The University of Victoria (UVic), founded in 1963 in Victoria, British Columbia, is one of Canada's leading comprehensive universities and is especially well known for its co-operative education programme, one of the largest in the country. Set on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, UVic combines a green, coastal campus with strong programmes in science, engineering, business, law, social sciences and fine arts. For students who want paid work experience built into their degree, UVic is one of the strongest choices in Canada.
Programmes offered
UVic offers undergraduate degrees through faculties including Science, Engineering and Computer Science, Business (the Gustavson School of Business), Social Sciences, Humanities, Fine Arts, Human and Social Development, Education and Law. Popular programmes include computer science, software engineering, business, biology, psychology, economics and environmental studies. More than 40% of UVic students take part in co-op, alternating academic terms with paid work terms in industry, government or research, and many programmes offer an optional co-op stream. Graduate programmes cover master's and doctoral study across the same fields, with research strengths in oceans and climate, astronomy, health and Indigenous studies.
Fees and funding
International undergraduate tuition at UVic varies by programme and is reported at roughly CAD 30,000 to CAD 45,000 per year for 2026-27, with engineering and business at the higher end — confirm the exact programme fee on UVic's official tuition pages, because fees are set per unit and differ by faculty. Students should also budget for housing, food, books and the mandatory health plan. UVic offers entrance scholarships for international students based on admission average, and co-op earnings can substantially offset living costs over the degree, which is a major financial advantage of the co-op model.
Admissions and deadlines
Applications for September entry are made directly to UVic, with the usual application deadline in late January for most programmes — confirm the exact 2027 deadline on UVic's admissions website. Admission is based on secondary-school grades, with competitive programmes requiring higher averages and specific prerequisite courses, particularly in mathematics and sciences for engineering and computer science. International applicants normally need IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or an equivalent TOEFL score. Some programmes, including fine arts, require a portfolio or audition.
Campus life and careers
UVic's campus is one of the most beautiful in Canada, with gardens, forest trails and beaches a short walk from lecture halls, and student life includes hundreds of clubs, varsity sports and a strong sustainability culture. Victoria's mild climate is the warmest in Canada, and the city offers part-time work in tourism, technology and government. International students may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions, and eligible graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years. UVic's co-op network is a major career advantage, with many students receiving job offers from their co-op employers.
Frequently asked questions
What is UVic co-op? A programme alternating academic terms with paid work terms; more than 40% of UVic students take part.
What English score does UVic require? Commonly IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, or an equivalent TOEFL score — confirm per programme.
When is the application deadline? Late January for most September-entry programmes; confirm the exact 2027 date on UVic's website.
Related guides on Pakunii
NUST Complete Profile · University of Toronto Profile · UBC Complete Profile · FAFSA 2027-28 Guide
Sources and verification: University of Victoria tuition and admissions pages (2027 fees and deadlines to be confirmed on uvic.ca).