University of Victoria

The University of Victoria (UVic), located in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is one of Canada’s top research universities.

It offers degree programmes to more than 20,000 students, 3,446 of them graduate students, with a current male to female ratio of 47:53.

UVic sits at the southern end of Vancouver Island, off Canada’s Pacific coast. It is 15 minutes away from the city’s downtown and a short distance from both Vancouver and the US border – Seattle is a 50 minute flight away.

With research strengths in several areas, including ocean science, engineering, maths, data science and computer science, as well as creativity and culture, the university lays claims to 47 faculty members (current and former) who are elected fellows of the Royal Society of Canada, the nation's highest academic honour for career achievement. It also boasts 36 faculty members who hold highly-prized Canada Research Chairs.

UVic is a young institution. It received degree-granting status in 1963, although its origins can be traced back to 1903, to the founding of Victoria College, an affiliate of McGill University in Montreal.

The university prides itself on having a culture of innovation, discovery and creativity. It also includes civic engagement as a key part of its mission, with faculty and students encouraged to work collaboratively with both community and international partners to address global issues.

With an extensive network of university partners, UVic offers 100 or so study abroad programmes in 25 countries around the world. Its Division of Continuing Studies, which emphasises individual courses for personal and professional development, serves an additional 16,000 students annually.

UVic students have access to a vast range of cultural attractions, including international film, music and art festivals. Popular outdoor pursuits include hiking, sailing, skiing and kayaking. Victoria’s mild climate (the area is home to the warmest winters in Canada) allows golfers and tennis fans to play outside sports all year long.