University of Victoria

The University of Victoria (UVic) is a leading public research university located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Established in 1963, UVic has grown into one of Canada’s top universities, known for its strong academic programs, innovative research, and commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The university is situated on Vancouver Island, offering students a picturesque campus surrounded by natural beauty, including ocean views, forests, and gardens.

UVic is home to over 22,000 students, including a diverse population of international students from more than 100 countries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various faculties, including Humanities, Science, Engineering, Business, Law, Education, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences. UVic is particularly renowned for its research in oceanography, climate change, Indigenous studies, and computer science.

One of the university’s key strengths is its emphasis on experiential learning. UVic has one of Canada’s largest co-operative education (co-op) programs, allowing students to gain hands-on work experience while completing their degrees. This program helps students develop practical skills and build professional networks, increasing their employability after graduation.

Research is a fundamental part of UVic’s mission. The university is home to several world-class research institutes, including the Ocean Networks Canada, the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, and the Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement. UVic researchers collaborate with industry, government, and international organizations to address global challenges and drive innovation.

Sustainability is a core value at UVic. The university is committed to reducing its environmental impact through green initiatives, sustainable campus design, and research focused on climate solutions. UVic has been recognized for its leadership in sustainability and is consistently ranked among Canada’s greenest universities.

Student life at UVic is vibrant and diverse, with numerous clubs, organizations, and recreational activities available. The university offers modern facilities, including libraries, research labs, athletic centers, and student residences. The campus is also known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, fostering a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and staff.

With its strong academic reputation, commitment to research and innovation, and stunning natural surroundings, the University of Victoria provides an exceptional educational experience for students from around the world.

• Peter B. Gustavson School of Business

  There is a business school built for those who see the need for a new way forward. A school that, while not right for everyone, is the perfect place for thinkers of thoughts, generators of ideas, and creators of change. It’s right here, on Canada’s stunning west coast, at the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business. Here, you’ll find learning that throws out convention and sparks personal growth. Listen closely for the call of adventure. Seize opportunities to do great business today and tomorrow, near and far, in a completely different way.

• Division of Continuing Studies

  Continuing education has been an integral part of the University of Victoria since its inception in 1963. Today, the Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) provides adult and continuing education programming in co-operation with UVic faculties and community partners. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of programs in a range of academic disciplines, using diploma, certificate, degree and other programming models to serve adult, part-time, international and geographically dispersed students.

  We offer more than 200 credit and non-credit courses each term, in a wide breadth of subjects. Study for personal enrichment or professional development: the choice is up to you.Continuing Studies has a wide range of professional programs to suit your needs. You can start on a university degree, train for a new career, or earn a professional designation. All of our programs are expertly designed by coordinators and instructors who are leaders in their fields. These award-winning programs will enhance your skills, improve your career choices and help you gain a new perspective.

• Faculty of Education

  At UVic Education we equip future educators of all kinds to make a difference in the lives of people everywhere.

  Our faculty offers dynamic programming, research opportunities with nationally and internationally renowned leaders in their fields, and experiences that connect the past, present and future in a myriad of educational places and spaces.

  We offer choices: teacher education, Indigenous education, counseling psychology,kinesiology, recreation and health education, adult education, leadership and more. Ourgraduates are always in high demand and go on to shape the practice of education in almost every sector of society.

• Faculty of Engineering

  UVic Engineering graduates help invent the future. If you're excited by the thought of building a sustainable society or of working on nanotechnology, computer graphics, photonics or wireless networks, this could be the place for you.

  Join us at one of Canada's top-ranked universities and start your high-paying career in Engineering or Computer Science. You'll experience inspired teaching and real-life learning in a spectacular location. You'll be surrounded by world-class research and life-changing opportunities, and you can look forward to amazing job prospects after graduation.

• Faculty of Fine arts

  Critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, collaboration and communication, research and writing skills, success through critical evaluation . . . Fine Arts offers all this and more. Whatever your career path, UVic's Faculty of Fine Arts prepares you for life and leadership in the 21st century.

• Faculty of Graduate Studies

  Enter a world of scholarship and learning unlike any other. This is a place where expert community and hands-on exploration intersect with a desire to drive change.

