University of Victoria

Not many schools can offer a campus surrounded by ocean, mountains and forests, with just a 10-minute walk to the beach, but the University of Victoria has so much green space that students flock outdoors in the springtime—which comes in early March—to study and sunbathe on blankets. The location also influences the identity of UVic, which has research strengths in ocean and climate health, Indigenous knowledge, clean growth, health sciences and sustainable communities. “UVic is a community-minded, globally engaged university where we transform ideas into meaningful impact,” says president Kevin Hall. “We have a strong foundation of excellence in teaching, research and creative works that create distinct opportunities and an outstanding student experience.” Ocean Networks Canada, a UVic initiative, manages cabled ocean observatories off the western and eastern coasts of Canada and in the Arctic, producing data that help communities, governments and industry make informed decisions about the ocean. Both the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions focus on solving climate challenges through collaborative research. The new faculty of health gets going this spring, the engineering complex expansion is ongoing, set to open in 2026, and the National Centre for Indigenous Laws will open this spring. The NCIL building won the prestigious 2023 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence for its Coast Salish design elements. The faculty of fine arts is home to programs in music, writing, visual arts and theatre, while entrepreneurial startups in business, engineering and computer science extend to community partnerships and boost co-op opportunities.

Campus buzz: Students can connect with the inaugural Indigenous storyteller-in-residence Richard Van Camp, who offers courses, workshops and more to create community and explore the healing power of stories.

Quick facts

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$7,186

Minimum Entering Grades
Arts: 80% | Science: 85% | Commerce: 80% | Engineering: 85%

Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 13,719 | Part-time: 4,672
Graduates: Full-time: 3,121 | Part-time: 225
International Students: First-year: 6% | Graduate: 38%

Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 2,914 (2,040 reserved for first-year students)
Cost of double room with meals: $11,967
Cost of single room with meals: $13,660 to $13,934
Cost of apartment-style: $8,353 to $10,872

Standout programs

Indigenous Studies: This program draws on experiential and land-based learning to ground students in the social, political, cultural and historical dimensions of Indigenous existence and resistance.

Civil Engineering: Emphasizing sustainable and civic engagement, this program trains students to use civil engineering principles to solve modern-day challenges.

Health Information Science: This program bridges health care, management and technology. Students learn to optimize and improve health care using tech.