University of Victoria Canada: Rankings, Admissions, Tuition & Scholarships Guide for International Students

The University of Victoria, known as UVic, is a public research university in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island in Canada's Pacific southwest. It was established in 1963 and has about 22,000 students, and it is well known for its co-op program, its ocean and climate research, and its mild climate. A note on the name: this guide covers the University of Victoria in Canada, not Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, or Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia, which are separate institutions. It covers exactly what University of Victoria international students need to know: QS rankings, admission requirements, tuition costs, scholarships, campus life, and Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Quick facts snapshot

• Established: 1963
• Location: Victoria, British Columbia, on Vancouver Island, Canada
• Setting: A green suburban campus in a coastal city known for one of Canada's mildest climates
• Total enrollment: about 22,000 students, including roughly 18,800 undergraduates and 3,300 postgraduates
• Acceptance rate: about 64% according to third-party estimates
• Co-op: nearly all international students have the option of a paid co-op placement, with undergraduate co-op students earning an average of about CAD 3,552 per month
• Primary intake: September, with some programs starting in January or May
• QS World University Ranking 2027: joint #370 globally

Rankings and global reputation

UVic ranks joint #370 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, which places it in the top 400 and among Canada's mid-ranked research universities, behind Toronto, McGill, UBC, and several others. Its reputation is strongest in ocean and earth sciences, climate research, engineering, and co-operative education, and the university is known for a strong student experience. Applicants comparing University of Victoria tuition fees and ranking with larger Canadian universities should weigh the smaller-city, co-op-focused environment alongside the ranking.

Academics and signature programs

UVic teaches across engineering and computer science, science, social sciences, humanities, fine arts, business (the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business), law, education, and health. Its co-op program is one of the largest in Canada, alternating study terms with paid work terms, and it is available in many programs. Class sizes are generally smaller than at Canada's largest universities, and all teaching is in English.

Admissions and international eligibility

Third-party sources estimate UVic's acceptance rate at about 64%, but competitive programs such as engineering, computer science, and business are more selective than the average. Admission is based mainly on grades in relevant subjects, and some programs require supplementary information.

English language requirements

• Undergraduate admission: IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0
• Graduate programs set their own requirements, so check your department
• Other recognised tests such as TOEFL and PTE are accepted at published equivalents
• English preparation and pathway programs are available for students who need extra support

Application checklist

Applicants submit certified transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and, for some programs, a supplementary application, then apply for a Canadian study permit. SAT and ACT scores are not generally required.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Third-party sources put full-time international undergraduate tuition for 2025-26 at about CAD 33,386 to CAD 35,448 per year, while other sites quote a lower range of CAD 20,000 to CAD 38,000, which probably mixes different program types and levels. Because published figures conflict, confirm the tuition for your program on UVic's fee estimate page.

Estimated living costs in Victoria

• Victoria is one of the more expensive Canadian cities for housing, particularly for its size
• Study permit applicants must show funds for tuition and living costs
• Transit is provided by buses, and cycling is popular because of the mild climate
• Winters are mild and wet rather than snowy, unlike most of Canada
• Co-op wages can offset costs, but they are not guaranteed

Scholarships for international students

UVic reports awarding more than CAD 8 million in scholarships and over CAD 4 million in bursaries each year, and third-party sources say international entrance scholarships starting from CAD 5,000 are awarded automatically to top undergraduates. Because these details come from secondary sources, confirm current values, eligibility, and whether awards are renewable on UVic's own pages.

Campus life and student support

UVic's campus is green and spread out, with student residences, sports facilities, and forested paths, and Victoria is a walkable, garden-filled coastal city with a relaxed pace. The university provides international student advisers, orientation, and support with permits. Victoria is much smaller and quieter than Vancouver, so students who want big-city life may travel by ferry or plane.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

The co-op program is UVic's main career advantage, giving students paid work experience and employer contacts before graduating, with employers in technology, government, ocean sciences, and business across British Columbia and beyond. Victoria's own job market is smaller, so many graduates move to Vancouver or elsewhere.

Co-op work permits and the Post-Graduation Work Permit

International students in a co-op program need a co-op work permit in addition to their study permit, and UVic helps with the application. After graduation, students from eligible programs at designated learning institutions can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit within 180 days, with the length generally matching program length up to three years. Language benchmark requirements introduced in late 2024 apply to most applicants, and each person can receive only one such permit. Verify current rules with the Canadian government.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students in British Columbia generally need health insurance for the duration of their studies, often through a mandatory plan. Budget for the study permit and biometrics fees, flights, and initial accommodation, and plan for processing times that vary by country. UVic offers pre-arrival guidance and orientation.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, enrolment, and finding housing, and students adjust to Canadian teaching styles with regular assignments and participation. Co-op students soon start preparing résumés and job searches, so attending co-op workshops early is worthwhile, and Victoria's mild weather makes settling in easier than in colder Canadian cities.

A realistic four-year budget

At the third-party range of CAD 33,386 to CAD 35,448 per year, tuition for a four-year degree comes to about CAD 133,500 to CAD 141,800 before scholarships, and co-op work terms can reduce net costs through earnings, though wages are not guaranteed. Add Victoria's housing and living costs, insurance, and permits when you plan.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the exact tuition for my program, and how much will it rise each year?
• Is my program co-op eligible, and what is the sequence of study and work terms?
• Which entrance scholarship applies to me, and is it renewable?
• What help does UVic give with the co-op work permit?
• What language benchmark will I need for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
• What residence options exist for international first-year students?

Who UVic suits best

UVic suits students who want a co-op-focused degree in a mild-climate coastal city, particularly in engineering, computer science, business, and ocean or earth sciences, and who like a smaller, quieter city. It may suit less well students who want a big-city job market, a very large international community, or a top-ranked Canadian brand.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and check whether it offers co-op.
2. Confirm the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply online with certified transcripts and any supplementary materials.
4. Accept your offer and pay any required deposit.
5. Apply for a Canadian study permit, and plan for the co-op work permit.
6. Book residence and attend orientation before September.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English test results, your passport, and proof of funds several months before your intake. Study permit processing can take longer than expected, so start early and keep copies of every submission.

Victoria as a study city

Victoria is a compact, walkable city of about 400,000 people in the greater region, known for its gardens, harbour, and heritage buildings, and it has a strong tourism, government, and technology presence. Its climate is the mildest in Canada, with wet winters and dry summers, and its position on Vancouver Island means travel to Vancouver requires a ferry or short flight, which adds time and cost for weekend trips. Students who like outdoor activities, cycling, and a relaxed pace tend to appreciate it.

How co-op works for international students

In a co-op program, students alternate academic terms with paid work terms in their field, typically completing several work terms before graduating. International students must hold a co-op work permit, which UVic helps arrange, and finding placements involves competing for positions, so results vary by program and year. The average co-op earnings figure of about CAD 3,552 per month is a helpful guide, but it is not a guarantee, and you should plan finances without assuming a particular wage.

Weighing UVic against larger British Columbia universities

UBC ranks much higher in QS and offers a much larger campus and city, while UVic offers a smaller, co-op-focused environment in a milder-climate city. Simon Fraser University is another option on the mainland. The right choice depends on your program, budget, and whether you prefer a large metropolitan setting or a quieter coastal one.

Frequently asked questions