  For more than 50 years, the University of Victoria has fostered innovation at home and abroad. We continue to earn a reputation for quality that is respected around the globe. Consistently ranked one of the top research universities in Canada, UVic has a tradition of teaching excellence and is home to more than 160 graduate programs designed to take your learning to the next level.

• Faculty of Human and Social Development

  The Faculty of Human and Social Development (HSD) is a vibrant place to learn and prepare to contribute to the health of society. Our students enter professions that support children, families, elders, communities and governments.

  We are leaders in health, social well-being of children, families and communities and excellence in governance. We value community-based research, Indigenous partnership,distance education delivery, and innovative graduate programs. We bring UVic to your community and value our collaborative partnerships.

• Faculty of Humanities

  The Humanities have always been the foundation of a university. Our departments and programs provide the opportunity to study and expand expressions of the human spirit. Languages, narratives, philosophies, histories—we bring these all together in a critical context of analysis, interpretation, research, and communication. Humanities students ask—and answer!—questions about the place and value of the individual in the human community, the function of tradition in times of intense transformation, and how best to give guidance to humanity as it moves into an ever uncertain future.

  What’s more, Humanities degrees offer students a range of valuable professional skills—not just critical thinking, analytical skills, research methods, writing and other communication skills but also a rich understanding of cultural and global contexts that will prepare you for life and work in the twenty-first century.

• Faculty of Law

  Our collegial atmosphere, commitment to social justice, and opportunities for hands-on learning are a few of the things that set the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Law apart. Plus, with the mildest climate in Canada, our campus is just minutes from beaches and parks that you can enjoy year round.

  We have an unparalleled selection of options that allow you to see the law in practice and, simultaneously, to serve your community: the Law Centre (our flagship legal clinic), Environmental Law Clinic, Business Law Clinic, a new Indigenous Law Clinic, and our extensive co-op programs. And these are paired with courses that convey critical insight across a wide range of subjects and perspectives, from feminist theory to taxation law, from theories of rights to the economic analysis of law. Practice and theory work together. You need both to understand law. You need both to be a good lawyer.

• Division of Medical Sciences

  The Division of Medical Sciences was established to promote scholarship and innovation in medical education at the University of Victoria and to support the university's ongoing commitment to an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to health research.

  Our academic and research structure underpins the Island Medical Program, part of the UBC MD Undergraduate Program.

  Partnering with other UVic departments and research centres, we're contributing to breakthroughs in medical sciences that will impact the prevention and treatment of cancer, neurological disorders and diseases, genetic disorders and other medical conditions.

• Faculty of Science

  From the atom to the universe, from the cell to the ecosystem, from the theoretical to the applied, UVic scientists and mathematicians explore the reaches of modern science.

  The University of Victoria is one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities. The Faculty of Science is home to a diverse and outstanding group of faculty, staff, and students who are passionate about research, inspired teaching andcommunity engagement.

  We are committed to passing on our excitement about science through award-winning teaching in our undergraduate andgraduate programs. At UVic Science we don't just teach and conduct research, we teach research.

• Faculty of Social Sciences

  We are pleased that you are interested in learning more about the faculty and the seven different social sciences disciplinesthat examine all aspects of our society and the world we live in.

  • If you're curious about the world around you, there's a social science you can master.
  • If sustainability strikes you as important, there's a research project you can create.
  • If you like contributing to communities, there are opportunities to study and work in the most remote corners of the world.

• Education

• Humanities

• Science

• Faculty of Engineering/Faculty of Fine Arts

• Fine Arts

• Engineering

• Social Sciences

• Faculty of Fine Arts Programs

• Human and Social Development

The University of Victoria (UVic) is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities, located in Victoria, British Columbia. Its origins date back to 1903 when it was established as Victoria College, an affiliate of McGill University. Initially, the college offered first- and second-year university courses before students transferred to McGill to complete their degrees.

In 1915, Victoria College became affiliated with the University of British Columbia (UBC) after UBC was established in Vancouver. For several decades, Victoria College remained a small institution, operating out of Craigdarroch Castle and later moving to the Lansdowne campus in 1946. The post-war period saw a significant increase in student enrollment, leading to growing demands for an independent university on Vancouver Island.

In 1963, the University of Victoria was officially established as an autonomous degree-granting institution. The provincial government granted UVic full university status, and it moved to its current campus at Gordon Head, a site that has since expanded significantly. The university quickly developed a reputation for academic excellence and research innovation.

