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Information for High School Counsellors

Students in class

As a secondary school counsellor, your insight into students’ needs is highly valued at the University of Victoria.

We strive to provide the most important information to help your students learn more about UVic. This page provides links to more detailed information about various topics.

In addition to the information provided below, you may download the Counsellors' Update (PDF), which includes application and admission information, as well as the Admission Preview Handbook for domestic students (PDF), the International Admission Preview Handbook for international students, and the Indigenous Student Handbook for Indigenous students. Or, visit our News and Events page for up-to-date information about current initiatives and updates.

UVic Info Admissions Academics
Deadlines International Counsellors Student Services

Introduction to UVic

Established in 1963, UVic is consistently ranked among the top comprehensive universities in Canada, according to an annual Maclean's Magazine ranking.

With over 40 program areas, diverse athletic, social and cultural opportunities, and a
co-operative education program
that encourages students to gain real-world experience to complement their academic learning, UVic is home to more than 19,000 students from around the world.

The university is located a 20-minute drive from downtown Victoria, BC, and within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean. The campus is situated on acres of traditional Coast Salish and Straits Salish land.

For more general information about the university, visit the About UVic page.

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UVic in Your Community

UVic Recruiters travel Canada and the world to put on presentations and answer questions about the university. This includes presenting in high schools or other community facilities.

Visit our Events page to see if a Recruiter is coming to your community.

Campus Tours

If you plan on visiting Victoria, why not stop by the university for a campus tour!

A tour guide will lead you around the campus and answer your questions about university facilities. You can also arrange to meet with an Admissions Officer during your time on campus.

School Visit

You can also arrange for a school visit, where your students will have a chance to experience life at UVic.

If you are interested in booking a Student Panel as part of the presentation during your school’s visit, you must book the visit at least two weeks in advance

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How to Apply

Domestic, Aboriginal and International students all apply in the same way.

Once your student decides to apply to the University of Victoria, there are a few key steps to take, including choosing a faculty, submitting an application fee, applying to housing if they wish to live on campus, and applying for student awards or financial aid.

The Office of the Registrar and Enrolment Services provides a step-by-step guide to applying for admission. The list applies to domestic and international students.

Aboriginal students may wish to self-declare. You may do so on the application form.

TOEFL

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

If a student’s first language is not English, he or she must submit proof of English proficiency in order to be considered for admission to UVic.

There are many ways to demonstrate English proficiency, and the Office of the Registrar and Enrolment Services provides a detailed list of options.

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Language Proficiency Index (LPI)

All undergraduate students must meet UVic’s Undergraduate English Requirement. This means that they must complete 1.5 units of first-year English unless they have demonstrated a certain proficiency on the Language Profiency Index, or if they qualify for another exemption.

The Office of the Registrar and Enrolment Services provides information about exemptions and program requirements.

Academic Programs

Widely recognized for leadership in research, inspired teaching, and community involvement, UVic provides innovative programs, real-life experiences in a diverse and welcoming environment.

As one of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities, we offer opportunities in more than 40 academic areas.

UVic stands out for its approach to learning - tying it directly to real-life work through the third largest co-operative education program in Canada. The university arranges almost 3,000 co-op placements each year. The program is available in more than 40 academic areas on campus.

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International Baccalaureate (IB)

UVic supports outstanding students, and there is plenty of information about the application process for International Baccalaureate (IB) students.

College Board Advanced Placement (AP)

UVic supports outstanding students, and there is plenty of information about the application process for College Board Advanced Placement (AP) students.

Admission Cutoffs

Information about admission cutoffs for the Faculties of Science, Social Sciences, and Humanities can be found here.

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High School Prerequisites

Information about high school prerequisites for admission to UVic's faculties and programs can be found here.

Application Deadlines

Early application for BC and out-of-province students is February 28 for the following September entry.

All other application deadlines are according to program and student type. UVic provides a detailed list of application deadlines.

Early Admission

It’s always a good idea to encourage students to apply for early admission.

Information for all potential early applicants can be found here.

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Expanded Qualifications

Some students are admitted to UVic based on non-academic qualifications that demonstrate their ability to succeed in university.

UVic provides a comprehensive list of application information for expanded qualifications.

Self Reporting Grades

Canadian students may want to take advantage of UVic’s Self-Reporting Grades initiative.

Students can apply in the fall of their Grade 12 year by self-reporting their Grade 11 grades! For more information, visit the Self-Reporting Grades page.

Counsellors at International Schools

Counsellors at US Schools

Counsellors of International Students

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Student Services

UVic offers students a diverse and welcoming network of support systems. In addition to this comprehensive list of services, there are a wide range of athletics and clubs-based extracurricular activities, as well as support systems specifically geared towards students with a disability, students who would like counselling, academic advising, career planning and more.

There are also specific services for both International and Aboriginal students, as listed below.

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Services for Indigenous Students

Indigenous students have access to a variety of support services, including the Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Aboriginal Student Advisor, the Native Student Union, the Aboriginal Counseling Center, and the “Walking Our Path” talking circle. For details, download our Indigenous Student Handbook.

For additional information, please contact Michele Noullet Morfitt , UVic’s Indigenous Recruitment-Admissions Liaison. She can be reached by phone at 250-472-5569 or noullet@uvic.ca.

LE,NONET project

UVic’s LE,NONET project strives to advance the experience of Aboriginal, First Nations, Inuit and Metis students attending post-secondary institutions. New students are encouraged to contact the LE,NONET staff as soon as possible to learn more about the support systems that are available.

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Services for International Students

International students are encouraged to contact the International and Exchange Services Office, which strives to make each students’ stay at UVic as rewarding as possible. They can also download our International Admission Preview Handbook.

 

   
 
 
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