Capernwray Canada Society
DLI#: O19361274462

All non-Canadian students are recommended to submit an application for their study permit online at www.cic.gc.ca. The application processing time may vary from country to country or be impacted by the time of year. Processing times for one’s country can be found as a reference on the Government of Canada website. International students outside of North America will also be required to obtain biometrics after submitting one’s application. 

A Canadian study permit costs $150 CAD (subject to change).

For further information, please refer to the CIC (Citizenship & Immigration Canada) website or contact Capernwray Harbour’s Bible School Registrar Department.

Men and ladies are expected to wear ‘casual clean’ clothes on Sundays to local church meetings and to wear dresses/skirts/dress pants (ladies) or dress pants and a jacket or sweater, shirt & tie (men) to Sunday supper and Sunday evening worship meetings. This is an outward expression of our reverence and worship to the Lord as we begin a new week together as a Body before Him.

Students are welcome to bring a vehicle to Bible School.  There are parking lots near each accommodation where vehicles can be parked.  If deciding to bring a vehicle that is registered out-of-province, it is advised to check with one’s insurance company for details on coverage.

Four to six female students are accommodated in either a room in Preedy Lodge or a Preedy Hamlet cottage.

Up to seven male students are accommodated in each of the Upper Cottages.

The Capernwray Harbour Food Services Department follows Canada’s Food Guide for menu planning. Most foods are prepared fresh each day while incorporating a supply of fresh vegetables and fruits. There is a great variety within the menu.

We have an excellent kitchen staff team who love their work, which is evident in how and what they serve. Meals are served ‘family-style’ at tables for six. There is no assigned seating in the dining rooms.

Although we can accommodate most food allergies for an additional surcharge, our kitchen area is not an allergen-free facility. Before Registration Day, all special diets are processed through the Bible School Registrar Department.

The campus laundry rooms have several coin-operated washing machines and dryers. Loonies ($1 coins) can be purchased from the office, on-site store or the change machine. All washing machines use liquid laundry detergent.

Bedding is provided, including pillows and a comforter. If students bring their own personal bedding from home, it will be each individual’s responsibility to launder them regularly. Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre linens are washed regularly. Students do need to bring a sleeping bag for weekend trips, which can double as a quilt on their beds.

A limited supply of hangers is also provided in each accommodation.

We are committed to assisting individuals with financing options and are happy to offer a variety of payment plans to accommodate various needs.

We suggest you budget $200-250 CAD monthly for Bible School. This covers personal expenses such as ferry tickets, laundry, toiletries, entertainment, transportation, school breaks, optional outreach opportunities, etc.

We accept VISA, VISA Debit, MasterCard and Amex, bank transfers, e-transfers/Wise and cash. When considering the larger tuition fee payments due at Registration, please ensure you know your daily/monthly charge or withdrawal limits to avoid unforeseen surprises. You should advise your credit card company of the amount that will be processed, specifically on Registration Day.

The full tuition amount is considered a charitable donation for income tax purposes for Canadians. This applies to anyone who makes a tuition payment on a Capernwray Harbour student’s behalf. Please send the form below to your family, friends, and church family.

All non-Canadians are eligible for the Province of BC’s universal health care plan, Medical Services Plan of BC. Due to the accessibility, cost and coverage benefits, MSP is the preferred insurance for Capernwray Harbour’s non-Canadian students. MSP requires a three-month waiting period, during which time private insurance is available for emergency medical coverage. The total cost of medical insurance for the Bible School year is approximately $700 CAD (subject to change).

There is a hospital and medical clinic in Chemainus, a short ferry ride from Thetis Island and within walking distance of the ferry terminal.  Students should plan to have a personal supply of vitamins, medication and general pain relievers.  Some of these items are available in our on-site store and can be purchased from various pharmacies in Chemainus.  Students should have any medical or dental investigations done at home before Bible School if there are concerns ahead of time.  There is a 911 First Responders team on Thetis Island in case of a medical emergency.

BC Ferries prices are subject to change. Please review current ferry prices at BC Ferries.

Students can use a notebook/binder or a laptop/tablet to take notes based on personal preference. All assignments will be submitted and marked digitally using Moodle’s online platform. Students will need to have an appropriate computer or tablet (Mac or PC) available for the duration of the Bible School programme. Cell phones are not an appropriate device for this purpose. Wi-Fi internet access is available in our Lecture Hall and Study Loft areas during set student hours. Further details will be available at Registration. Check with your local mobile service provider for plans and service coverage for cellphone service.