Other Applicant Categories

Special Access

The University of Victoria is interested in extending university-level learning opportunities to residents of British Columbia who are at least 23 years of age and may not qualify under the regular categories of admission.

The number of applicants admitted under this category is limited by the availability of University resources. Admission under the Special Category is not automatic.

An applicant for admission under the Special Category must meet the following criteria:

• the applicant is at least 23 years of age by the beginning of the session applied for, and
• the applicant’s academic achievements have been significantly and adversely affected by health, disability, or family or similar responsibilities.

The Senate Committee on Admission, Reregistration and Transfer selects candidates for admission in the Special category on the basis of:

• their educational history
• non-educational achievements that indicate an ability to succeed at university

Applicants in this category must submit two Special Access Reference forms from persons specifically able to assess the applicant’s potential for academic success. References from relatives will not be accepted. Applicants must be able to document the nature and extent of their circumstances, and demonstrate the impact these have had on their educational achievements.

Note: Applicants who have attempted a full year or equivalent of university-level courses are not eligible to apply under this category.

Applicants under this category must also meet the prerequisites for the program they wish to enter.

First Nations, Métis and Inuit

The University welcomes applications from Aboriginal peoples of Canada, including those of First Nations, Métis and Inuit ancestry (including Non-Status Aboriginal).

During the admission application process, students are given the opportunity to self-declare their Aboriginal status. The voluntary declaration will NOT be used for admission decisions. Documentation of Indigenous ancestry is not required. You are encouraged to self-identify in order to receive announcements of special events organized by the Office of Indigenous Affairs (INAF) as well as information on academic, personal and cultural support services offered at the First Peoples House. For more information, see the Office of Indigenous Affairs website or contact Ruth Young, Acting Director of INAF, at ryoung@uvic.ca.

Applications from Aboriginal peoples of Canada who do not qualify under the other categories of admission will be considered on an individual basis by the Senate Committee on Admission, Reregistration and Transfer.

The committee will consider each applicant's:

• educational history
• non-educational achievements that indicate an ability to succeed at university.

Applicants who choose to apply under the “Special Access - First Nations, Métis and Inuit” category must submit two reference forms from persons specifically able to assess the applicant's potential for academic success. If possible, one reference should be from a recognized Aboriginal organization. References from relatives will not be accepted. Applicants must also submit a personal letter outlining their academic objectives.

Exploratory Studies

Students who wish to take individual credit courses for personal or professional interest, and will be at least 21 years of age prior to the first day of classes, may apply for admission to Exploratory Studies. Exploratory Studies students may take up to 3 units of courses per term, normally to a maximum of 12 units attempted overall, and will be classified as “non-degree” students.

Courses open to exploratory students are listed on the Exploratory Studies website. Students requesting courses other than those approved for Exploratory Studies may be required to present official transcripts to demonstrate satisfaction of the prerequisites listed. Exploratory Students are assigned a registration date after regular degree students have had the opportunity to register first. Note that some courses are only available to those students who have been accepted into a specific degree program.

The University reserves the right to limit the number of students admitted under this category. Students who have been required to withdraw from any post-secondary institution during the previous three years are not eligible for consideration.

No transcripts or other documentation are required, except to establish English Language Proficiency or to satisfy specific course prerequisites when necessary. For further information and application procedures, please see the Exploratory Studies website at <www.uvic.ca/exploratorystudies>.

Should students in Exploratory Studies wish to change their status from non-degree to regular upon or prior to reaching 12 units, they must provide all relevant documentation and meet all requirements for admission to the degree program requested. After completion of 12 units, students who wish to take further courses will usually apply to be admitted as a regular degree student or, in some circumstances, may submit a request to continue in Exploratory Studies.

(Please note that this category is not currently available for admission to the Faculties of Education, Fine Arts and Law.)

Auditor

See “Registration as an Auditor” for instructions on how to audit courses.