collageStudents and faculty at the University of Victoria benefit from the UVic Edge — the powerful fusion of dynamic learning, vital research impact and Canada’s most extraordinary academic environment for discovery and innovation that cannot be found anywhere else.
UVic is one of the country’s leading research-intensive universities, offering life-changing, hands-on learning experiences on the edge of the spectacular BC coast. UVic faculty, staff and students make a critical difference on issues that matter to people, places and the planet.UVic is consistently North America’s top university for published research based on international collaborations. Engaging locally and globally, our partnerships play a key role in generating vital impact, from scientific and business breakthroughs to achievements in culture and creativity.
With one of Canada’s largest co-op education programs, UVic students have extraordinary opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom in communities around the globe, while preparing for fulfilling careers in their fields.
UVic faculty and graduate students regularly receive top national and international awards for their teaching and research. UVic also attracts some of Canada’s top student leaders, and was the first university in Canada to have three students selected as 3M Canada National Student Fellows in one year. UVic’s Vikes varsity athletics program is one of the best in the country with a record of 80 national championships.
About University of Victoria (UVic)
The University of Victoria is one of Canada’s top research universities. It’s renowned for research impact and dynamic learning opportunities. UVic is located in Victoria, British Columbia, on the edge of Canada’s spectacular west coast – a gateway to the Pacific Rim.
It is consistently ranked North America’s top university for published research based on international collaboration. It’s also home to the world-leading Ocean Networks Canada, Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, Institute for Integrated Energy Systems, and the world’s only joint Indigenous law program.
Strong partnerships connect UVic to communities at home and around the world. It’s frequently honoured for its comprehensive academic programming. It is also known as Canada’s best comprehensive university for preparing students for the global workplace.
UVic is committed to global connections. Its faculty, staff and students partner with over 300 institutions in 70 countries.
Highlights
| University type | Public |
| Rank | Under Top 250 Universities in the World (THE rankings) |
| Degree Courses | Over 180 |
| International Student Population | 14% |
| Employment rate | 85 to over 90% (varies for different courses) |
| Application Fee1 | 99 and 122 USD for undergraduate and graduate, respectively |
| English Language Proficiency Tests | TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent |
| Financial Aid for International Students | 2,625,000 USD available as scholarships every year |
| Official Website | uvic.ca |
University Of Victoria Graduate programs
Each department in science offers graduate programs leading to a Masters of Science(MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). You can also earn a Masters of Arts (MA) in mathematics or statistics.
Biochemistry & Microbiology
Programs: MSc and PhD
Receive research training in a broad range of life science disciplines at the cellular, sub-cellular and molecular levels. We provide facilities and faculty expertise necessary to allow the use of modern techniques such as genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, X-ray crystallography, cell culture and microscopy in research.
Graduate programs
Our MSc and PhD programs in biochemistry and microbiology offer research training in a broad range of life science research areas. We focus on the mechanisms of improving health and the environment.
Research opportunities
We offer exciting opportunities for research in these areas:
- molecular and microbial pathogenesis
- gene expression and cell signaling
- diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines
Our research is supported by the technological platforms of structural biology, proteomics and genomics.
Our research facilities include the UVic Genome BC Proteomics Centre and Crystallography suite. We provide the technology and equipment needed to complete a graduate degree relevant to today’s careers in biochemistry and microbiology.
Admissions
We offer a minimum of $26k per annum in financial support with a wide array of graduate awards.
Biology
Programs: MSc and PhD
Biology has three core research areas:
- Molecular biology
- Organismal biology
- Ecology and evolution
Cross-disciplinary research among these areas occur in these main research themes: marine science; neurobiology; biomedical research and genomics; forest biology and environmental biology.
Chemistry
Programs: MSc and PhD
Research areas in this program are broadly concentrated in two areas:
- Reactivity, Dynamics and Spectroscopy
- Property-Directed Synthesis
The emphasis on these areas of expertise in place of the traditional sub-disciplines (analytical, inorganic, organic, physical) provides a broadly based graduate program in which collaborative interactions between individuals can flourish. Specialist expertise is recognized and developed, together with attitudes and skills essential for multi-disciplinary research.
Earth & Ocean Sciences
Programs: MSc and PhD
Graduate research program focusing on earth system science and special studies in marine geology and geophysics, paleoceanography, climate modeling, atmospheric modeling, air-sea interaction, ocean physics, geophysical fluid dynamics, ocean mixing, ocean acoustics, biological oceanography, tectonics, petrology, geochemistry, biogeochemical cycles, seismology, paleobiology, sedimentology and stratigraphy.
Mathematics & Statistics
Programs: MSc, MA, and PhD
Programs emphasize the following areas: applied mathematics; mathematical physics; differential equations; climate modelling; geophysical fluid dynamics; mathematical biology; combinatorics and graph theory; number theory, operator algebras; operator theory; functional analysis; dynamical systems; topology; and statistics.
The department also offers opportunities to study mathematics education, possibly as an interdisciplinary program and in graduate co-operative education, which integrates periods of full-time employment with the academic program.
Physics & Astronomy
Programs: MSc and PhD
The graduate program in physics and astronomy is structured so that students are fully engaged in research by the end of their first year of courses. All degrees are awarded with a major in physics, while the department offers areas of research specialization.