Throughout the decades, UVic has grown into a globally recognized institution, known for its strong programs in environmental studies, ocean sciences, engineering, law, and the humanities. It has also been a leader in Indigenous education and reconciliation efforts, working closely with Indigenous communities to develop programs that support Indigenous students and research.

Today, the University of Victoria serves over 22,000 students and is home to numerous research centers and institutes. It is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, experiential learning, and community engagement. With a strong emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, UVic continues to be a key player in Canadian and international higher education.

The University of Victoria (UVic) is a leading public research university in Canada, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Admission requirements vary depending on the level of study, the applicant's academic background, and the program of interest. Below is an overview of the general admission requirements and application process for prospective students.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

For undergraduate programs, applicants must meet the general admission requirements, program-specific requirements, and English language proficiency requirements.

1. General Admission Requirements

   • Completion of secondary school (high school) with a competitive average.
   • Specific course requirements depending on the chosen program.
   • A minimum overall grade, which varies by faculty and program.

2. English Language Proficiency
   Since UVic is an English-language university, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. This can be done through:

   • TOEFL: Minimum score of 90 (with at least 20 in each section).
   • IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5 (with no section below 6.0).
   • Completion of four years of full-time study in English in a recognized institution.

3. Program-Specific Requirements
   Some programs have additional requirements, such as prerequisite courses, portfolios, or auditions. For example:

   • Engineering programs require high school courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
   • Fine Arts programs may require a portfolio or audition.

Graduate Admission Requirements

For graduate programs, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Academic Requirements

   • A bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA (usually 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
   • Some programs may require a higher GPA or specific coursework.

2. English Language Proficiency

   • TOEFL: Minimum score of 90 (with at least 20 in each section).
   • IELTS: Minimum overall band score of 6.5 (with no section below 6.0).

3. Additional Requirements

   • Some programs require GRE or GMAT scores.
   • Letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume may be required.
   • Research-based programs may require a supervisor agreement before applying.

Application Process

1. Choose a Program – Applicants should review the available programs and their specific requirements.
2. Submit an Online Application – Applications are submitted through the UVic online application portal.
3. Pay the Application Fee – A non-refundable application fee is required.
4. Submit Supporting Documents – This includes transcripts, test scores, and any additional required materials.
5. Wait for Admission Decision – The university reviews applications and notifies applicants of their admission status.

Deadlines vary by program, so applicants should check the UVic website for specific dates.

For more details, visit the official University of Victoria admissions page.

The University of Victoria (UVic) is a publicly funded research university located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It is fully accredited and recognized by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills of British Columbia. As a member of Universities Canada (formerly the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, AUCC), UVic adheres to national standards of quality in higher education. Additionally, the university is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), further demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence and global engagement.

UVic is also accredited through various professional organizations that oversee specific academic programs. For example, the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a prestigious accreditation held by only a small percentage of business schools worldwide. The Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science has programs accredited by Engineers Canada through the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB), ensuring that graduates meet national and international engineering education standards.

The university's law program is accredited by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, allowing graduates to pursue legal careers across the country. Similarly, the School of Nursing is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN), ensuring that its programs meet national nursing education standards. Other professional programs, such as those in education, social work, and public administration, also hold accreditations from relevant regulatory bodies.

UVic's accreditation and memberships in these organizations affirm its commitment to providing high-quality education, conducting impactful research, and maintaining rigorous academic standards. The university's reputation for excellence is further supported by its strong rankings in national and international assessments, making it a respected institution for students seeking a world-class education in Canada.

The University of Victoria (UVic) offers a vibrant student life with numerous opportunities for academic, social, and personal growth. Located in British Columbia, Canada, UVic provides a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

One of the key aspects of student life at UVic is its active campus community. The university has over 200 student clubs and organizations, covering a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, recreational, and social activities. Whether students are interested in joining a debate club, participating in environmental initiatives, or engaging in performing arts, there is something for everyone.

UVic also has a strong focus on student well-being. The university provides various support services, including mental health counseling, academic advising, and career development programs. The Student Wellness Centre offers health services, counseling, and wellness programs to help students maintain a balanced lifestyle.