Note that the program requirements differ for research with a specific concentration in astronomy, medical physics or ocean physics.
Programs, Campuses and Accomodation
Before sending in admission application to an institute, it is always recommended to have a basic idea of its ideology, programs offered across its various campuses and accommodation alternatives. For the ease of probable future students, all the program and housing-related information is compiled as follows.
University of Victoria Courses
UVic offers diverse variety of programs which includes more than 200 degrees, certificates, diplomas, and doctorate programs. It has some 80 undergraduate and over 160 graduate courses.
These programs are distributed across its 11 faculties and divisions, namely, Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Fine Arts, Graduate Studies, Human and Social Development, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Division of Continuing Studies and Division of Medical Sciences.
Some of the popular programs available at the university are:
- Law
- History
- Marine Biology
- Engineering
Top Programs in University of Victoria
| Programs | Fees Per Annum |
|---|---|
| M.Eng Mechanical Engineering | $2,068 |
| M.A Economics | $2,075 |
| Master of Nursing | $2,075 |
| M.B.A Sustainable Innovation | $13,937 |
| M.Sc Psychology | $2,075 |
University of Victoria Campuses
The university resides in the beautiful city of Victoria which is unapologetically one of the best cities for international students in Canada. The University campus is spread in a luscious area of about 403 acres and is one of the largest campuses in the city. It offers every possible thing of need at a 10-minute distance and immediately feels like home from the first moment.
Offering a diverse and enriching community-like environment to its students, the campus comprises of many important buildings which are as mentioned below.
- Bob Wright Centre – includes the School of Earth & Ocean Sciences, the Department of Chemistry and the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling & Analysis.
- World War II Army Facilities – Nine storey building with historical significance in relation to the second world war, listed under Historic Places of Canada.
- Phoenix Theatre – located outside of Ring Road, is the home of Theatre department.
University of Victoria Accommodation Options
Possible accommodation alternatives offered by the institute include both on campus and off-campus options. As an international aspirant, you can opt for the option best suited to your needs and budgets.
On-campus
The university provides on-campus housing to more than 3,200 students which offer single and double dormitories, Cluster Housing, bachelor apartments and family housing as the available choices.
While the 21 dormitory buildings with single and double occupancy rooms come along with compulsory meal plans, there are also 121 apartment and townhouse units known as cluster units that comprise of four bedrooms each.
Note: UVic offers guaranteed on-campus housing to first year students. Candidates are highly advised to seek this option if they are new with no possible contacts in Canada as it is more safe and affordable.
The estimated cost of living on campus is: 5,015 to 8,276 (in USD, per academic year).
Off campus
Victoria is one of the most likable and desirable places in Canada to live which comes along with its own perks and limitations. Though it does offer its residents the beautiful weather and comfort of living on an island, however, finding an affordable place to live here can be a task.
In fact in a recent data, Victoria was rated as the 2nd most expensive housing market in Canada with a vacancy rate of less than 1%. Thus, as an international applicant on a tight budget, you are highly encouraged to look for shared accommodation like “community housing” and start learning to cook your own meals.
The university has partnerships with Places4Students.com and RentSmart to provide off-campus listings for the aid of its students. Some of the other possible options that can guide you to seek your perfect home in Victoria include Kijiji Classifieds and “Victoria Renters Group”on Facebook.
The estimated cost of off-campus accommodation is: 9,282 in USD per month.
University of Victoria Admission Process
Being one of the most applied to universities in Canada, it follows a very selective and holistic approach towards admission. The admission-related information to be observed carefully step-by-step by every aspirant of the university is as compiled below.
Deadlines
While deadlines of admission for some courses at the institute varies, the common upcoming deadlines to be noted are as follows:
| Type of Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| September intake | February 28 |
| English Proficiency Score | March 31 |
How to apply?
Application process in a few easy steps is as follows:
- Add uvic.ca as safe sender to receive timely updates via email.
- Fill an online application by providing all the necessary information.
- Provide the mandatory documents as required.
- Deposit the application fee (99 and 122 USD for undergraduate and graduate courses, respectively) and submit the completed application.
- Wait for a confirmation mail which is usually received within 2 business days.
University of Victoria Cost of Attendance
Planning to shift to Canada for further studies?
If you answered this question in affirmative, then it is highly advisable to plan your budget beforehand to avoid any complications in a foreign land. The estimated cost of surviving an academic year in Canada that will aid in your process of budgeting is as follows:
Tuition Fee
The basic tuition fee for various programs available at the institute varies in correspondence to various factors. Fee of some of the programs is as mentioned below.
Undergraduate Courses
| Name of Program | Tuition Fee (in USD, per term) |
|---|---|
| Business | 11,372 |
| Engineering | 11,237 |
| Humanities | 9,994 |
| Human & Social Development | 9,994 |
| Science | 10,001.25 |
Graduate Courses
| Name of Program | Fee (in USD, per term) |
|---|---|
| MBA | 6,056 |
| Double Degree Nursing & Health Informatics | 4,634 |
| Master of Global Business | 10,735 |
| Master of Community Development | 3,477 |
| Master of Counselling Psychology | 3,032 |
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