For those who enjoy sports and recreation, UVic has excellent athletic facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and sports fields. The university's Vikes Athletics program allows students to participate in competitive sports, while intramural leagues and recreational activities provide opportunities for casual play and fitness.

The campus itself is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, with green spaces, walking trails, and proximity to the ocean. Many students take advantage of the outdoor environment for activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.

UVic also has a strong commitment to sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing the university’s environmental impact. Students can get involved in sustainability programs, such as community gardens, waste reduction campaigns, and renewable energy projects.

In terms of academics, UVic offers a supportive learning environment with small class sizes, research opportunities, and co-op programs that allow students to gain practical experience in their fields of study. The university encourages student engagement through workshops, guest lectures, and networking events.

Overall, student life at the University of Victoria is dynamic and enriching, providing students with numerous opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others in a supportive and inspiring environment.

The University of Victoria (UVic) offers a wide range of services and facilities to support students beyond lectures and seminars. These services are designed to enhance student life, promote well-being, and provide academic and personal support.

One of the key facilities at UVic is the McPherson Library, which provides access to extensive academic resources, study spaces, and research assistance. The library also offers quiet study areas, group study rooms, and computer labs. Additionally, the university has multiple computer labs across campus, providing students with access to necessary software and printing services.

For students looking to stay active, UVic has the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA). This facility includes a fitness centre, climbing wall, gymnasiums, and various sports courts. The university also has outdoor sports fields and a swimming pool. Students can participate in intramural sports, fitness classes, and recreational activities.

Health and wellness services are also available on campus. The Student Wellness Centre provides medical services, mental health support, and counselling. There are also peer support programs and wellness workshops to help students manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

UVic offers a variety of dining options, including cafeterias, coffee shops, and restaurants. The university also has residence dining halls for students living on campus. Special dietary needs are accommodated, and meal plans are available.

For career development, the university provides career counselling, job search assistance, and co-op programs. The Career Services Centre helps students with resume writing, interview preparation, and networking opportunities.

Student life is enriched by numerous clubs, organizations, and student government activities. The University of Victoria Students’ Society (UVSS) organizes events, advocacy programs, and student services. There are also cultural and recreational clubs that allow students to engage with their interests and meet new people.

Other essential services include academic advising, financial aid support, and accessibility services for students with disabilities. The university also has housing services to assist students in finding on-campus and off-campus accommodation.

Overall, UVic provides a comprehensive range of services and facilities to support students in their academic, personal, and professional development.

The University of Victoria (UVic) is one of Canada’s leading universities, known for its strong academic programs, research excellence, and vibrant campus life. Here are a few reasons why students should choose UVic:

1. Strong Academic Reputation – UVic consistently ranks among the top universities in Canada and is recognized internationally for its research and teaching excellence. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including sciences, engineering, business, humanities, and social sciences.

2. Research Excellence – UVic is a research-intensive university with a strong focus on innovation and discovery. It is home to world-class research institutes, including the Ocean Networks Canada and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions. Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects and work alongside leading experts in their fields.

3. Co-op and Experiential Learning – UVic is known for its strong co-op and experiential learning programs, which allow students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. The university has partnerships with numerous employers across Canada and internationally, providing students with valuable work experience before they graduate.

4. Beautiful Campus and Location – Located in Victoria, British Columbia, UVic offers a stunning campus surrounded by nature. The city of Victoria is known for its mild climate, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. Students can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking while studying in a peaceful and inspiring environment.

5. Commitment to Sustainability – UVic is a leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility. The university has numerous initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, promoting sustainable practices, and supporting research in environmental sciences and climate change.

6. Diverse and Inclusive Community – UVic is home to a diverse student body, with students from all over the world. The university fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment, offering various support services, cultural events, and student organizations to help students feel at home.

7. Strong Indigenous Engagement – UVic has a strong commitment to Indigenous education and reconciliation. The university offers Indigenous-focused programs, support services, and initiatives that promote Indigenous knowledge, culture, and perspectives.

8. Excellent Student Support Services – UVic provides a wide range of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, mental health resources, and financial aid. These services help students succeed academically and personally throughout their university journey.

Overall, the University of Victoria offers a high-quality education, outstanding research opportunities, and a supportive and inspiring environment, making it an excellent choice for students looking to achieve their academic and career goals.